Botany
In its broadest sense, botany is the traditional study of plants--all plants, from microscopic bacteria to giant sequoia trees. It includes such specializations as plant physiology, taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, ecology, cytology and mycology.
Plant science is concerned with the application of the natural sciences to agriculture and related industries. Some areas of specialization are plant breeding, subtropical or arid agriculture, and weed science.
Representative Job Titles and Areas of Specialization
| Agricultural Communications Specialist/Farm Journalist* | Horticulturist | | Horticulture Therapist | Landscape Architect/Contractor | | Agricultural Inspector * | Naturalist * | | Agricultural Product Salesperson * | Nematologist | | Agronomist | Nursery Broker * | | Arboretum Director | Nursery Manager * | | Arborist/Tree Surgeon | Ornamentalist | | Botanic Garden Director/Manager/Curator | Park Ranger * | | Botanist | Phycologist | | College Professor | Plant Breeder | | Conservationist * | Plant Pathologist | | Cooperative Extension Agent | Plant Scientist | | Environmental Educator * | Research Technician/Assistant * | | Farm Manager * | Science Librarian | | Floriculturist | Seed Producer * | | Florist * | Seed Technologist * | | Forester * | Taxonomist | | Garden Center Manager * | Technical Writer/Editor * | | Geneticist | Turf Management Specialist * | | Herbarium Director | |
Nature of the Work
In general, botanists and plant scientists conduct research, act as managers and administrators, and teach. Using data for the life sciences as a whole, it is estimated that approximately 33 percent of life scientists are involved in research and development; over 20 percent work in planning, management or administration; and about 20 percent teach in colleges or universities. Many also serve as consultants or inspectors, prepare technical publications, or work in sales and service jobs, as for agricultural, seed, and chemical companies. Those with entrepreneurial instincts may become landscape contractors, floral brokers, nursery managers, florists and independent agricultural consultants.
Places of Employment
| Colleges and universities | Plant Quarantine Service | | Agricultural experiment stations | Regional laboratories | | Non-profit research organizations | U.S. Forest Service | | and foundations | Forest products laboratories | | Corporations which produce agricultural | U.S. Department of the Interior | | and forest products | U.S. Geological Survey | | Fruit and vegetable growers | Arboretums | | Botanical gardens | Offices of county agricultural commissioners | | Federal, state and local parks | Seed producers | | U.S. Department of Agriculture | Fermentation industry (including breweries) | | Agricultural research centers | Agricultural consulting firms | | Medical plant research laboratories | Retail and wholesale nurseries | | Germplasm research laboratories | Florists, floral brokerages |
Training
Generally in botany, the higher the level of training, education and experience you have, the better. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requisite for those positions listed above designated by an asterisk, depending heavily upon coursework, experience gained while in school, and knowledge and interest in the particular field. An advanced degree qualifies the botany or plant science major for a wider range of positions and higher salary. A Ph.D. is required for most teaching and research positions in colleges and universities, as well as for many positions in government and industry.
For further information and/or career counseling contact the Career Center, Veitch Student Center, Northwest Wing, University of California, Riverside, 951.827.3631.
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