What does a Botanist do?

I'm interested in plants and considering a career as a botanist. Can anyone tell me what a botanist's job is like on a daily basis and if it's a good fit for someone into environmental science?

Botany, being a branch of biology, is all about the study of plants. As a Botanist, you would primarily focus on plant life and how it interacts with, and affects, the world around it. This can range from studying plant cells under a microscope to field research analyzing the role of a specific plant species in an ecosystem.

Your daily job would often include conducting research, monitoring growth, and studying the reactions of particular plant species under different conditions. Tasks could vary significantly depending on the field you specialize in. Some botanists focus on molecular work in labs, others might work outdoors a large portion of their time, analyzing the environmental impact on various types of plants in their natural habitats. There are botanists who work in greenhouses or botanical gardens, while some work in classrooms or offices, teaching or writing about plant sciences.

As for its correlation with environmental science: absolutely. Botanists often work in conservation and environmental fields. If you're interested in the environment, you might find a career path in conservation botany rewarding. This involves the study and conservation of plant species, particularly those that are endangered or threatened. You'd be assessing the environmental impact on these plants, and proposing solutions to ensure their survival.

In summary, a career as a botanist can be extremely diverse and rewarding for anyone interested in plant life and environmental studies, as it offers a range of ways for you to contribute to our understanding of the biological world and even help protect it. The exact fit really depends on your personal interests within this wide field. So one recommendation would be to explore the different facets of botany and decide which aspects fascinate you the most.