Botanist
Study plants and their impact on the environment.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Botanist?
- How to become a Botanist
- Latest Botanist jobs
- Top skills and experience for Botanists
- Botanist role reviews
What's it like to be a Botanist?
Botanists study plants. They look at plant structure, biochemistry and ecology to understand plant growth and their impact on the environment. Botanists may use this information to develop environmental protection programs or make improvements to existing plant growing techniques. Some Botanists may be involved in identifying plants and plant products for use in food, medicine, fabrics and building materials, or searching for and classifying new plant species.
Tasks and duties
- Conducting field surveys, which can mean being based in remote areas or the wilderness for weeks and months at a time.
- Carrying out plant identification.
- Collecting data, including rainfall, temperature, soil, sunlight, disease and topography.
- Reporting and analysis.
- Writing case studies, articles, reports and assessing building plans.
How to become a Botanist
You’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree in science, and many Botanists go on to complete postgraduate studies.
- Consider a Bachelor of Science majoring in botany or plant science. The course will take 3 years full-time and will require you to have completed year 12 with a satisfactory ATAR or gain access via an alternative entry route.
- Go on to complete a Master of Science with a research component, and elect to do your thesis on a suitable aspect of botany. This will take 1.5 years full-time, and you’ll need an undergraduate degree to enter the program.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Botanists.Latest Botanist jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Botanist employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Botany
Environmental Science
Ecology
Environmental Impact Assessment
Technical Reporting
Plant Identification
Proposal Development
Remote Sensing
Report Writing
Career Development
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Botanist reviews
Mar 2025
Exciting work in a field which is undersupplied with experts.
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Science
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationEducation & Training
The good thingsThe role takes you outdoors and involves many challenges when encountering new species, vegetation communities, etc. It also has other varied parts such as glasshouse work, scientific experimentation ...
The challengesI love my role.
Some may find the time spent away from home a challenge.
Read more
May 2021
Botany: engaging with the wilds!
Reviewer's QualificationMaster of Environmental Science
ExperienceLess than a year
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationTerrestrial Ecology
The good thingsGreat variability between field work and report writing, keeps the job fresh and exciting.
Constantly learning new skills and relevant information due to diverse range of tasks and environments. Neve...
The challengesThe work can be constantly changing, so being flexible and open minded is very important. Learning to manage this variability will make working far more enjoyable.
The work hours can be exhausting so...
Read more
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