Botanical Specialist

Working Schedule

• Botanical Specialists may work full or part-time jobs. Travel for site visits may be needed, so there could be exposure to inclement weather or hazards such as pests or chemicals. 

Typical Duties

• Grow botanical plants under controlled conditions for study, conservation, or commercial purposes
• Conduct research to gain a better understanding of botanical plants, growth, diseases, genetics, and distribution
• Use specialized equipment and software for research, such as microscopes, chromatographs, and molecular biology tools
• Collect and analyze botanical samples from various environments for study and classification
• Work on preserving endangered botanical species and habitats; record findings and maintain databases
• Help to maintain public access to botanical gardens for scientific and educational purposes
• Study plant diseases and develop methods to control or eradicate them
• Modify botanical plant genes to develop new or improved varieties
• Study the role of plants in ecosystems to understand ecological relationships
• Offer insights to government agencies, companies, and non-governmental organizations 
• Advocate for plant conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable land use practices
• Prepare applications for land use; obtain permits and prepare contracts
• Plan and conduct activities and projects, including cost estimations, budget tracking, and supply procurement, as needed

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with ecologists, conservationists, and agricultural experts to address biological challenges
• Write research papers, articles, and reports; share findings with the scientific community and public
• Stay up-to-date on crop/plant-related regulations, standards, and issues
• Submit records and technical reports to local, state, or federal agencies 
• Help with public education and awareness programs
• Calibrate equipment, track samples, enter data, and coordinate with labs

Soft Skills

• Active learning
• Activities coordination 
• Analytical 
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills 
• Critical thinking
• Decisive
• Detail-oriented
• Independent
• Investigative
• Monitoring 
• Objective
• Organized
• Perceptive 
• Persistence 
• Problem-solving
• Reasoning
• Safety-oriented

Technical Skills

• Analytical Chemistry
• Botanical plant physiology, breeding and genetics, physiology and biochemistry, propagation, cultivation, and pathology
• Data visualization programs
• Disease and pest prevention methods
• Ecology and ecosystem management
• Environmental monitoring tools
• Fieldwork, sampling, and lab techniques
• First aid/safety protocols (working with hand tools and around pests, pesticides, and chemicals)
• Genomics and bioinformatics
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and contract rules
• MATLAB
• Microbiology and molecular biology
• Personal protective equipment use
• Plant soil interactions
• Project management
• Scientific writing 
• Statistical analysis

• Biotechnology companies
• Botanical gardens
• Educational institutions
• Horticulture businesses
• Laboratories
• Nurseries
• Local, state, and federal governmental agencies

All vegetables are botanical plants, but not all botanical plants are vegetables!

Botanical Specialists are experts on botanical plants, such as ferns, succulents (like aloe vera), trees, shrubs, herbs, vines, aquatic plants, flowers (such as Echinacea and Chamomile), and edible Plants (like turmeric and ginger). 

They not only identify and classify these plants but must understand their unique roles in ecosystems—and in the world of health and wellness products. 

They also play a pivotal role in conservation and sustainability, working with environmentalists and policymakers to safeguard natural habitats and ensure our planet's biodiversity thrives.

Consumers are pivoting to skincare products infused with botanical ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, valued for their natural healing properties, as they move away from synthetics. Meanwhile, the health industry is seeing a surge in adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola. These plants, often found in teas and supplements, are believed to combat stress and balance the body.

With this rise in demand for botanicals, there’s more emphasis on sustainable and ethical sourcing. Many green companies are focusing on responsible harvesting to protect ecosystems and ensure resource longevity!

Botanical Specialists are analytical and likely excelled in science from an early age. They also probably grew up working in gardens or with house plants. Someone close to them may have taught them a few of the countless benefits botanicals can contribute to human health!