Botanist

A botanist conducts scientific research on plant biology, ecology, taxonomy, and physiology in laboratory and field settings across Australia's diverse ecosystems. They design and execute experiments, analyse plant specimens, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices. Botanists work in universities, government research agencies (such as state herbaria or CSIRO), environmental consultancies, and botanical institutions.

Design and conduct field surveys to collect plant specimens, record phenological data, and assess vegetation composition across specified habitats and bioregions. Prepare and preserve plant specimens using standard herbarium techniques, including pressing, drying, and mounting for archival storage and taxonomic reference. Conduct microscopic analysis of plant tissues using compound microscopes and prepare histological slides to examine cellular and anatomical structures. Identify and classify plant species using taxonomic keys, morphological characteristics, and molecular identification methods including DNA barcoding. Perform laboratory experiments to investigate plant physiology, growth responses, photosynthesis rates, and stress tolerance using controlled environmental chambers and instrumentation. Analyse plant biochemistry and secondary metabolites using chromatography, spectrometry, and other analytical techniques to assess chemical composition and bioactive compounds. Prepare detailed botanical descriptions, species accounts, and identification guides for publication in taxonomic monographs and scientific journals. Maintain and curate herbarium collections, manage specimen databases using collection management software, and ensure compliance with CITES and biodiversity legislation.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Entry-level positions are scarce and highly competitive. You'll likely need an honours degree or postgraduate qualification to break in, which means years of study after your career change. Fixed-term contracts are common, meaning job insecurity.

Regional positions exist in conservation but are fewer. Remote work is minimal: fieldwork and lab work require you on-site. Government agencies and universities are the main employers; private environmental consultancies offer some positions but prefer those with established networks.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2345, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Community Development
• Digital Literacy
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Process Documentation
• Reporting and Analytics
• Risk Identification
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026