Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of environmental consciousness, the role of ethnobotanical field researchers has become significantly important.

As our understanding of plants and their relationships with cultures and societies progresses, the demand for skilled individuals who can explore, document, and preserve this essential knowledge grows stronger.

But what exactly is expected from an ethnobotanical field researcher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the crossroads of botany and anthropology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made ethnobotanical field researcher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Duties and Responsibilities

Ethnobotanical Field Researchers conduct research and scientific studies on the relationship between plants and humans, focusing on how different cultures use plants for medicinal, nutritional, and other purposes.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct field research to identify and classify plant species and document their uses by local communities
• Interact with indigenous communities to learn about their use of plants and traditional knowledge and practices
• Analyze plant specimens in the lab to determine their chemical compounds and possible medicinal properties
• Document and preserve samples of plants and their associated traditional knowledge
• Write research papers, reports, and presentations to share findings with the scientific community and the public
• Contribute to conservation efforts by educating the public about the importance of biodiversity and traditional knowledge
• Collaborate with other scientists and researchers in multidisciplinary projects
• Apply for grants and funding for research projects

 

Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Ethnobotanical Field Researcher to join our team.

The successful candidate will conduct research and field studies into the relationships between cultures and plants, with a special focus on how plants are used for food, medicine, rituals, and construction within certain communities.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of both botany and anthropology, is comfortable working in various environments, and has a keen interest in preserving traditional ecological knowledge.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct extensive field studies and research on the relationship between plants and cultures.
• Collect, identify, and categorize plant samples in the field.
• Document, analyze, and interpret data gathered during fieldwork.
• Collaborate with local communities to understand plant usage and traditional ecological knowledge.
• Write detailed reports and research papers for publication.
• Present findings at conferences and to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Work with conservationists to develop strategies for protecting endangered plant species.
• Ensure all research is conducted ethically and respectfully, with regard to local cultures and customs.
• Assist in grant applications and fundraising activities.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Ethnobotanical Field Researcher or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of botany, anthropology, or related fields.
• Experience with fieldwork, data collection, and data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in difficult field conditions and remote locations.
• Strong intercultural skills and respect for diverse cultures.
• PhD in Ethnobotany, Anthropology, Biology, or related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Travel opportunities
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Ethnobotanical Field Researcher
• Work Environment: This role requires extensive fieldwork, often in remote locations or overseas. Office work for data analysis and report writing is also required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Research or Project Leader.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of your publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Do?

An Ethnobotanical Field Researcher primarily works in the field of ethnobotany, which studies the relationship between plants and human cultures.

They typically work for research institutions, universities, botanical gardens, or government agencies.

They conduct extensive fieldwork, often in remote locations, to study how different cultures use plants for various purposes, such as food, medicine, ceremonies, or construction.

This can involve identifying and cataloging plant species, collecting plant samples, and observing and documenting local practices related to plant use.

They engage with local communities, interviewing individuals to gain insights into traditional knowledge and practices related to plant use.

Their work often involves collaboration with other scientists such as anthropologists, ecologists, and botanists.

Ethnobotanical Field Researchers analyze their findings and publish them in scientific journals or reports.

They also play a critical role in conservation efforts, as their research can highlight the importance of certain plant species and ecosystems to human societies.

In addition, they may work on projects that apply their findings to practical applications, such as developing new medicines from plants or promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Qualifications and Skills

An Ethnobotanical Field Researcher should possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications that support the exploration and understanding of the relationships between plants and cultures, such as:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of botany, ecology, and ethnography, as the role requires the study of plants and their interactions with various cultures.
• Excellent research skills, including developing and conducting field studies, cataloguing findings, and analyzing data.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation, aiding in the processing and understanding of collected research data.
• Ability to work in diverse environments as the role often requires field work in various geographical locations, which could include harsh or remote environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with local communities, understanding their customs, and sharing knowledge about plant use.
• Physical fitness and resilience to endure long periods of field work, potentially in challenging conditions.
• Good writing skills to effectively document and report findings in research papers, articles, and presentations.
• Foreign language skills can be beneficial for communication with local communities during field research.
• Problem-solving skills to overcome unexpected challenges in the field or with research methodology.

 

Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Experience Requirements

An Ethnobotanical Field Researcher often possesses a Bachelor’s degree in ethnobotany, botany, or a related field such as biology or anthropology.

They usually have conducted some form of field research during their undergraduate studies, gaining basic knowledge and experience in plant identification, plant collection, and ecological survey techniques.

