Botanist
Alternative Titles:
Plant Scientist
Botanists study the biology of all types of plants to
increase scientific knowledge and apply this knowledge in
areas such as conservation and management of natural
resources, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, medicine and
biotechnology.
Botanists may perform the following tasks:
- investigate the effects of environmental factors such as
rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography and
disease on plant growth
- grow plants under controlled conditions to assess the
significance of environmental and genetic variables
- study the genetics of plants using biochemical and
molecular techniques in the laboratory and so determine the
patterns of plant evolution
- study the nature and occurrence of plant chromosomes,
cells and tissues
- prepare scientific reports and papers
- supervise and coordinate the work of technical support
staff
- work with other scientists to develop drugs, medicines
and other products from plants
- search for and classify new species of plants and
identify plant specimens
- prepare handbooks for plant identification
- use computers for information/data storage and for
analysis of data.
Botanists work in laboratories, offices and in the field,
alone or with other life scientists. They may work irregular
hours and live in remote areas when carrying out research.
Botanists may carry out field work to collect and document
plant species and numbers in particular areas, so that after
mining has taken place the natural environment can be
restored. They may be approached to advise on environmental
and management issues and possible courses of action.
Botanists may specialise as an:
Agronomist who studies agricultural crops and
grasses.
Marine Botanist who studies plants and related
underwater environments.
Plant Ecologist who studies the relationships
between plants and their environment. This may include
investigations into the effects of rainfall, temperature,
sunlight, soil, terrain, animals, pollution and diseases on
plant types and their distribution.
Plant Pathologist who studies the effects of
diseases harmful to crop growth and assists in developing
methods to control them.
Plant Physiologist who studies internal plant
functions and their chemical basis to learn how they grow,
process nutrients and reproduce.
Plant Taxonomist who studies and documents the
diversity in plant life and develops classifications
reflecting evolutionary relationships between different plant
groups and species.
Required Skills - Botanist
- interested in plants and research
- analytical skills
- aptitude for working with computers
- patience
- enjoy working outdoors
- able to work independently
- able to work as part of a team
Similar Jobs - Botanist
Find work - Botanist
Job Search - Botanist
|
