Jim Darlington has an unusual job: curator of reptiles at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. If you’ve ever wondered how someone becomes established in a career like that, he’s the one to ask.
Tell us about your job as curator of reptiles at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
Basically, as the reptile curator, I manage the reptile department under the guidance of our general curator.
Tell us about your background, especially as it applies to your career.
Born in West Virginia, I came to Florida on vacation in 1992 to visit some family for a couple of weeks. My mother (in Florida) really wanted me to move down here and suggested that I applied for a job at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm because: “I like that kinda stuff.”
So, on my drive back home I stopped in and filled out an application at the Alligator Farm. Mind you, that trip was actually the first time ever to visit the Alligator Farm even though I’d vacationed in Florida most of my life. I sort of just wanted to make my mom feel good that I had actually applied for a job, but wasn’t too serious about it. (I was working at a pet shop in West Virginia at the time).
Handed in my application and used a pay phone on the property to call my mom, tell her it was done and I was headed home.
Well, the reptile curator at the time had actually received my application and approached to ask me some questions before I left, and next thing you know, the zoo’s director came in. I sat through an interview and was hired! Two weeks later I was a Florida resident!
Tell us about your experience studying crocodilians and educating the public.
While working at a pet shop in West Virginia, I would visit schools, scouts, family events … whatever …. and do reptile presentations with my own reptiles from my private collection.
What do you like best about what you do?
I think I like the variety. Keepers at this small zoo are actually responsible for more than just feeding and caring for the awesome variety of animals at the zoo, but they also take care of general habitat maintenance, plants, water features and each member of the animal team participates in guest interactions and interpretive programs.
What is a typical day like for you?
Some days are often more computer/paperwork and other days are filled with providing keeper staff with assistance in every aspect of their job. Having worked here for 30-plus years I can help the reptile department with anything they might need assistance with. Most especially when, or if, it involves potentially tricky or even dangerous scenarios — feeding dangerous animals or captures and restraints involving larger, challenging individuals or settings.
What do you like best about living here?
All the water! I love to kayak and canoe, and Florida is one of the best places to be for that!
How do you like to spend your free time?
Aside from kayaking and canoeing, I spend my weekends with my wife and often one or both of our young adult daughters that live in Florida as well. I also have some reptiles at home that require my attention daily. (Mostly turtles and tortoises.)
What would you like our readers to know about reptiles?
Many species of reptiles, including alligators and crocodiles, are much smarter than many people give them credit for. They can learn and even be trained, though it’s important not to confuse training with taming!
What's next for you and the Alligator Farm?
I’m hoping to work more on some filming and video production behind the scenes. Maybe produce something more educational and fun rather than the usual social media format.