Those seeking entry-level roles typically have 1 to 2 years of research experience, often through an internship or part-time role in botanical gardens, museums, or conservation organizations.

Knowledge of a foreign language or prior experience living in a different culture can also be beneficial, depending on the geographical focus of the research.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have often further developed their skills in ethnobotanical research methods and may have experience working with indigenous communities and understanding their plant use.

They have often published their research findings in scientific journals or presented them at conferences, demonstrating their ability to contribute to the scientific community.

Ethnobotanical Field Researchers with more than 5 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of plant-human interactions and how they vary across different cultures and ecosystems.

They may have experience leading research projects and supervising junior researchers, making them suitable candidates for senior researcher or team-lead positions.

In some cases, they may have earned a Master’s or Doctorate degree in ethnobotany or a related field.

 

Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Education and Training Requirements

Ethnobotanical Field Researchers typically need a bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, ethnobotany, anthropology, or a related field.

They will need to have knowledge of plant species, ecosystems, and cultures associated with those plants.

They may also need to have skills in identifying and classifying plants, understanding their medicinal and cultural uses, as well as an understanding of how various cultures interact with their environment.

Furthermore, they should be prepared to conduct fieldwork, which might include travel to remote locations and interaction with different cultures.

This could require training in survival skills, first aid, or foreign languages.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or Ph.D., especially for those who wish to lead research projects or teach at the university level.

These advanced degrees would typically be in ethnobotany or a closely related field, with a focus on field research.

In addition to formal education, many Ethnobotanical Field Researchers pursue certification in specific areas like plant taxonomy, ecological conservation, or cultural anthropology.

Additionally, some researchers may gain extra qualifications in areas such as GIS (Geographical Information Systems) for mapping plant distributions, or statistical analysis for interpreting complex data.

These additional qualifications not only enhance a researcher’s skills and knowledge, but they also demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development within the field of ethnobotany.

 

Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Salary Expectations

An Ethnobotanical Field Researcher can expect to earn an average salary of $63,270 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as the researcher’s level of education, years of experience in the field, the location of work, and the organization they work for.

 

Ethnobotanical Field Researcher Job Description FAQs

What is the importance of an Ethnobotanical Field Researcher?

An Ethnobotanical Field Researcher plays a crucial role in understanding the relationship between plants and cultures.

They uncover plant species that have historical, cultural, or medicinal significance, contributing to the preservation of knowledge that might otherwise be lost.

 

What skills does an Ethnobotanical Field Researcher need?

An Ethnobotanical Field Researcher must have strong research skills, patience, attention to detail, and knowledge of plants and their properties.

Interpersonal and communication skills are also critical, as they often work with local communities and need to understand their languages, culture, and plant usage.

 

What qualifications does an Ethnobotanical Field Researcher need?

A degree in Ethnobotany, Botany, Anthropology, or a related field is typically required.

Extensive fieldwork and research experience, especially with specific cultural groups or in specific geographical areas, can be beneficial.

Familiarity with research methodologies, data analysis, and fluency in the local language(s) of the research area can also be advantageous.

 

What are the daily duties of an Ethnobotanical Field Researcher?

The daily duties can vary but may include conducting fieldwork, identifying and collecting plant samples, interviewing local community members about their use of plants, documenting and analyzing data, writing research reports, and coordinating with other team members or researchers.

 

What qualities make a good Ethnobotanical Field Researcher?

A good Ethnobotanical Field Researcher is passionate about both botany and anthropology, respecting the knowledge and traditions of the communities they work with.

They are patient and persistent, able to spend long hours in the field and cope with difficult conditions.

They have excellent observational and analytical skills and are adept at working both independently and in a team.

 

Is it challenging to hire an Ethnobotanical Field Researcher?

Hiring an Ethnobotanical Field Researcher can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a rare mix of botanical knowledge and anthropological understanding, plus the physical stamina for fieldwork and the ability to interact sensitively with diverse cultures.

Therefore, finding a candidate with the right blend of skills, experience, and temperament can be difficult.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we delved deep into the diverse world of an ethnobotanical field researcher.

And you know what?

It’s not just about collecting plant samples.

It’s about discovering the relationship between plants and cultures, one research study at a time.

With our reliable ethnobotanical field researcher job description template and authentic examples, you’re fully equipped to take that leap.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating pinpoint-accurate job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every research study contributes to our understanding of the world.

Let’s explore that world. Together.

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