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Snake Handling Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

Snake Handling information

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 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Snake Handling jobs in Florida? For Snake Handling jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Snake Handling jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Snake Handling jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Snake Handling jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Snake Handling job openings:
Infographic showing various Snake Handling job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Conservation and Recovery Specialist (Internal Candidate)

White Oak Conservation

Yulee, FL

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Conservation and Recovery Specialist
Department: Conservation and Recovery
Reports To: Conservation and Recovery Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Effective Date: September 2025
 
 
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature.  The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property.  Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats. 
 
White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.
 
Job Summary:
The Conservation and Recovery Specialist will perform as a member of the White Oak team to achieve exceptional animal care and facility care standards in their area of focus to sustain and grow White Oak’s species recovery programs and achieve its conservation goals.  This position is focused on avian and canid recovery programs, with possible engagement with other taxa, such as amphibians.
 
Essential Duties:
o Participates in the daily care of the animals to promote a naturally enriching environment; including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, medicating, observing, and training. 
o Participates in animal restraint, incubation/hatching, animal transfers, introductions, operant conditioning, assisted-reproduction in cranes, and passerine mist-netting.
o Participates in and assists with area research projects.
o Maintains and cares for surrounding areas to ensure a natural environment and ecological health.
o Fosters department delivery of guest engagement programs featuring wildlife populations.
o Assists veterinarian staff with animal care procedures, treatments and sample collection, as directed by area supervisor.
o Keeps Florida grasshopper sparrow breeding documents up to date throughout breeding season.
o Creates hatch, nest fail and other breeding related calendar alerts to help monitor diet changes and consumption, as well as to monitor breeding behavior.
o Notifies supervisor of facility maintenance, equipment, supplies, and animal feed needs.
o Assists with minor animal care facilities maintenance including: mowing, weed eating, netting, pressure washing, dirt and substrate work, limb pick up, and minor repairs.
o Organizes, preps, and conducts controlled burns on property.
o Prepares burn plans for controlled burns conducted on property; documents action reports.
o Maintains records and reports related to wildlife.
o Collects, maintains, organizes, and assembles data and spreadsheets for accurate analysis.
o Assists Leads with program data and statistical analysis for scientific publications.
o Maintains, cleans and organizes work and break areas, food storage, food prep, vehicles and equipment.
o Conducts camera trapping operation, maintenance, and review.
o Conducts the daily care of several invertebrate prey species and collection of wild invertebrate prey species.
o Observes and ensures area safety protocol, safe vehicle and equipment operation.
o Applies herbicide application and performs other needed pest management activities.
o Assists with intern training and mentoring.
o Participates in trainings including animal husbandry and management, ZIMS record keeping, research, conservation and recovery projects, chainsaw operation, venomous snake handling, and other education projects.
 
The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
 
Education and Work Experience Requirements:  
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of one year of animal/wildlife experience.
• Species conservation or recovery program experience, preferred.
• Experience with animal husbandry practices such as feeding, cleaning, medicating, and enrichment.
• Canid experience, preferred.
 
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and record keeping.
• Ability to operate small machinery and farm equipment safely.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work outdoors, in variable conditions.
• Occasional work on holidays or weekends.
• Highly collaborative and team oriented.
• Passion for White Oak’s mission and genuine appreciation for wildlife and conservation
 
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
• Must have valid Florida or Georgia drivers’ license.
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder and work outdoors in all conditions
• Must be able to work holidays, nights and weekends when required.
 
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. 
Employment Type: FULL_TIME