Field Techniques Instructor -
Cameron Young

Cameron Young has more than 30 years of experience working with amphibians and reptiles in both research and applied conservation settings. He began conducting wildlife surveys as an undergraduate in 1994, where his major professor mentored him in hands-on field techniques, learning directly in the field, through observation, repetition, and real-world problem solving. That apprenticeship-style training is the same philosophy Cameron brings to his own teaching today.

Prior to founding the Center for Snake Conservation (CSC), Cameron spent over 18 years working professionally as a herpetologist, wildlife biologist, and biological permitting lead. His work focused on environmental regulatory support for the certification and permitting of large-scale energy infrastructure projects and facilities. He specialized in wildlife and natural-resource consultations involving threatened and endangered species, raptors, and migratory birds, with extensive experience navigating the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Clean Water Act.

While his consulting career was technically diverse, Cameron’s passion for snakes—and the growing need for meaningful snake conservation and public education—ultimately led him to shift gears. That passion became the foundation of the Center for Snake Conservation, where snake conservation through education is now his primary focus. Through CSC, Cameron works to change how people understand, study, and coexist with snakes by combining rigorous science with direct public engagement.

In addition to his work with CSC, Cameron is actively involved in professional conservation and research organizations including Partners for the Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles and Society for the Study of Reptiles and Amphibians. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications on the distribution, ecology, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles, and has contributed multiple book chapters— including two chapters focused specifically on inventory and monitoring techniques at rattlesnake dens.

Cameron’s work bridges the gap between academic research, applied conservation, and field-based training. His goal is not just to teach techniques, but to train the next generation of field biologists to think critically, work ethically, and develop the practical skills needed to study wildlife safely and effectively in real environments.