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Botanist

Do you want to become a Botanist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Botanists explore and study plants. They can work in many different roles. Some identify, record and monitor plant species, and search to find new species in the UK and overseas. Others may protect, manage and enhance the plant life in a particular area. Some work in laboratories, identifying and purifying potentially useful chemicals produced by plants, which may be used in anything from drugs to building materials. There are also opportunities to teach in universities.

Hours can vary. Botanists working in laboratories and in teaching usually work a 37 hour week, from Monday to Friday. Those working in field and conservation work may spend a lot of time outdoors in all weather conditions, and could be required to work irregular hours, including weekends.

Salaries range from £15,000 to £45,000 a year.

A botanist needs:

• an enquiring mind with good problem-solving skills
• teamwork and leadership skills
• an interest in science and plants.

There are opportunities for botanists in universities, private research establishments, conservation organisations, local authorities, nature reserves and country parks, botanical gardens and collections, and in industries like food, pharmaceuticals and oil. There is intense competition for many jobs. There may be the opportunity to work overseas.

It is possible to enter at trainee or technician level with GCSEs/S grades or A levels/H grades, or the equivalent, but most botanists have degrees. Relevant subjects include plant biology and plant sciences. People over the age of 40 years may have difficulty in finding a first job.

Most field and conservation botanists work, and are trained, as volunteers before starting paid employment. Other employers may offer on-the-job training.

There are few promotion opportunities for field and conservation botanists. Those in laboratories and university teaching may be promoted to senior positions. Some botanists move into writing or broadcasting.

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