9 Types Of Botanical Jobs: With Duties, Salaries And Skills

Updated 4 March 2023

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Jobs in botany involve working with plants and using plant-related knowledge in broad applications for medical, food, crop breeding and plant conservation purposes. These can include finding effective plant-based cures for chronic illnesses, growing hardy, disease-resistant crops, developing new plant cultures and preserving and propagating endangered plant species.

By learning about job opportunities for botany graduates, you can make an informed decision about pursuing a career in the botanical field. In this article, we outline some common types of botanical jobs, along with their primary duties and average salary and list a few essential skills for a botanist.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

Types of botanical jobs

Here are some common types of botanical jobs you can do with a degree in botany:

1. Environmental scientist

National average salary: ₹1,98,031 per year

Primary duties: Environmental scientists are responsible for collecting botanical samples and other materials, testing them in a laboratory and analysing the results. The data helps them to identify different hazards and threats to the environment and develop plans to prevent or mitigate them. They may advise universities, non-profit organisations, government agencies and industry policymakers about how to clean up polluted areas and reduce waste. They recommend alternative energy systems and natural resource management. Environmental scientists also write scientific reports and papers on their findings, attend scientific conferences and make scientific presentations.

2. Naturalist

National average salary: ₹18,868 per month

Primary duties: Naturalists study, identify and record different types of plants and vegetation and their environments, characteristics, issues and uses. Their expertise in natural history enables them to conduct educational classes and give lectures to raise environmental awareness. They prepare engaging learning programmes, design informative exhibits and lead guided hikes to foster an appreciation for nature in students and the public. They explain how human activities, climate changes and weather patterns affect the environment and provide solutions to protect the plant life and wildlife in wetlands, forests, rivers and other ecosystems. As part of their work, they may restore natural areas.

3. Biologist

National average salary: ₹24,776 per month

Primary duties: Plant biologists have in-depth knowledge of different plant species and their biological traits, chemical compositions and medicinal properties. Their work involves conducting field research to identify, observe and collect various edible and non-edible plants, including algae, moss, grasses, herbs, flowers, shrubs, trees and cacti. They test the collected samples to see if those can negatively affect the weather, spread diseases or cause pollution. They record their observations, analyse the test results and write detailed reports. With their expert knowledge, biologists often help design and develop new biological products such as food, medicines, cosmetics and biofuels.

4. Forester

National average salary: ₹27,225 per month

Primary duties: Foresters are responsible for enforcing forestry laws and conserving natural resources, natural habitats and forest areas. Their work involves ecological restoration and management of protected areas. They monitor forest fires, track the wildlife and implement plans for insect and disease reduction. They record the forest trees, plan new forest plantations, oversee timber harvesting and raw material extraction in forested areas, educate locals on the benefits of protecting forests and cultivate positive relationships with them. They also maintain forest roads, water sources and tourist spots and conduct guided tours through the forests.

5. Horticulturist

National average salary: ₹29,038 per month

Primary duties: The principal responsibility of horticulturists is to research how to improve plant and crop quality and increase their yield. They use their extensive botanical knowledge to find effective ways of pest management, disease control, weed control and cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowers. While developing and growing better plant strains, they comply with legal organic cultivation regulations. They organise horticultural tests and analyse the yields, expenses and revenue. Their work involves making administrative, financial and business plans, negotiating contracts with suppliers and buyers and storing and transporting produce. They write reports, make presentations and organise horticultural training programmes.

6. Environmental specialist

National average salary: ₹34,860 per month

Primary duties: Environmental specialists conduct field studies to determine environmental issues, locate hazardous sites and collect soil and water samples. They analyse the collected samples and write detailed reports on their environment-related research and findings. They find ways to reduce pollution and develop, implement and oversee programmes to prevent spills of hazardous materials into the environment. As part of their work, it is necessary for them to know about and follow government environmental guidelines and regulations. Their responsibilities include preparing environmental permit applications and license agreements and submitting these to the appropriate regulatory agencies.

7. Agricultural research scientist

National average salary: ₹43,156 per month

Primary duties: Agricultural research scientists carry out research on plant breeds, plant diseases, plant pests and soil types to improve agricultural yields. They test soils to determine what crops can thrive in them. They may plan and implement land management methods to enrich the soil and prevent soil erosion.

They experiment with plant breeding techniques and cross different plants to create plant hybrids with desirable characteristics. These can include better nutrition, resistance to pests and diseases, the ability to withstand drought and tolerance to extreme humidity and temperature changes. Agricultural research scientists also develop storage methods to make fruits, grains and cereals last longer.

8. Agriculture specialist

National average salary: ₹51,478 per month

Primary duties: An agricultural specialist is an expert in planning and implementing various agricultural sub-sectors and research projects. They provide farmers with detailed information about crop selection, crop rotation, crop cultivation and crop harvesting. They advise them on soil fertility issues, optimum water usage and the purchase and maintenance of farm equipment and machinery. They also assist livestock keepers with animal husbandry and animal nutrition. Along with providing farming guidance and technical assistance and developing relationships with local stakeholders, the specialists oversee agricultural projects, draft budgets and write reports on agricultural activities.

9. Ecologist

National average salary: ₹43, 437 per month

Primary duties: An ecologist studies the relationships that biological organisms have with one another and with their environment. As part of their work, the ecologist conducts surveys and assessments of environmental sites, natural habitats and natural resources. They collect specimens, provide technical expertise in managing fragile ecosystems and endangered species and oversee environmental infrastructure projects. Ecologists collaborate and communicate with the public and their clients about monitoring erosion control. In their work, they follow appropriate safety protocols and procedures. They gather and analyse reports and complex data to reach an accurate conclusion.

What skills are essential for botanical jobs?

While some botanical jobs may require certain specialised skills, most employers look for the following skills:

Research skills

Many jobs for botany graduates involve some form of research work. You may have to undertake the research work in a laboratory setting or spend time outdoors in fieldwork. A botanical job can involve collecting, testing and analysing botanical samples. You may also experiment with plant tissue cultures and study plant chemical compositions. Based on your research findings, you may develop new plant breeds and plant products.

Organisation skills

Since botanists often handle different work responsibilities on the job, having strong organisational skills is important for them. The essential skills you need can include being attentive to detail and knowing how to set work goals, delegate work tasks and maintain research records. You also need time management skills to complete projects on schedule.

Communication skills

Well-developed communication skills are necessary for many botany jobs in India, as you may have to interact frequently with farmers, government officials, scientists, researchers, academicians, students, suppliers and vendors. You may have to write reports, attend meetings and make recommendations. For gathering, imparting or exchanging essential information, you can benefit from developing excellent writing, speaking and listening skills.

Collaboration skills

Some botanical jobs may require you to interact and collaborate with other professionals in the same field or multiple related fields. You may find it necessary to rely on the expertise and support of others for various projects. Having good collaboration skills can enable you to handle these interactions well. It can help to be open-minded, well-organised, adaptable and willing to debate, share and accept information. The ability to think in the long term and focus on the primary goal can be useful too for botany professionals in creating a collaborative environment.

Presentation skills

Good public speaking and presentation skills may help you advance in your career and find higher-paying, senior-level botany jobs. It is often necessary for professionals in senior roles to give presentations at scientific conferences, meetings and trade shows. You may be able to make a better impact on these occasions if you understand how to interact with an audience, keep them engaged and transmit your message with clarity.