Occupation
Botanist
Botanists study plants — their classification, physiology, genetics, and distribution. Work ranges from herbarium and taxonomic study to plant breeding, crop improvement, and vegetation survey. Accurate identification is central, and in survey roles it is a skill built over years rather than taught in a single course.
Also known as: Plant scientist · Plant taxonomist · Field botanist
Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
What the work involves
- Identify and record plant species in the field or from herbarium specimens
- Run growth trials or controlled experiments in glasshouses or growth chambers
- Analyse plant tissue, genetic material, or vegetation survey data
- Maintain collections, seed banks, or living plant material to defined standards
- Map vegetation communities and assess habitat condition or change
- Write survey reports, identification keys, or research papers
How people commonly enter
- A degree in botany, plant science, biology, or agricultural science
- Postgraduate study for taxonomic, genetic, or research-leading roles
- Horticultural or countryside management diplomas leading into survey and collections work
- Volunteer recording and herbarium assistance used to build identification skills
Typical training: Bachelor's degree
Licensing: Not typically licensed
Typical work context
Outdoors · Lab or workshop · Quiet focus · Works independently · Varied work
Related interests
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
- Attention and concentration
- Perceptual speed
- Learning and information retention
- Inductive reasoning
- Data interpretation
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Natural sciences and research.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: botanist · International
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Life, physical, and social science occupations · United States
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- ESCO — occupations classification browser · European Union
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Natural sciences and research in Canada, not a figure for Botanist. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Natural sciences and research family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: education pathways
Some roles in Natural sciences and research may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: licensing
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