Botanist in Mumbai | Making the Difference

aikyam; Mumbai; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Making the Difference (MTD) in Mumbai is seeking a Botanist to lead urban afforestation projects from soil assessment to species selection using the Miyawaki method. You will work with volunteers and partners to plant native species and guide field operations.

You will study soil, arrange saplings, monitor forest growth, and prepare technical reports while engaging the community in restoration efforts across India.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Botany or related field.
• Strong knowledge of soil basics, plant health, pests and biodiversity.
• Willingness to travel and work outdoors across India.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban afforestation projects from start to finish.
• Assess soil, climate, and site conditions; select native species.
• Coordinate with nurseries and procurement of healthy saplings.
• Monitor growth, pests, and disease; prepare weekly reports.

Skills

Soil science

Field work

Documentation

Interpersonal skills

Education

BSc in Botany

MSc in Botany/Horticulture

Job description

Botanist in Mumbai | Making the Difference

Making the Difference (MTD)

Making the Difference is an Indian nonprofit working to bring back green cover in cities and towns across the country. The organisation plants dense native forests on small patches of urban land using the Miyawaki method, so that land which was once bare can hold soil, water, birds and insects again. Its work brings together local residents, volunteers and corporate partners, so that a forest is cared for by the people who live around it. Every site is chosen, planted and watched over the long term rather than planted once and forgotten. This role sits within Making the Difference's afforestation team, which plans, plants and monitors urban forest sites across India.

Role

As Botanist, you will lead urban afforestation projects from start to finish. You will study the soil and site conditions, choose the right native species, arrange healthy saplings from nurseries, and watch how the young forest grows over time. You will also spend time in the field with volunteers and partners, helping them understand what they are planting and why it matters.

Responsibilities

• Conduct soil, climate and site assessments and surveys.
• Prepare plantation plans, species selection and technical reports adhering to Miyawaki standards.
• Manage vendor negotiations and coordinate with nurseries for procurement of healthy native saplings.
• Monitor plant growth and maintenance schedules, track pest and disease issues, and prepare weekly reports with documentation.
• Facilitate community engagement and guide volunteers or corporate partners during afforestation activities.

Requirements

• B.Sc./M.Sc. in Botany, Agriculture/Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Environmental Science, Forestry, Biodiversity or a related field.
• 5 years of relevant experience in botany, afforestation, urban forestry, ecological restoration, biodiversity, nursery management or environmental projects for candidates with a Bachelor's degree, or 2 to 3 years for candidates with a Master's degree.
• Prior work or practical knowledge of the Miyawaki method is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of plant health, soil science, pests and diseases, species selection and biodiversity conservation.
• Ability to manage field operations independently, with good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good documentation, analytical and reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel and work outdoors at project sites across India.
• Opportunity to lead high-impact urban afforestation projects across India.
• Hands-on experience applying the Miyawaki method at scale.
• Exposure to community engagement and corporate partnership work in environmental restoration.
• Competitive salary based on experience and skills.