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Snake Handling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Snake handling Birds * Bald eagle * Coastal California gnatcatcher (active USFWS Region 8 10(a)(1)(A) Recovery Permit) * Golden eagle * Least Bell's vireo * Light‐footed Ridgway's rail

Snake handling Birds * Bald eagle * Coastal California gnatcatcher (active USFWS Region 8 10(a)(1)(A) Recovery Permit) * Golden eagle * Least Bell's vireo * Light‐footed Ridgway's rail

Knowledge of animal care and handling principles and practices. * Knowledge of common animal and ... Utilizes animal restraint equipment including restraint pole, snake pole, snake tongs, flexible ...

... animal handling policies. Come MEAT Us! Join the Agri Beef team, where our talented people are the foundation of our success. We produce world-renowned Snake River Farms and Double R Ranch beef ...

A grain operations worker manages the handling, storage, and movement of agricultural commodities ... We produce world-renowned Snake River Farms and Double R Ranch beef, which top chefs around the ...

... animal handling policies. Come MEAT Us! Join the Agri Beef team, where our talented people are the foundation of our success. We produce world-renowned Snake River Farms and Double R Ranch beef ...

... handling policies. Come MEAT Us! Join the Agri Beef team, where our talented people are the foundation of our success. We produce world-renowned Snake River Farms and Double R Ranch beef, which are ...

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Snake Handling information

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$10

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How much do snake handling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for snake handling in the United States is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is snake handling?

Snake handling is a specialized occupation that involves safely capturing, relocating, caring for, or studying snakes. People in this role may work in wildlife management, pest control, research, zoos, or as educators. Their responsibilities can include removing snakes from inhabited areas, conducting field surveys, or providing public demonstrations and safety training. Proper knowledge of snake behavior, species identification, and handling techniques is essential to ensure both human and animal safety.

What are some common safety protocols snake handlers follow when working with venomous species?

Snake handlers working with venomous species adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize risk. This often includes using specialized tools like hooks and tongs, wearing protective gloves and boots, and always working with a partner or under supervision. Regular training on emergency procedures, such as treating bites and having antivenom on hand, is standard practice. Additionally, handlers must ensure enclosures are secure and clearly labeled, and maintain meticulous records of each animal's behavior and health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a snake handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Snake Handler, you need extensive knowledge of herpetology, animal behavior, and proper handling techniques, often backed by specialized training or certifications in wildlife management. Familiarity with tools such as snake hooks, tongs, secure containers, and protective equipment is crucial for safe handling and transportation. Excellent observation skills, patience, and calmness under pressure are essential soft skills for preventing accidents and ensuring animal welfare. These abilities are vital for maintaining personal safety, protecting the animals, and educating the public or supporting conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Snake Handling vs Reptile Keeper?

AspectSnake HandlingReptile Keeper
Required CertificationsHerpetology or safety training, sometimes specialized handling certificationsGeneral reptile care certifications, often less specialized
Work EnvironmentWildlife sanctuaries, snake shows, outdoor settingsZoological parks, pet stores, research facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in entertainment, education, or conservation involving snakesCare and maintenance of various reptiles, including snakes

Snake Handling and Reptile Keeper roles share overlapping skills in reptile care and safety. However, Snake Handling typically involves specialized training for working with venomous snakes in specific environments, while Reptile Keepers manage a broader range of reptiles in more controlled settings. Both roles are essential in education, conservation, and pet industries, but differ in scope and environment.

How do you become a snake handler?

To become a snake handler, individuals typically gain experience through apprenticeships or training with experienced handlers, learn about snake behavior and safety protocols, and may obtain certifications in venomous snake handling from relevant authorities. Knowledge of local laws and safety equipment is also essential for this specialized job.
More about Snake Handling jobs

What cities are hiring for Snake Handling jobs?

Cities with the most Snake Handling job openings:

What states have the most Snake Handling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Snake Handling jobs include:

Infographic showing various Snake Handling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,046 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Animal Control Officer, Animal Shelter

City of Alexandria, LA

Alexandria, LA • On-site

$31K - $38K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


City Of Alexandria (Louisiana) rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

SELECT THE TEXT MESSAGE OPTION TO RECEIVE APPLICATION UPDATES BY TEXT. After your account has been established, you can upload documents from a saved document on your computer or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.

YOU MUST UPDATE ANY NEW EMPLOYMENT HISTORY WHEN YOU APPLY FOR NEW JOBS. Description The purpose of this classification is to perform responsible work in the enforcement of animal control ordinances that cover various animals, including those that may be diseased, unlicensed, dangerous, and stray. Examples of Duties Captures unlicensed, stray, uncontrolled, sick, or injured domestic animals, livestock, or wildlife by means of traps, catch pole or other accepted means and transports them to the animal shelter.

Enforces the city's ordinances: issues warning notices to owners of domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife that are in violation; investigates and responds to complaints of cruelty to animals and violations of the animal control ordinances; works in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies; testifies in court regarding violations. Performs duties which ensure the welfare of the animals in the shelter: makes daily rounds to check animals in all areas of the shelter, ensuring satisfactory conditions, security, and proper enclosure; reports illness, deaths, or abnormal behavior or physical condition; helps to care for injured animals; administers medications prescribed by veterinarian; assists with euthanasia of shelter animals and properly disposes of remains. Handles, prepares, and/or maintains the appropriate paperwork necessary to the functions of this position: prepares impoundment or disposition tickets; assists with the completion and maintenance of records on each animal at the shelter; completes daily work records; files offense reports.

Provides customer assistance to the visiting public: shows animals for adoption; completes adoption papers; collects fees. May assist in feeding and care of animals, disinfecting kennels, and maintenance of the facility. Assists the supervisor in preparing and conducting educational programs for the public regarding animal control, to generate interest and support.

Operates a personal computer as well as other office equipment; two-way radio, hand tools, animal capture equipment such as traps, snares, catch pole, and snake handling equipment. Typical Qualifications High School diploma or GED; supplemented by three (3) years of experience in capturing, handling, and caring for animals and work involving a moderate degree of interaction with the public; or any combination of education and experience which provides the skills and abilities requisite for this position. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Must complete the basic animal control training course within one year and maintain throughout employment. May be required to obtain the state of Louisiana certified animal euthanasia technician certification. Will be required to obtain and maintain required trainings and certifications as necessary by regulatory agencies.

Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver's license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification. The City of Alexandria is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, or disability.


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