A Botanicals Specialist is an expert in the study, use, and management of plants, especially those utilized for medicinal, cosmetic, or culinary purposes. These specialists typically work in industries related to natural products, such as skincare, herbal medicine, and food manufacturing. Their role involves researching, identifying, and sourcing plant-based ingredients while ensuring the sustainability and safety of these botanicals. They may also collaborate with product development teams to create new formulations and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Botanicals Specialists often work in laboratories, research facilities, or offices, conducting studies and experiments to understand the properties of different plants. Depending on their specific role, they may also work outdoors, particularly when sourcing plants or visiting suppliers. Travel is sometimes required to meet with growers, attend conferences, or inspect natural sources of botanicals. Work can be both physically demanding, when in the field, and intellectually challenging, when conducting research or testing.
A Botanicals Specialist typically holds a degree in botany, plant science, pharmacognosy, or a related field, with advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) being common in research-intensive roles. Experience in plant research, natural product development, or phytochemistry is highly valued. Additional training in areas such as sustainable sourcing, regulatory compliance, or product development may be required depending on the industry. Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a deep understanding of plant biology and chemistry. Experience working with regulatory agencies or standards in the use of botanicals can also be a key qualification for this role.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Botanicals specialist is a Skill level 4 occupation.
These skills are necessary for the role of botanicals specialist.
Create beverage recipes with botanicals: Creates recipes for beverages using the findings obtained from research in using botanicals, combinations, and potential usage for manufacturing commercial products.
Perform sensory evaluation: Evaluate the quality of a given type of food or beverage based on its appearance, smell, taste, aroma, and others. Suggest possible improvements and comparisons with other products.
Apply HACCP: Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
Analyse samples of food and beverages: Examine if food or beverages are safe for human consumption. Verify the right levels of key ingredients and the correctness of the label declarations and the levels of nutrients present. Ensure samples of food and beverages comply to specific standards or procedures.
Apply GMP: Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Examine production samples: Examine production samples visually or manually to verify properties such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, humidity and texture.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of botanicals specialist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Effects of pesticides in food raw materials: Different types of pesticides used for food raw materials to control proper use of those substances preserving the main characteristics of products.
Ingredient threats: Ingredients and potential risks that could damage humans, the flora and the fauna. Functions in ingredient formulas.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of botanicals specialist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Write routine reports: Compose routine reports; identify appropriate forms or documents to record data from manual inspections and/or electronic systems. Write clear observations as required. A written report is usually a summary of readings from the routine performance of the reticulation system.
Analyse work-related written reports: Read and comprehend job-related reports, analyse the content of reports and apply findings to daily work operations.
