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Forensic Botany Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Botany information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic botany jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic botany in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic botany?

Forensic botany is the application of plant science to criminal investigations and legal cases. Forensic botanists analyze plant materials such as pollen, seeds, leaves, and wood to help solve crimes, locate gravesites, or identify where a crime occurred. Their expertise can link suspects to crime scenes, determine time of death, or clarify the circumstances surrounding a case. This interdisciplinary field combines knowledge from biology, ecology, and forensic science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic botanist?

To thrive as a Forensic Botanist, you need a solid background in plant biology, ecology, and forensic science, usually supported by a relevant degree in botany or biology. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, microscopy, DNA sequencing, and evidence documentation systems is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you interpret findings and present them clearly in legal contexts. These skills ensure accurate plant-based evidence analysis, supporting criminal investigations and courtroom proceedings.

What are some common challenges forensic botanists face when collecting and analyzing plant evidence at crime scenes?

Forensic botanists often encounter challenges such as contamination of plant samples, degradation due to environmental exposure, and the need for precise documentation to maintain the chain of custody. Working outdoors means evidence can be easily disturbed by weather, animals, or human activity, making careful and methodical collection crucial. Additionally, forensic botanists must collaborate closely with law enforcement and other forensic experts to interpret botanical evidence within the broader context of an investigation.

What is the difference between Forensic Botany vs Forensic Entomology?

AspectForensic BotanyForensic Entomology
Required CredentialsBotany degree, forensic certificationEntomology degree, forensic certification
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, laboratories, outdoor scenesCrime scenes, laboratories, outdoor scenes
Industry UsageCrime scene analysis, evidence collectionCrime scene analysis, evidence collection
Common Search/ComparisonUnderstanding plant evidence in crimesAnalyzing insect evidence in crimes

Both forensic botany and forensic entomology involve analyzing biological evidence at crime scenes. Forensic botany focuses on plant materials like pollen, seeds, and plant fragments, while forensic entomology studies insects to estimate time of death. Each requires specialized knowledge and certifications, and both are vital in crime scene investigations involving biological evidence.

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What cities are hiring for Forensic Botany jobs?

Cities with the most Forensic Botany job openings:

What states have the most Forensic Botany jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Botany jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Botany jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Botany jobs are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Botany job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty, Department of Biological Sciences

Kean University

Toms River, NJ

$2.2K/wk

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach in-person undergraduate biology courses at multiple campuses, including courses in Botany, Zoology, and Forensic Science.

  • Provide availability outside of classroom hours for student support, with specific time commitments based on the number of credits taught.

  • Maintain proficiency in a Learning Management System and adhere to university guidelines for teaching and availability.


Job description

External Applicant Instructions

  • Please upload your resume/CV for automatic population of information to your Kean application.
  • Your contact information, work experience and education will be automatically filled in. Please review all fields - you will need to verify that the data is accurate.
  • In the "My Experience" section, you will find a resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and any other supporting documents you may wish to submit.

The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Department of Biological Sciences

Adjunct Faculty

Kean Universityin Union, New Jersey has grown intoa comprehensive, global institution of higher education serving adiverse enrollment of nearly 19,0000 students worldwide. Kean creates a world-class, innovative and inclusive society through equity and excellence in teaching, learning, global research and impactful public engagement.

Kean, a proud R2 Research University, continues its legacy as a top producer of teachers in New Jersey and is a growing educational hub in the fields of business, health care and technology. Its six colleges - the College of Business and Public Management;the College of Education; the College of Liberal Arts; the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology; Michael Graves College;and the College of Health Professions and Human Services - offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. Kean also offers six doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options for graduate study leading to master's degrees, professional diplomas or certifications.

The University is also a higher education innovator within the State of New Jersey, partnering with Ocean County College, in Toms River, New Jersey and Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft, New Jersey, to provide access for students to earn a bachelor's degree from Kean. TheKean Skylands campus, located in Jefferson Township, New Jersey, is designedto serve as an outdoor living laboratory for field-based scientific study and other classroom and field instruction.

In October 2025, Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) signed a definitive agreement advancing a merger between the two state universities. The merger will position Kean as a statewide anchor institution andstrengthens our ability to serve New Jersey's diverse student population and uplift communities through education. The merger is currently progressing through the appropriate levels of approval, with a goal to complete this process by July 1, 2026.

We are excited to invite Adjunct applications for upcoming semesters. Please note that Adjunct faculty positions at Kean University are filled on an as-needed basis. Qualified candidates may be contacted if, and when, there is an available opening or possible future opening.

Biological Sciences - to teach in-person courses across a broad range of biology offerings at the undergraduate level at the Union, Jersey City and Kean Ocean Campus. Forensic scientists as well as law enforcement personnel with experience in forensics are encouraged to apply for our undergraduate degree in Forensic Science course offerings at the Union campus. Biology courses at the Jersey City campus include, but are not limited to, Botany and Zoology. Upper-level undergraduate courses are offered at Kean Ocean Campus. Courses at any campus may include a lab component.

All adjunct positions are non-tenure track. They require a master's degree in a related field and teaching experience unless otherwise indicated; candidates with an ABD, Ed.D., Ph.D. or other acceptable disciplinary doctorate are encouraged to apply. Proficiency in a Learning Management System is required, consistent with University guidelines.

Adjunct faculty teaching one three (3) or four (4) credit class shall provide at least one (1) hour of availability outside of the classroom per week for the duration of each semester/session taught by the adjunct faculty member. An additional thirty (30) minutes of availability shall be provided for each additional class taught during the semester/session. Availability may be in person or virtual and shall be scheduled by the adjunct faculty member, taking into account student needs. Adjunct faculty teaching fewer than three (3) credits shall provide at least thirty (30) minutes of availability outside of the classroom per week for the duration of each semester/session taught by the adjunct faculty member. Regardless of the number of credits an Adjunct faculty member is teaching, they may, at their discretion, provide additional office hours beyond the amounts required.

Kean University Adjuncts are paid in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement:

Effective September 2025, the rate of pay is: $2,100 per credit.

Effective September 2026, the rate of pay is: $2,225 per credit.

Beginning in their 13th semester taught, Adjuncts receive an additional $75 per credit.

Adjuncts are enrolled in a state administered retirement plan, when eligible, and may be eligible to enroll in the Part-Time State Health Benefits Program for medical and prescription drug coverage. Please visit this link for more information: Health Coverage for Adjuncts.

Please submit a cover letter (indicating availability for days, evenings or weekends and preferred campus location), resume and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and be on-going. Official transcripts are required before appointment.

Attention current Kean University employees (including part-time Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Academic Specialists and Adjuncts): Please apply via the internal career site to ensure consideration as an internal candidate. To apply internally, please log into your Workday account and select the Career icon on your homepage to view available positions.

Additional Information

Employment at Kean requires working at any of our New Jersey campus locations or affiliated work sites, which may include, but not be limited to: the main campus in Union; Kean Ocean in Toms River; Kean Skylands in Jefferson Township; Kean Jersey City; Kean at Brookdale in Middletown Township; Manahawkin; Princeton; and Trenton. Location assignments will be based on operational and university needs. Faculty may also be assigned to teach online classes for Kean Global.

Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act(Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of ourReasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures.

Kean University participates in E-Verify. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here:E-Verify.

Mission Statement

Kean University, New Jersey's first Urban Research University, creates a world-class, innovative and inclusive society through equity and excellence in teaching, learning, global research, and impactful public engagement.

EEO/AA Statement

Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer