Agricultural Careers Botanist By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Nina Maxey Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

Job Duties & Responsibilities Studying plant growth, development, function, distribution, and origin Studying environmental issues such as conservation Supervising the work of laboratory technologists and technicians Performing experiments on plant species Giving class lectures and speaking at conferences Working in greenhouses or fields growing or searching for new plant species

Qualities and Skills Should be accurate and honest in reporting results Have patience and self-discipline to conduct long, and detailed research projects Must have the ability to think creatively and to persevere in frustrating circumstances Should be capable of working independently or as part of a team Physically able to work 40 hours per week Good eyesight Able to communicate both orally and in writing Some work in the field may be strenuous Able to travel domestically and internationally as required to study plants

Salary According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2003 averaged $29,456 a year for bachelor’s degree recipients in biological and life sciences; $33,600 for master’s degree recipients; and $42,244 for doctoral degree recipients. In the Federal Government in 2003, botanists in non-supervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions earned an average salary of $55,727. The entry-level salary for someone with a degree in botany is $33,930, average salary is $60,390, and the maximum salary is $102,930.

Work Environment Botanists typically work 40 hour weeks Classrooms and laboratories Nurseries, greenhouses and in field plots Travel to foreign countries may be required

Becoming a Botanist Bachelor's degrees are the minimum requirements for careers in botany. Many positions require a Master's or Doctor's degree. A Ph.D. is required for most teaching and research positions in colleges and universities

Career Resources American Institute of Biological Sciences 1444 I Street, NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC Internet: Botanical Society of America 1735 Neil Avenue Columbus, Ohio Internet: American Horticultural Society 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA Internet: American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta 100 W 10th St Ste 614 Wilmington DE Internet: American Society of Plant Biologists Monona Drive Rockville, MD USA Internet: