Botanist

Overview

Who is Botanist?

Botanists are scientists who study all forms of plant life and their characteristics. They are primarily involved in investigating the plant populations to understand the elements that constitute plant life and to research various categories of the same. This includes delving into their physical composition, physiological processes, cellular make-up, growth and development patterns, metabolism, diseases and so on. The environmental value of these plants, their relationship with their surroundings, as well as how they react to various stressors such as pests, diseases, and climatic changes are other important factors that Botanists focus upon. They also study the social, economic, physiological and ecological impact of plants on a global scale. Apart from examining the plant’s characteristics, botanists further study how each species of plants can be protected, preserved by enhancing their disease resistance, They can specialise in various areas in this field such as marine botany, plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant ecology, agronomy, applied plant sciences, horticulture, and ethnobotany to name a few.

Typical day at work

What does Botanist do?

Botanists are scientists who research plants in a variety of ways. They could research physiological processes like photosynthesis at the molecular level, plant evolution and relationships, or their present connections with their environs, for example. They might examine the reactions of plants used for food, fibre, fuel, turf, and cover crops to pests, disease, and climatic changes in agricultural applications.

They might also focus on plant breeding to create more resilient strains. Botanists experiment with crops to improve production, disease resistance, drought resistance, or nutritional value. Botanists play a vital role in environmental conservation. Their study aids in determining how various plants may respond to climate change and how to safeguard native species against invading invaders.

• Conduct fieldwork and collect samples for conducting laboratory experiments
• Assess the effects of pests, pollutants and other stressors on different plant species
• Collect and analyse data collected from experiments or observations
• Study plant species using various specialist laboratory equipment and techniques
• Present research findings by writing research papers or giving presentations at conferences or scientific conventions
• Study how the plants can be used to solve real-world problems 
• Advise policymakers regarding the protection of endangered plant species
• Research environmentally safe ways of utilizing plants 
• Explore the processes for using various plant species as medicines, raw materials, biofuel and so on

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Botanist?

As discussed above, there are multiple career options for students after completing their degree in Botany. Every year, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFR) offer a variety of jobs to botany graduates. Students can find work as Technical Assistants, Field Assistants, or Scientific Assistants in both the private and public sectors. Aside from these, students can expect to work with nursery farms and environmental consultancies. To be eligible for desired jobs, aspirants who wish to pursue a career based on their knowledge and learning in Botany must also possess the skills listed below. Aspiring botanists must possess the following abilities:

• Candidates must be able to follow research activity on their own.
• Good written communication skills are required.
• Must be interested in conservation and plant life.
• Aspirants must be investigative in nature and have a scientific interest.
• The candidate must be determined.

Monitoring and field research Abilities as a specialist

• Plant identification
• GPS
• GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS)

Transferable Skills

• Communication abilities
• Interpersonal abilities
• Working on your own with little supervision
• Teamwork
• Organizational abilities
• Detail-orientedness Self-motivation
• Positivity
• Adaptability and adaptability
• Walking or hiking in remote areas and under difficult conditions, such as rough terrain, inclement weather, and bugs
• Working long days in the field (e.g., 8-10 hours+), possibly with travel and irregular hours
• Physical fitness and the ability to carry 40-50 pounds are required
• A valid driver's licence and a clean driving record are required.
• Driving a 44-wheel-drive vehicle on unpaved roads
• First Aid / CPR
• Using maps, compass, aerial photos, and other tools to navigate in remote, wilderness areas.

Experience

• Fieldwork and data collection
• Knowledge of field survey methods (e.g. floristic surveys, vegetation monitoring)
• Working experience on field crews
• Understanding of native and invasive plants in the area

Environmental consulting Abilities as a specialist

• Plant recognition (e.g. using a dichotomous key)
• Technical biological reports are being prepared.
• Organizing, coordinating, and carrying out ecological fieldwork
• Analytical abilities
• GIS • GPS

Transferable abilities

• Communication abilities, both written and verbal
• Management of projects, budgets, and clients
• A valid driver's licence
• IT know-how • Microsoft Office applications
• Communication abilities
• Maps and GPS are used to navigate in remote areas.
• Organizational abilities
• Working under duress Capability to adapt to changing work requirements
• Paying close attention to detail
• Working on your own
• Teamwork
• Data administration
• Technical writing abilities
• Client relationships

Experience

• Expertise in ecological consulting
• Knowledge of field data collection methods and equipment
• Understanding of environmental legislation and regulations
• Knowledge of native and non-native species
• Local experience
• Participation (e.g. CIEEM in the UK)

Remediation and restoration Abilities as a specialist

• Restoration of habitat
• Management of Invasive Plants

Aquariums and botanical gardens Abilities as a specialist

• Plant Identification (using a dichotomous key)
• Data examination (e.g. R, SPSS)
• GIS

Transferable skills

• Data administration
• Self-sufficient and self-motivated
• A valid driver's licence and a clean driving record
• Using power tools for construction and repairs, for example
• Working outside in harsh weather conditions
• Fundraising

Experience

• Management of botanical garden plant collections
• Plant health expertise
• Ecology expertise

Other occupations Other specialised and transferable skills are as follows:

• Record of publication, discovery of a new species published
• Molecular/phylogenomics and bioinformatics
• Taxonomic classification
• Giving presentations

Courses

Which course I can pursue?