Botanist
You'll study plants to learn how to help them grow. Discover which plants to use to make new food and medicines.
Also known as: plant biologist
About the job
Career story – Botanist
What it's like
You would study plants so we can use them to make food, drugs and different materials.
You’d discover more about how plants thrive so we can protect them and keep our surroundings pleasant and healthy.
You would analyse, interpret and report on data. You’d examine all types of plants including fungi and algae, either in the laboratory or in their natural environment.
You could specialise in:
the study of specific plant groups
plant anatomy and physiology
biochemistry
molecular biology
genetics
ecology
marine botany
paleobotany (study of fossilised plant remains)
taxonomy (the identification and classification of plants)
You could work in a wide range of industries, including:
agriculture
conservation
forestry
pharmaceuticals
food science
Your role would vary depending on the particular job.
You could:
identify, classify, record and monitor plant species
do ecological surveys and environmental impact assessments
manage a plant collection, for example, at a botanic gardens
search for new species
study the effects of pollution or new buildings on plant life
identify and purify chemicals produced by plants so they can be used in products such as drugs, food, fabrics, solvents and building materials
You'd present research results in academic journals and at conferences. You might also teach at a university or train and supervise junior staff and volunteers.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Your working hours will vary according to the project. Some processes may involve continuous monitoring, which will mean working unsocial hours.
Travel
Fieldwork can involve a lot of travel, often overseas, so you may have to spend long periods of time away from home.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- botany
- field surveys
- biology
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- recalling
- analysing
- time management
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- written communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Environmental Science
Science
Science in the Environment
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You need a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in plant science or a biology-related subject. Relevant degree subjects include:
Botany
Plant biology
Plant science
Environmental science
Ecology
To enter a degree in plant science or biology usually requires National 5s and at least four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
You may be able to gain entry into the second year of some degree courses with a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8).
Some universities offer an integrated master's degree in biological sciences (SCQF Level 11) combining a degree with a master's over five years.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate good analytical capabilities, scientific and laboratory skills such as Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF Level 5) are of value.
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