What Is a Taxonomist and How to Become One
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What Are Taxonomists?
A taxonomist is a scientist that classifies and names living organisms. This job involves gathering, studying, and classifying plant and animal species. Typical duties include analyzing living organisms to determine how to classify them. Taxonomists now use specialized computer software to perform this research on new specimens to compare similarities in their external structures and DNA sequences. Some people in this career work solely in an office or laboratory while others spend time in the field searching for new plants and animals.
How to Become a Taxonomist
Qualifications for a career as a taxonomist include a bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, or a similar discipline. Many go on to earn their master’s degree or doctorate. Additional qualifications include experience in a research environment and strong analytical skills. Because a primary part of the job is the classification of specimens, a taxonomist needs to be able to sift through large amounts of data, often with the help of specialized computer software.
Where Do Taxonomists Work?
Many taxonomists work at a resource facility, research university, or government agency. Jobs are also available at botanical gardens as well as some private organizations involved with agriculture, forestry, and wildlife management. A taxonomist often spends time studying gathering organisms in the field and studying them in a laboratory. The job duties of a taxonomist include the analysis and scientific classification of plant and animal species.
