Firefighter/Paramedic & Snake Educator

Brett Parker is a full time Firefighter/Paramedic currently serving in the role of Captain for Canyon Lake Fire/EMS. He also runs a part-time business called Hill Country Snake Removal that he started almost 8 years ago. He not only inspects for, captures, and relocates snakes; what he enjoys the most about his work is teaching people about snakes and their benefit to the environment.

As one of this month’s STEM Heroes, Brett kindly answered a few questions about STEM careers — its relevance to his work, what inspired him, and more. Check them out below!

How do you use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in your career?

I use STEM in my career as a snake handler and educator by understanding the science behind each in particular animal and knowing their habitat, capabilities, needs, and toxicity.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love watching people overcome their fear of anything, but it’s a lot of fun watching people overcome their fear of snakes.

What got you interested in your career? How did you get started?

Watching my grandma kill a garter snake with a hoe when I was 5-years-old. I asked her "why" and she said "the only good snake is a dead snake", therefore every time I went to visit grandma thereafter, I looked for and caught every snake I could around her house and took them away from grandma. There aren't many animals you can just go catch as a kid and the adrenaline of taking control of something that can be potentially dangerous is exciting. Word gets out everywhere I go and people began to call for advice, or a removal, or just wanting to be educated.

What snake is most likely to bite you?

The one you mess with!

Inspiring kids from all backgrounds to develop a lifelong love for STEM is the heart of what we do at the Science Mill. We invite you to more about our interactive exhibits and STEM programs like Field Trips, Homeschool Days, and Labs on the Go today!