4. Field Botanist

The heart of this profession is hands-on plant care. Field botanists engage in plant propagation, growth, and cultivation, both in the laboratory and outdoors. They help to invent new medicines and optimize crop production. They also identify invasive plants that threaten native species.

At a school, a field botanist may develop a horticulture curriculum or on-site garden, along with training students in plant care. At a research center, field botanists are tasked with finding new scientific uses for plants. They’re also employed by arboretums, botanic gardens, conservatories, medical labs, state and national parks, and science journals.

For job success, a candidate needs in-depth knowledge of plant physiology, statistics, and calculus. They must also be adaptable and articulate. Since field botanists draft surveys, manuscripts, grant applications, and research projects, they need strong writing skills. For the college grad with the proverbial green thumb, this is one of the most fulfilling careers in botany.