Venom Milker Career Profile
- Name - Venom Milker
- Category - Health / Business
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic School Subjects - Biology, Business Studies, Mathematics
- Minimum Required Education - Bachelor's Degree
- Species Worked With - Reptiles, Arachnids
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Direct
Do you want to work as a venom milker?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for your career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTOR
UPDATED:
6 August 2024
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What is a venom milker?
A venom milker is a specialist who is able to extract venom from animalss such as snakes, spiders and scorpions for the purpose of creating anti-venom or for medical research.
Alternative Names
Alternative names for a venom milker include:
- Venom Extractor
- Venom Harvester
- Venom Specialist
- Venom Collection Technician
These terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, though they may also reflect specific roles or specialisations within the field of venom extraction and research.
The person who studies the venom and turns it into antivenom is called a Venom Researcher, discussed on it’s own Profile Page.
Career Categories
The Venom Milker career can be found within the following OZT career categories:
- Health
- Business
Antivenom History?
First antivenom was produced by Albert Calmette in 1895 against cobra bites
Animals used?
Venom and poison can be harvested from animals such as bees, snakes, spiders and even the blue-ringed octopus and platypus
What does a Venom Milker do?
Groups of animals a Venom Milker works with
A venom milker can work with a variety of Venomous animals, including:
Reptiles
Snakes:
- Cobras
- Vipers
- Rattlesnakes
- Coral snakes
- Mambas
Lizards:
- Gila monsters
- Beaded lizards
Arachnids
Spiders:
- Tarantulas
- Black widows
- Brown recluses
- Funnel-web spiders
Scorpions:
- Deathstalker scorpions
- Emperor scorpions
- Bark scorpions
Insects
Bees:
- Honey bees
- Bumblebees
Wasps and Hornets:
- Yellow jackets
- Paper wasps
- Asian giant hornets
Ants:
- Bullet ants
- Fire ants
Marine Animals
Jellyfish:
- Box jellyfish
- Portuguese man o’ war
Cone Snails:
- Various species of cone snails
Fish:
- Stonefish
- Lionfish
- Stingrays
Amphibians
Frogs and Toads:
- Poison dart frogs
- Cane toads
Mammals
Monotremes:
- Platypus (male platypus have venomous spurs)
These animals are studied and their venom is collected for various purposes, including medical research, pharmaceutical development, and the production of antivenoms.
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
With who does a Venom Milker work?
Besides working with all of the animals, Venom Milkers will need to interact with other people while doing their daily tasks. The people might include fellow staff members or the public.
Fellow staff might include:
- Supervisors/Managers
- Operational staff, such as Human Resources, Finance and Maintenance
- Scientists
What does a Venom Milker focus on?
The primary focus of venom milker is to use special skills to extract the venom from either snakes or spiders so that venom researchers can further work with the venom.
What are the daily tasks of a Venom Milker?
- Discuss brief with clients
- Research specific spiders or snakes
- Manipulate animal to allow it to be in position to be milked
- Document research findings
- Freezing venom
- Work with Venom Researchers
- Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Administration and filing
The work Environment of a Venom Milker
Where does a Venom Milker work?
Environment –
Venom milkers work mostly indoors in specialized laboratories.
Places of Employment –
They may be employed by government, medical research institutions, academia or antivenom producing companies, zoos and serpentariums. They may also start their own milking or harvesting business.
What is the average annual salary of a Venom Milker?
On average the income per year is around $40,000. This will differ from country to country.
Can a Venom Milker be promoted?
The primary focus of venom milker is to use special skills to extract the venom from either snakes or spiders so that venom researchers can further work with the venom.
What kind of difficulties may a Venom Milker face?
The most difficult part of this career is handling potentially lethal species of which a single bite can cause death. They may also work exceptionally long hours.
Future growth and Possibilities
The industry is difficult to penetrate, but there is a very high level of growth in the private sector to supply the large demand in especially snake antivenom.
Which Skills are required by a Venom Milker?
The skills required for a career as a venom milker can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Excellent research skills
- Basic customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to prepare for this career?
Biology will be extremely important as a subject to help you understand the basics of working with certain animals
Business Studies will definitely help if you are looking at starting your own milking business
Mathematics is required for scientific studies, especially where analysis and data extrapolation is done
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become a Venom Milker?
Minimum Educational Requirements
The minimum educational requirement to become a venom milker is a Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific field.
Study Focus
Major –
Most milkers focus on studies towards biology, Herpetology, toxicology or zoology.
Short Courses –
Courses in learning more about the toxicity of individual animal species and the extraction of their venom or poison for medicinal use.
Study Duration
The duration of a Bachelor’s Degrees can be up to 3 or 4 years. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Preparation Path
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions
Learn about the role of a venom milker and related careers. Attend career days, guidance counsellor meetings, or workshops focused on biology, zoology, and related fields.
2. Research All Possible Careers
Understand the broader field of toxinology and other related professions. Investigate careers in herpetology, Arachnology, toxicology, and wildlife conservation. Identify roles that involve working with venomous animals.
3. Explore Educational Paths
Determine the necessary educational steps to become a venom milker. Research degree programmes in biology, zoology, herpetology, or toxicology. Consider the types of certifications or advanced degrees that might be needed.
4. Align High School Subjects with Educational Path
Build a strong academic foundation. Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Mathematics. Participate in advanced placement (AP) or honours courses, if available.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Complete the necessary educational milestone. Ensure successful graduation with a strong academic record, particularly in science-related subjects.
6. Learn About the Animals You’ll Work With
Gain specific knowledge of venomous animals. Study books, documentaries, and online resources about venomous reptiles, arachnids, insects, and marine animals. Visit zoos, wildlife centres, or museums to see these animals firsthand.
7. Align Post-School Path
Choose between entering a career directly, further study, or entrepreneurship. Consider whether to pursue a job immediately after high school, enrol in a college or university, or start a business related to venom extraction or animal care.
8. Gain Experience Through Volunteering, Internship, Mentorship
Build practical experience and industry connections. Volunteer at zoos, wildlife centres, or with conservation organisations. Seek internships or mentorships with professionals in toxinology or related fields.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities
Develop a well-rounded skill set and network. Join science clubs, participate in biology competitions, or take part in wildlife conservation projects. Engage in activities that build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
10. Join Professional Associations
Access resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Consider joining organisations like the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR), the American Arachnological Society, or the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH).
11. Gain Specialised Skills
Develop the specific skills required for venom extraction. Learn safe animal handling techniques, first aid for venomous bites and stings, and venom extraction procedures. Consider taking workshops or short courses in these areas.
12. Network with Professionals
Build relationships that can lead to career opportunities. Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to herpetology, arachnology, and toxinology. Connect with professionals through social media platforms like LinkedIn.
13. Enter the Job Market, Finish Tertiary Studies, or Launch a Business
Begin your career as a venom milker. Apply for entry-level positions in zoos, research institutions, or pharmaceutical companies. Alternatively, complete your degree and pursue advanced roles or consider starting a business in venom extraction or animal care.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
Keep up with advancements in the field and continue professional development. Attend workshops, seminars, and courses to stay informed about new research, techniques, and industry standards. Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications as needed.
This path provides a structured approach for high school students to prepare for a career as a venom milker. It emphasises a balance of academic preparation, practical experience, networking, and continuous learning to ensure a successful and fulfilling career in this specialised field.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the skills you will need as a scientist will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the university as well as the place of employment, after you have successfully applied for a new job.
Join the Venom Milkers Group in the OZT Community to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of education of all the people who enter the career
Licenses, Certificate, Registration and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
Although not required by law, certifications may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills.
Learn more about requirements by joining OZT
Professional Associations
None added yet
Where can I study further?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards biology and herpetology.
OR
Join the OZT community & Career Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming a venom milker.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
If you have decided on being a Venom Milker, please click on the JOIN GROUP button. Members will be directed to the Group, while non-members will be assisted to register first.
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How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
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STUDY GUIDE
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But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
