Profession botanical technician

Botanical technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing different plant species to monitor their properties such as growth and structure. They collect and analyse data using laboratory equipment, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock. Botanical technicians also study plants to research their use in areas such as medicine, food and materials.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Investigative / Realistic

Knowledge

• Plant species

  The variety of plants, trees and shrubs and their special characteristics. 

• Characteristics of plants

  The varieties, characteristics and structural and functional features of plants, depending on their habitat.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

• Laboratory equipment

  The tools and equipment used by scientists and other scientific professionals in a laboratory.

• Biology

  Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

• Botany

  The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.

• Laboratory techniques

  Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

Skills

• Apply scientific methods

  Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

• Assist in the production of laboratory documentation

  Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.

• Perform laboratory tests

  Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

• Manage inventory

  Control product inventory in balance of availability and storage costs.

• Write technical reports

  Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.

• Use laboratory equipment

  Make correct use of laboratory equipment when working in a laboratory.

• Analyse experimental laboratory data

  Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

• Maintain laboratory equipment

  Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and inspect it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.

• Apply safety procedures in laboratory

  Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

• Collect biological data

  Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

• Calibrate laboratory equipment

  Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB