Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking into the care of preferably venomous snakes (pit-vipers) at the zoo level where as I would maintain a zoo's collection. I hate working with the general public so I want to spend all my time caring for reptiles. I have been researching this and I have found many outdated sources on how to become a herpetologist. I don't have access to much money for schooling (distance learning is acceptable). Does anyone know of where I could start a career in the caring of venomous reptiles? I would love to work for a breeder or a museum or a zoo. I'm a member of the AHA (Arizona Herpetological Association) and I also field collect animals (just pairs or gravid females) and reproduce them and reintroduce the babies into the wild. I have experience, its just I don't have that piece of paper that says I know what I'm doing yet. Please if anyone knows of where to start or even if someone is looking for help, I would relocate to anywhere in the United States, if I can afford it with the work I would do (I'm not looking for fast money either; $8.00 an hour or better would be great!)

Thanks in advance!
Dustin

I hate to say this but . . . volunteering in a zoo or other facility is probably the best way to learn what you want to know. Unfortunately, most zoos don't pay you to learn. (you'd like have to work nights elsewhere or something) Other than that, do an online search for colleges that offer courses in Herpetology.

Since I've replied to this question before, i guess my answer isn't what you want to hear . . . sorry. Hopefully someone else has a different idea and will share it!
e

No no, I really appreciate your answers. They are exactly what I've been looking for. It's just there are so many ways to go in the field. It could mean working in the lab, field collecting, working at a university, state agency or just caring for the animals. I'm breeding reptiles on the side; it's just I wan't another source of income doing what I like to do. I don't want to "need to sell" my animals for money. I want them to be taken care of and sold to responsible people, that is if I can let them go, they are just such amazing animals.

Thanks again for your info.
Dustin

It has been my experience that these sort of keeper jobs are infrequently offered, and when you do find one, there will be no way of escaping the public. Zoos are designed for the public. So, it is my opinion that skills in public speaking are just as important as your skills in caring and breeding reptiles/amphibians.
Alot of zoos will place most or all of the collection under your responsibility, with little pay. For instance, I just applied for a job that paysless than 8 an hour, and has 208 species, of tropical frogs alone! This not meant to discourage you, don't get the wrong idea. It is just a taste of the reality and commitment required to work one of these jobs.
Also, resumes can be just as powerful as degrees, in some instances, and in regards to defining whether or not you know what you're doing. If presented in a professional manner, and are appealing to the needs of the potential employer, they can accomplish the same effect.
creep

Yeah, I think that no matter how much effort and time it takes, if you want to do something, it can be accomplished. Sorry I don't have any real answers, but it sounds like you enjoy this field, so go for it and good luck!

-emroul

Yeah, I think that no matter how much effort and time it takes, if you want to do something, it can be accomplished. Sorry I don't have any real answers, but it sounds like you enjoy this field, so go for it and good luck!

-emroul

Yeah, I think that no matter how much effort and time it takes, if you want to do something, it can be accomplished. Sorry I don't have any real answers, but it sounds like you enjoy this field, so go for it and good luck!

-emroul

who has that many species of Tropical Frogs???

andrew

If you don't want to work with the public, being a zoo keeper would be difficult. However, you might explore work in the venom research field. For that you would probably have to have courses in biochemistry, biology, zoology, etc . . . I'm not quite as familiar with that end of things though.

It's good that your asking questions though . . .

e

As to working in a zoo, many people said it is not really a bad idea but if I don't enjoy working around people than that would be the wrong way to go. The venom research sound interesting. Do I have to have a PH.D in that too? That is pretty much the only drawback, too much schooling. Just to get a decent pay (about the average full time asphalt laying city worker) I have to go to 6 to 8 years of school. Hmm... I know there is not a lot of money to be made. There is not a big demand for reptiles. But, one thing I know is I am going to specialize in breeding rattlesnakes. I'm going to breed C. tigris (yes I know, and I'm going to be one of the first in the U.S. to do it) many sub-species of C. viridis (I love the cerbs) and probably do some patternless mojaves or albino patternless mojaves. It wont make a lot of money, and I dont give a rats ass. I love working with rattlesnakes, and repopulating them is my gift back to nature (I'd hate to see any rattlesnakes go extinct (yes i know, hard to do, but what about the mexican or island species with only 14 known rattlesnakes ever? or what about that mexican rattler that there is only 1 specimen?!?!) Besides that, I could just as well be a forest ranger. I just want to work with wilderness. You know, that venom thing is sounding more and more interesting.. If anyone out there knows a venom researcher or knows where a lab may be, I'd like to contact them or you. I know I will relocate to go to school, I pretty much have to. I'd also like to get into the field research side of it. You know, go out and photograph, study and all that stuff. Please, I really want my future to start now and with more and more years adding on, the time is going by soooooooooo slow...

Dustin

There are many types of careers that deal with reptiles (venomous and non-venomous), but the truth is that for the vast majority of these positions one must have at the very least a bachelors degree from an acredited institution. Most of the time a graduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.) is required to really get where you want to in Herpetology. This means that most online or distance courses are out. Herpetologists are first and foremost Biologists and Biochemists. It takes HARD work, determination and passion for what you love. A BA in Biology takes a minimum of 4 years to obtain. A Masters is usually achieved in around 6 years total and a Ph.D. can take around a decade give or take a couple of years. I am personally in the 4th year of working toward a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. It will probably take me a total of 5.5 years to complete all the course work that I want to get in as an undergrad and again about that long to get my doctoral degree in Zoology. If money is a problem apply for grants, loans and scholarships. This (along with tutoring and laboratory lacky work) is how myself and most other students afford going to a university. In the end you must be able to have experience with the biology, biochemistry, handling and/or other aspects of reptiles and amphibians that Joe Everyman does not. There are thousands of people with reptiles of all sorts caged in their basement. There are thousands of people who LOVE reptiles and think that herps are the greatest thing since sliced bread. There are thousands of people that want to be a Herpetologist. To achieve your goal you must set yourself apart from these masses. Go the distance. Get the papers. Get the experience. Get the job. Search the internet for the schools with the best Herpetology program for you. Be willing to relocate to obtain your goal. Remember, a degree is not the only thing that you need. Hands on experience is equally important.

Hope this helps.

TW