Snake milkers, or venom extractors, safely handle venomous snakes to collect their venom for research or anti-venom production. They also ensure that the snakes are properly cared for.
Snake milkers typically work in research institutions or venom extraction facilities, often involving long and irregular hours handling snakes and performing venom extraction, depending on the needs of the facility or research projects.
Exciting Parts of the Job
Feeling fulfilled by the potential to help people avoid suffering through venom extraction and anti-venom production
Contributing to research and advancements in venom properties and anti-venom development
Educating others about snakes and venom
Challenging Parts of the Job
Working in a high-risk environment and managing potential accidents or bites
Dealing with the difficult and emotional aspects of reviewing cases involving deaths from snake bites
Handling legal issues and court cases related to snake bites
Ensuring strict safety protocols are followed to protect oneself and others while handling venomous snakes
Education requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in biology or zoology along with specialized training in handling venomous snakes and extracting venom is typically required.
This is perfect for you if:
You have a strong interest in snakes and other venomous reptiles
You have a high level of patience
You are comfortable working with dangerous animals
You have a passion for scientific research
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Jim Harrison to learn more about being a snake milker here!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Work hours vary which may be irregular and demanding, often including long hours, weekends, holidays, and responding to emergency calls.
Setting:
Typically in research institutions, venom extraction facilities, zoos, aquariums, and, in some cases, hospitals to assist with anti-venom development or treatment.
Tasks:
Handling and safely extracting venom from snakes, maintaining and cleaning enclosures, recording data on venom collection, working with researchers, and ensuring the health and well-being of the snakes.
Topics:
Composition and effects of snake venom, advancements in safety protocols, and innovations in anti-venom production.
Skills:
Snake milkers are proficient in venom extraction, snake handling, data recording, and lab techniques to efficiently and safely manage the collection and analysis of venom.
Tools:
Specialized tools like snake handling hooks, venom collection containers, a lyophilizer (a machine for freeze-drying venom to preserve it), scales, and other laboratory equipment such as microscopes and centrifuges.
Common Characteristics
Natural Talents (strengths):
Snake milkers naturally excel in hand-eye coordination for safely handling snakes and extracting venom. They are also skilled at maintaining focus, staying calm under pressure, and solving problems quickly.
Interests:
Hands-on work with animals and in physical environments, learning about venomous snakes, and following established protocols for safety and research.
Personality:
Snake milkers typically have realistic, investigative, and conventional personality types. They are practical, naturally curious and analytical, and structured and organized.
Values:
Safety, scientific discoveries, accuracy in venom extraction and data recording, ethical practices in animal care, and maintaining a high level of expertise in their field.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a Snake Milker
Education requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is typically required. In addition to this, aspiring snake milkers need specialized training in handling venomous snakes and venom extraction techniques. Advanced certifications in animal handling, laboratory safety, and venom research can be highly beneficial.
Preferred majors:
Pursuing majors in biology, zoology, herpetology, toxicology, wildlife biology, or a related field can be helpful.
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Animal Behaviorist
Antivenom Production Specialist
Field Researcher
Herpetologist
Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
Toxicologist
Veterinary Technician (Exotic Animals)
Venom Biochemist
Advice from Jim
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Pay close attention to the job and avoid letting ego interfere. The work involves remaining focused and acknowledging that mistakes can happen — adopting this attitude can help you gain more job prospects.
Fastest way to get your foot in the door:
Pursue a relevant college degree in fields such as toxicology, chemistry, or a related area. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships is also crucial. Continuing education, such as obtaining a PhD, can further enhance your expertise and job prospects in the field.
Recommended resources:
Jim recommends joining rattlesnake conservation organizations for hands-on training with venomous snakes and consulting the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX) for the latest research.
What Jim would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:
“It’s going to hurt, and there are a few things unrelated to the profession that I would change, but nothing about the profession itself. I decided to continue just for fun, and with this work, I’m at least giving something back to humanity.”
