Botanist Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a botanist, you could specialise in, for example:

• the study of specific plant groups
• plant anatomy and physiology
• biochemistry
• molecular biology
• genetics
• ecology
• marine botany
• taxonomy (the identification and classification of plants).

Your work would vary depending on the particular job, but could include:

• identifying, classifying, recording and monitoring plant species
• ecological consultancy work, including surveys and environmental impact assessments
• managing a botanical collection
• searching for new species
• studying the effects of pollution, or developments such as new buildings, on plant life
• identifying and purifying chemicals produced by plants for use in products such as drugs, food, fabrics, solvents and building materials
• presenting research results in journals, books and at academic conferences
• training and supervising junior staff and volunteers
• teaching at a university.

Hours

Your working hours will vary according to the project. Some processes may involve continuous monitoring, which will mean working unsocial hours.

Fieldwork can involve a lot of travel, often overseas, so you may have to spend long periods of time away from home.

Income

Starting salaries can be around £22,000 a year.

Botanists in research posts earn up to £30,000 a year, and senior lecturers at universities may earn around £55,000 a year.

Salaries for people working in private industry will vary considerably.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

For most jobs you will need a degree. Relevant subjects include:

• botany
• plant biology
• plant science
• environmental science
• ecology.

Entry requirements for degree courses can vary, so you should check with individual course providers. You can search for courses on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.

• Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

For some jobs, for example in teaching or research, you will also need a postgraduate qualification (either an MSc or PhD).

See the Society of Biology website for advice on choosing courses and information on biology-related careers.

• Society of Biology

Competition for jobs can be strong, especially in fieldwork and conservation. It could therefore help you if you gain experience by volunteering with relevant organisations before applying for your first job. As a volunteer, you may be trained in areas such as conservation techniques and plant identification. Specialist botanical publications and websites like Countryside Jobs Service and environmentjob.co.uk advertise relevant voluntary opportunities.

• Countryside Jobs Service
• Environment Job

Training and development

It may help your career if you work towards a PhD. This will be essential if you want a career in research. Achieving a PhD will involve:

• working on a research project alongside senior research colleagues
• developing the skills and determination needed for carrying out research
• producing a thesis based on your findings
• being interviewed at length about your work.

You can train in biological recording skills through the Botanical Society of the British Isles, and the Field Studies Council.

• Botanical Society of the British Isles
• Field Studies Council

You could also join the Society of Biology. As a member, you would have access to the Society's continuing professional development (CPD) scheme.

• Society of Biology

Skills and knowledge

To be a botanist, you should have:

• an interest in nature and the environment
• a thorough knowledge of science, particularly biology and chemistry
• accuracy and attention to detail
• a methodical approach
• research skills
• the ability to analyse, interpret and report on data
• strong communication skills
• practical skills
• problem-solving ability
• patience, perseverance and good concentration.

More information

Field Studies Council
Preston Montford
Montford Bridge
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 1HW
Tel: 0845 3454071
www.field-studies-council.org

Society of Biology
Charles Darwin House
12 Roger Street
London
WC1N 2JU
www.societyofbiology.org

Botanical Society of the British Isles
www.bsbi.org.uk

Opportunities

You could find work as a botanist in areas such as:

• government research institutes
• universities
• environmental consultancies
• conservation organisations
• agriculture and horticulture
• botanical gardens and collections
• the food industry.

There may be opportunities to work overseas in conservation or fieldwork, or for a multinational company.

With experience in industry, you could progress to more senior positions. In field research and conservation you will usually need to take on more organisational, planning, management or advisory responsibilities in order to progress.

You may also be able to become self-employed and find work as a freelance consultant.

You may find the following websites useful for vacancies and further reading (links open in a new window):

• Science Careers
• New Scientist Jobs
• Nature

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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