I'm currently in that situation- just a few years ahead of you.

I wanted to major in herpetology but found that it VERY much limits what I can do.
I just switched to a general zoology degree and I can take the classes available for herpetology but to my knowledge in my state none of our universities offer a straight major in herps.

Our city zoo requires an associates in biology or zoology and 2 years experience to work with the reptiles-- wages are 16-19 per hour. overtime, weekends, holidays, etc required. And the list of job-hazards is half a page-- "animal bites, snake bites, poisonous plants, dead and ill animal contact blah blah blah"-- none of the hazards really concern me.

Just a little info that pertains to how things are here in Oklahoma. -- You can contact your zoo and ask what their requirements are-- ask for the herp department and tell them your situation-- I'm sure they get the calls all the time and they can tell you exactly what you would need to work there- and if there is someone there thats been "doing it a while" they can tell you what other job possibilites are.
Another place I got some answers was by sending an email to the local herp club and to the herp club in another big city that I'm a member of (other city is 2 hours away- so I don't attend meetings but talk thru emails).

Good luck

~Beth
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Until there are none, Rescue One! Get ready to welcome the new and improved Oklahoma Animal Rescue Group -- Just a few weeks away from getting our 501c3 status!!!!!

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