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Botanist
Plant ScientistScientist (Plant) )



Duties and Tasks
Specialisations
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
Related Industries
Labour Market
Related Jobs
Earnings
Related Courses
Further Information
State Specific Information

Studying a specimen kept on file in storage
Studying a specimen kept on file in storage


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. 

Fact Sheet

Duties and Tasks

Botanists may perform the following tasks:

  • investigate the effects of environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography (place) 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 in order to 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.

Specialisations

Marine Botanist
Plant Ecologist
Plant Physiologist
Plant Taxonomist
Plant Pathologist

Info Icon Quick Facts

Learning Area Biology  
Chemistry  
Rural Studies  
Work Demand Including handling chemicals/greasy items  
Including reading or writing  
Work Field Natural Sciences and Mathematics  
Work Interest Analytic or Scientific  
Nature or Recreation  
Skill Level Professional Jobs  
Quick Facts

Work Conditions

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 fieldwork 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.

Personal Requirements

  • interested in plants and research
  • analytical skills
  • aptitude for working with computers
  • patience
  • enjoy working outdoors
  • able to work independently or as part of a team.

Related Industries

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Except Computer System Design and Related Services)

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Life Scientists

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Life Scientists (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Work Opportunities websites

Related Jobs

Life Scientist

Earnings


Income of persons working full-time, 2006
Life Scientists

Income per Week Number Share (%)
$1000 or more 2,586 62.4
$400 - $599 190 4.6
$600 - $799 463 11.2
$800 - $999 824 19.9
Less than $400 80 1.9


Copyright 2007 education.au

This information is based on the 2006 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.


Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006
Life Scientists

Employment Status Weekly Income ($)
Full-time 1,339
Part-time 611


Copyright 2007 education.au

This information is based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership survey conducting annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

How Much?

Related Courses

New South Wales / ACT
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

Australian National Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Science Directorate
Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium
Department for Environment and Heritage
Department of Agriculture (WA)
Department of Environment and Climate Change
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QLD)
Department of Primary Industries and Water
Environment Protection Authority, Information Centre
HR Services Team, Landmark Operations Limited
National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens Trust
National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens
Northern Territory Herbarium
Parks and Wildlife Service (NT)
Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
People Service Branch Personnel Section, Department of Conservation and Land Management (WA)
Queensland Herbarium
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
South Australian Research and Development Institute

State Specific Information

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Inspecting development of plant life within its environment
Inspecting development of plant life within its environment

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