Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am a senior in High school this year and as far back as I can remember I have always been interested in Reptiles and Amphibians. What careers could I pursue with herpetology and how much money can I look towards making? I am taking classes this year that should prepare me for college, but also what should I major and minor in for herpetology? Any input is much appreciated.

In college the Wildlife Biology curriculum is what you take, and major in Herpetology. Government jobs. University jobs. You'll have to do the school thing a while to figure out exactly what you want to do. I'd expect a comfortable middle class living. Not too many jobs in that field, though.
You could ask your local/state wildlife department officials about Game Warden jobs or State Biologist jobs. Once you start college you'll know if you want to go the Academic career path.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

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!!!!!

I actually just graduated in May with a degree in Wildlife Sciences, and I am now enrolled in a master's program for it (albeit studying pheasant and quail, not herps). I would highly suggest it as a major if you are interested in wildlife and the outdoors. A word of caution, many of the better paying jobs are going to require a master's, or a lot of time spent doing scut work. If you want to look at the type of positions available I would look at the Texas A&M job board for an idea of what all is out there. While herps are not traditionally a major part of a wildlife curriculum, they are becoming more important and a knowledge of them can be a big plus. There is usually about one Wildlife program per state. Good luck out there.

oh.... WAR EAGLE!
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Lee
"Go ahead bite me I dare you..... ok oww."
0.0.1 High white Cal King "Hershey"
0.0.1 Mexican Black king "Morty"
0.1.0 Ball python "Ophelia"
0.1. Spotted Python "Lala"