Have you tried volunteering at any local wildlife centers where they deal with nonreleasable wildlife? Or wildlife rescues? Some nature-oriented parks - for hiking, kayaking, etc. - may have reptile exhibits as part of a permanent collection, and could need help maintaining them. Talk to local park rangers in the state parks, they may have them or may know places that do. Also, local reptile shops take in volunteers many times.

My sister dealt with snakes when she volunteered at the local museum's wildlife center, and I'm in the process of signing up with a Florida organization that deals with the Eastern indigo snake - among other species - that could have me working with researchers.