Botanists are scientists who study the properties, usage, management, or cultivation of plants. They may work to identify and monitor the population and health of rare plants. Some also specialize in plant breeding and seed modification to improve agriculture yields. Others work to understand the molecular composition and medicinal effects of plants. 

Plant Ecologists are botanists who study the relationship a plant may have with the soil, surrounding plants, and animals. They may work to improve the ecosystem through invasive species management, and erosion control efforts. 

Some botanists work in the field collecting data, while others may work in labs conducting experiments, or a classroom teaching students. Job duties can vary greatly from developing hardier strains of plants to using computer models and developing land-use plans.