Botanists study plants, from trees and flowers to algae, fungi, lichen, ferns, grasses and mosses.
There are many different roles for botanists. They may work in:
- field research, conducting scientific surveys of natural habitats, identifying, recording and monitoring plant species and searching for new species
- conservation, protecting, managing and enhancing plant life
- laboratory research on a range of projects, such as discovering how plants convert simple chemical compounds into more complex chemicals or studying how genetic information (DNA) controls plant development
- lecturing, in a university or college.
Tasks vary depending on the employer and particular projects, but may include:
- studying, monitoring, classifying and keeping records of plant species, using computers to record and process the data
- studying the structure of individual plant cells
- using sophisticated techniques and tools, such as electron microscopes, radioisotopes, digital imaging analysis, polymerase chain reaction, cell and tissue culture, satellite imaging and telemetry
- identifying and purifying potentially useful chemicals produced by plants, which may be used in products such as drugs, food, fabrics, solvents or building materials
- studying the effects on plants of human activity, such as construction and farming, and environmental factors, such as pollution and climate change
- advising the government and other organisations on environmental protection policies
- studying the interactions between plants and other living organisms, such as insects
- researching past environments by studying plant remains on archaeological sites or investigating lake sediments
- studying plant genetics and evolution
- breeding plants
- promoting public awareness through talks, tours, literature, displays, workshops and liaising with the media
- motivating local groups to become involved in environmental issues
- applying for grants and funding
- training and supervising junior staff, researchers and volunteers
- teaching students in higher education
- presenting the results of research in books and journals and at academic conferences.
Botanists may work with other scientists and technicians, employees and volunteers from conservation organisations and representatives from local and national government and industry.
Hours and environment
Hours vary depending on the exact nature of the job. Botanists working in research and higher education usually work about 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required at busy times. Those working in conservation may be required to host open days for the public or work with volunteers at weekends and bank holidays. They may also have to go to evening meetings. Botanists doing field research work when conditions are appropriate, eg when plants are flowering or seeds are germinating.
Experimental botanists spend most of their time in laboratories conducting research, while environmental botanists often spend a lot of time in the field making observations. Those working in higher education divide their time between lecture theatres, classrooms, laboratories and offices. Conservation botanists work in offices and laboratories, as well as outdoors in the field. Field researchers can spend most of their time outdoors, although this may vary depending on the time of year.
Botanists can work all over the world and may have to cope with difficult climates. Fieldwork can be physically demanding.
A driving licence is often required to travel between different places of work.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Salaries may start at around €25,000 a year.
- With more experience, this may rise to between €25,000 and €35,000.
- Some senior botanists may earn €55,000 or more.
Skills and personal qualities
A botanist needs:
- a logical and enquiring mind
- to be able to keep accurate records of research
- good problem-solving skills
- good communication skills to convey technical information to people with little or no scientific knowledge
- to work well in a team and on his or her own initiative
- a methodical approach to work
- good computer skills
- leadership skills to work with students, volunteers and junior staff
- the ability to motivate people to donate funds or become involved in conservation
- knowledge of a foreign language, if intending to work overseas or with plant collections from abroad.
Interests
It is important to be interested in:
- science and plants
- a particular sector where botany is important, such as conservation, teaching, research, food or pharmaceuticals.
Entry routes
Most botanists have degrees. Relevant subjects include botany, biological sciences, plant biology and plant sciences. These are offered at universities throughout Irealnd.
Useful Links:
Teagasc-Agriculture and Food Development Authority
Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland