Question for NJ Breeders

[SpartaDog]

My school requires that in my senior year, I participate in an externship. I also could use a little pocket money XD I figured since herpetology is the main branch of science I'm interested in, it'd be a good place to start. I tried emailing a few local herp keepers for a job over the summer, but I haven't gotten a response yet.

So uh, I guess I'll just post what I emailed to those people:

I am 17 (18 this coming December) and just got into the reptile hobby about 2 years ago. It started out as just a pet, but before I knew it I was hooked. I've got a leopard gecko, a ball python, and a juvenile BCI at the moment, with plans for more. I've become so passionate about reptiles that I find myself reading about them in my spare time, drawing and painting them, and I am positive that I want to breed in the future.

The reason I am contacting you is that I have a feeling it will be hard to get started down that path without some help. I would be forever grateful if I could help in your facility. I am willing to clean cages and other areas, feed animals, take records/inventory, and move males around for breeding. I would also love to tag along on educational programs, as I've always wanted to do that myself (I came close this summer, but plans fell through). If you don't want me to handle some of the animals, I am perfectly fine with speaking while another staff member handles them. My teachers have told me on several occasions that I am very skilled at public speaking.

I am aware of the work that goes into keeping reptiles and a general knowledge of many species' specific requirements. My specialty lies with snakes, specifically pythons, boas, and the more common colubrid species (king snakes, corn snakes, rat snakes, etc), and I do not know many specifics on lizards, chelonians, and other animals, but I am willing and eager to learn. Additionally, I attend the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science in Stafford Township, so I have a firm background in biology, ecology, and research, and a slightly more than basic understanding of genetics.

As supportive as my parents are in regards to my passion for keeping reptiles, they are unwilling to allow any more, for the time being. Therefore, it goes without saying that getting experience working with a wider variety of species is impossible without working with someone else's collection. I would also like to expand my understanding of herpetocultural technology, especially rack systems and heating equipment, as well as the breeding process for both colubrids and constrictors.

Pay would be appreciated, however low, but I would be more than willing to volunteer if need be.

I live in Manahawkin, so I will need to work out transportation with my parents until I get my own license, but I don't think this should be an issue at all.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.

- - - - -

So now that I've gotten that out of the way, are any of you Joisey folks willing to help a girl out, or point me in the direction of someone who is?

Thanks in advance!

[SpartaDog]

I am 17 (18 this coming December)

I should probably mention that I am willing to either wait or do secretarial/cleaning duties until I turn 18.