How to become a 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.

• 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

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
• Teamwork
• Organizational abilities
• Detail-orientedness Self-motivation
• 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.
• First Aid / CPR
• Using maps, compass, aerial photos, and other tools to navigate in remote, wilderness areas.
• Communication abilities, both written and verbal
• Management of projects, budgets, and clients
• A valid driver's licence
• Maps and GPS are used to navigate in remote areas.
• Data administration
• Technical writing abilities
• Working outside in harsh weather conditions

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
• 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
• Participation (e.g. CIEEM in the UK)
• Management of botanical garden plant collections
• Plant health expertise

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

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

The salary of a "Botanist" can vary based on factors such as education, experience, the type of employer location, and the specific role within botany.

• Minimum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 25,000 to INR 40,000
• Maximum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 70,000 to INR 1,50,000 or more
• Annual Salary: The annual salary can be from INR 3,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 or more
• Highest Paying Job and Scope: The highest paying job for botanists is often in leadership or specialized research positions within well-established research institutions, botanical gardens, pharmaceutical companies, or environmental consulting firms. The scope for botanists is diverse, with opportunities in various sectors, including academia, environmental conservation, agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and botanical gardens.

To get admission in BSc zoology, the selection or admission is based on cutoff list released by the university or college. Some universities conduct entrance tests for admission. To get admission in master’s degree, the aspirants need to clear the entrance exam. Admission to the Ph.D. program is done based on entrance tests conducted nationally or by universities separately followed by Personal Interview. Some of the popular Ph.D. entrance tests are UGC NET, CSIR, ICAR.

• Agri-business Enterprise.
• Agricultural Industry.
• Pharmaceutical Industry.
• Production Company.
• Biopharmaceutical Company.
• Fermentation Industry
• Food Industry.