2 answers
Alexandria
Student
Silver City, New Mexico
1
Question
Updated
103 views
What career paths are available with a botany degree? I am interested in working in conservation and with the national parks service, but would like to hear other paths that may be viable as well?
I am entering my sophomore year of college in the fall and have a summer research internship where I will be learning the basics of research, so I'm excited for the possibility of going in the direction of research, but I would love to be more in the field than not. Any suggestions?
Login to comment
2 answers
Brandyn Knight
Operations Supervisor, Owner - Life & Career Coach
18
Answers
Orillia, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Brandyn’s Answer
It’s awesome that you’re combining a passion for plants with conservation and fieldwork—botany opens the door to so many fulfilling and hands-on careers! Since you’re already leaning toward research and love being out in the field, here are some career paths you might want to consider, along with some additional options that connect botany to conservation, policy, education, and more:
Top Career Paths with a Botany Degree (especially for field-lovers):
1. Conservation Scientist or Ecologist
Work with organizations like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, or Fish and Wildlife Service to protect native plants, restore habitats, and support biodiversity.
2. Field Botanist
Collect plant data in natural environments, conduct biodiversity assessments, and contribute to conservation or climate change studies. These roles often partner with government agencies, universities, or nonprofits.
3. Park Ranger (with a Science/Resource Focus)
Some ranger roles focus specifically on natural resource management and education—botany knowledge is a huge asset when working in national and state parks.
4. Environmental Consultant
Help businesses or government agencies assess the ecological impact of projects (e.g., construction, pipelines) and advise on plant conservation and restoration.
5. Research Scientist or Field Technician
Since you're interested in research, look into field-based research roles that focus on ecology, plant physiology, or climate resilience. These are often through universities, botanical gardens, or government agencies.
6. Botanical Garden or Arboretum Staff
Work in plant collections, education, or research at public gardens or universities—great if you enjoy educating the public or curating living plant collections.
7. Restoration Ecologist
Lead or support projects that restore native habitats, manage invasive species, and reintroduce native plant life—these roles are both research- and action-oriented.
8. Ethnobotanist or Plant Science Educator
Focus on the relationship between people and plants, or teach others about the importance of plant life through outreach or museum/nature center programs.
9. Forest Ecologist or Urban Forester
Study forests, tree populations, and plant health in natural or urban settings. Urban forestry is a growing field with great environmental impact.
10. Nonprofit & Advocacy Work
Use your expertise to support plant conservation through policy, education, or direct action—think Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, or local environmental groups.
Network with professionals in conservation and botany through LinkedIn or local meetups—ask about their day-to-day work.
Ask your summer research mentor if you can shadow or assist with any fieldwork or applied projects.
Explore summer internships with the National Park Service, BLM, or environmental NGOs focused on field-based conservation.
Consider joining professional associations like the Botanical Society of America or Ecological Society of America—great for student resources and career paths.
Look into graduate programs that specialize in field-based research (ecology, environmental science, restoration, etc.) if you want to deepen your impact.
Top Career Paths with a Botany Degree (especially for field-lovers):
1. Conservation Scientist or Ecologist
Work with organizations like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, or Fish and Wildlife Service to protect native plants, restore habitats, and support biodiversity.
2. Field Botanist
Collect plant data in natural environments, conduct biodiversity assessments, and contribute to conservation or climate change studies. These roles often partner with government agencies, universities, or nonprofits.
3. Park Ranger (with a Science/Resource Focus)
Some ranger roles focus specifically on natural resource management and education—botany knowledge is a huge asset when working in national and state parks.
4. Environmental Consultant
Help businesses or government agencies assess the ecological impact of projects (e.g., construction, pipelines) and advise on plant conservation and restoration.
5. Research Scientist or Field Technician
Since you're interested in research, look into field-based research roles that focus on ecology, plant physiology, or climate resilience. These are often through universities, botanical gardens, or government agencies.
6. Botanical Garden or Arboretum Staff
Work in plant collections, education, or research at public gardens or universities—great if you enjoy educating the public or curating living plant collections.
7. Restoration Ecologist
Lead or support projects that restore native habitats, manage invasive species, and reintroduce native plant life—these roles are both research- and action-oriented.
8. Ethnobotanist or Plant Science Educator
Focus on the relationship between people and plants, or teach others about the importance of plant life through outreach or museum/nature center programs.
9. Forest Ecologist or Urban Forester
Study forests, tree populations, and plant health in natural or urban settings. Urban forestry is a growing field with great environmental impact.
10. Nonprofit & Advocacy Work
Use your expertise to support plant conservation through policy, education, or direct action—think Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, or local environmental groups.
Brandyn recommends the following next steps:
Jimmy Bell, CPCN
Nutritionist
23
Answers
Napa, California
Updated
Jimmy’s Answer
Hello! Think about what excites you the most about plants and botany. There's such a wide variety to explore. What do you enjoy doing with botany in your free time? What topics do you want to keep learning about, even when there's no homework? What makes you excited about it? These questions can help you figure out what you really like and maybe even help you find your own path!
Herbal medicine is another area to consider. Understanding plants deeply is important in this field and might match your interests.
Herbal medicine is another area to consider. Understanding plants deeply is important in this field and might match your interests.