Herpetology jobs?

Question

I'm looking for a job doing something related to herpitology in south eastern MA (not cape cod). I'm only 15 and ofcourse have no degree or anything in herpetology but i'm contantly writing about snakes and i have logs where i write what snakes i catch, describe them, their location, and weather and other stuff. i also study turtles and frogs sometimes. is there a chance that i can get a job (even if its lowest wages) in south eastern MA?

Answer 1

At your age and with no degree your options are really limited. However what you want to do is work to build a good base so that when you are old enough and have a degree you can get whatever job you wanted herp related.

Jobs you will want to look into (of course this is over the next few years and when you are old enough)... try your local state parks, fish and wildlife/game, seasonal zoo work, wildlife rescue center, etc. Some might suggest working at a local pet store, that is not bad, just make sure it is not the type that uses puppy mills.

You are young and plenty of time to build a good base, take what you can as long as it is semi-related.

Your best bet to start is talk to your local fish and wildlife/game and zoos. They will be able to give you a good direction to take things in as well as suggesting good colleges and or courses to take to get you to your dream.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You will need at least a degree in even basic Biology or Environmental Science for starters in order to be able to do this professionally. You can volunteer at any of the state parks in southeastern MA (just do a search on the state parks as well as the state division of fish and game), the National Seashore, or get a job at the local pet stores that sell snakes to get experience, or volunteer with animal rescue groups like the Nature Conservancy. Some veterinarians also treat snakes and will advertise that specialty. They can also refer you to animal rehabilitators that may also take care of snakes.

For your future in herpetology, there are jobs available in the federal level with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries, and their counterparts in the state level. There are also always jobs at the zoos.

There are a lot of opportunities for people who love the creapy crawlies (me, I'm a mammalian biologist, but one of my closest colleagues spent his honeymoon collecting snakes in the midwest). You can earn a decent living doing something you love.

We should all be so lucky.

Answer 3

Sorry, it's not a paying job but you might find out if local park areas have intern positions where you can work with the herpes. It's great experience for someone your age and looks great on a resume when you're going for a real job later in life. As to a future, i'd recommend some type of biology degree at least so that you're marketable in the field.

Answer 4

This started already (and it is Cape Cod), but it's the closest thing I could find. You could email the guy and see if he has any buddies doing research in the area that want summer help.

Details of Job No. 10332
Printer Friendly Version
Email this listing
Job Number: 10332 (Classification: Temporary/Seasonal Positions)
Title: Amphibian radio-telemetry technician
Agency: University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore
Job Description: Looking for a part-time (30 hrs/wk) volunteer research technician to assist in a project studying the ecology and conservation of Eastern spadefoot toads (Scaphiopus holbrookii) at Cape Cod National Seashore. Job responsibilities will include: 1) Assisting with surgical implantation of radio-transmitters in adult spadefoot toads (5%); 2) Daily tracking of individual toads following release (including collecting habitat data at all tracked locations) (75%); 3) Nocturnal radio-telemetry of selected individuals (20%)
Qualifications: B.S. and experience in biological sciences or natural resources conservation preferred, but not required. Driver's license and personal vehicle required, but work doesn't require use of vehicle. Individual must be enthusiastic, willing to work long and sometimes irregular hours in demanding and strenuous field conditions (including mosquitoes, hot days, cool and rainy nights, more mosquitoes) and be in good physical condition. Previous telemetry experience is highly preferred, but not necessarily required. Individual should be detail-oriented and willing to take responsibility for consistent and accurate data collection. The ability to work well with others as well as independently is a must. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in a temporary but intensive learning fieldwork experience and/or considering graduate work with amphibians.

The position will start May 10th and last thru August 31st.

If interested, please send a resume to: [e-mail]
Salary: Volunteer (free housing provided)
Last Date to apply: August 31, 2007
Contact: Brad Timm
E-mail: [e-mail](Preferred)

Answer 5

In addition to zoos, contact universities. You should learn about education needed and jobs available (and what they pay). By the way, I don't think you are goofy

Answer 6

That is VERY IMPRESSIVE, but there's slim chance you're able to get a job as a herpetologist for most like them to be very experienced and has a degree sorry.

Answer 7

I only read your question to find out herpetology was...sorry!