OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, in the college of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University, provides a special environment in which to pursue undergraduate or graduate training in plant biology. Professional opportunities exist in numerous fields including: plant disease research and management, plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, plant genetics, plant ecology, botanical taxonomy, structure, evolution, and more.
Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate activities of workers engaged in propagating, cultivating, and harvesting horticultural specialties, such as trees, shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and other plants.
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, and tree planters.
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of agricultural crop or horticultural workers.
Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.
Design and conduct training and development programs to improve individual and organizational performance. May analyze training needs.
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
| Position Title | Projected Growth (2014-2024) | Preparation Required | 2015 Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Position Description:Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$92,540 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $92,540 per year |
Biological Technicians
Position Description:Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$45,230 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $45,230 per year |
Biologists
Position Description:Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$72,220 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 5 | $72,220 per year |
Biomass Plant Technicians
Position Description:Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$55,530 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 2 | $55,530 per year |
Conservation Scientists
Position Description:Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$63,800 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $63,800 per year |
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Position Description:Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$88,570 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $88,570 per year |
First-Line Supervisors of Agricultural Crop and Horticultural Workers
Position Description:Directly supervise and coordinate activities of agricultural crop or horticultural workers.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$48,290 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $48,290 per year |
Floral Designers
Position Description:Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$27,010 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 2 | $27,010 per year |
Forensic Science Technicians
Position Description:Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$60,090 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $60,090 per year |
Forest and Conservation Workers
Position Description:Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, and tree planters.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$29,860 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 3 | $29,860 per year |
Foresters
Position Description:Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$60,650 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $60,650 per year |
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Position Description:Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$91,030 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $91,030 per year |
Geneticists
Position Description:Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$77,190 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 5 | $77,190 per year |
Landscape Architects
Position Description:Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$68,600 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $68,600 per year |
Naturopathic Physicians
Position Description:Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$85,120 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $85,120 per year |
Nursery and Greenhouse Managers
Position Description:Plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate activities of workers engaged in propagating, cultivating, and harvesting horticultural specialties, such as trees, shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and other plants.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$69,880 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $69,880 per year |
Photographers
Position Description:Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$40,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $40,280 per year |
Securities and Commodities Traders
Position Description:Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$102,860 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $102,860 per year |
Soil and Plant Scientists
Position Description:Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$65,980 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $65,980 per year |
Soil and Plant Scientists
Position Description:Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$65,980 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $65,980 per year |
Technical Writers
Position Description:Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$73,350 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $73,350 per year |
Training and Development Specialists
Position Description:Design and conduct training and development programs to improve individual and organizational performance. May analyze training needs.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$62,460 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $62,460 per year |
Water Resource Specialists
Position Description:Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$136,570 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $136,570 per year |
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Position Description:Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$64,230 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 5 | $64,230 per year |
Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate activities of workers engaged in propagating, cultivating, and harvesting horticultural specialties, such as trees, shrubs, flowers, mushrooms, and other plants.
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, and tree planters.
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of agricultural crop or horticultural workers.
Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.
Design and conduct training and development programs to improve individual and organizational performance. May analyze training needs.
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Explore career information and other resources specifically tailored to Botany majors.
Career Development Center
A110 Kerr Admin Building, Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-4085 • Contact Us
Summer Hours:
Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.