Taxidermist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of art and craft, the demand for taxidermists has never been higher.

Nature keeps evolving, and with every change, the need for skilled hands who can preserve, exhibit, and conserve our natural world intensifies.

But let’s dissect this further: What’s truly expected from a taxidermist?

Whether you are:

A job seeker aiming to grasp the essence of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the intricate craft of taxidermy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable taxidermist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Contents show

Taxidermist Duties and Responsibilities

Taxidermists use a range of creative and technical skills to prepare, stuff, and mount animal skins.

This role requires a deep understanding of anatomy, sculpture, painting, and tanning.

Taxidermists typically carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

Evaluate and prepare specimens for preservation, considering factors like size, species, and display environment
Make detailed observations or take photographs for future reference
Remove, clean and preserve animal skins
Tan hides and prepare body forms, using hand and power tools
Mount, shape, and arrange preserved animals according to their natural habitat
Restore or recreate damaged or missing parts using a variety of materials
Apply finishing touches, including painting eyes, mouths, and feathers for a realistic look
Perform routine maintenance on displays and replace damaged or worn parts
Communicate with clients regarding the specifics of the work, including costs and time estimates
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace
Keep accurate records of work for legal, business, and inventory purposes

Taxidermist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Taxidermist to join our team.

The Taxidermist will be responsible for skinning, tanning, and mounting a variety of animals to create lifelike, three-dimensional displays.

The ideal candidate has a keen eye for detail, excellent manual dexterity, and a deep respect for wildlife.

They will also be familiar with the ethical and legal regulations surrounding taxidermy.

Responsibilities

Discussing client requirements and providing quotations for work
Preparing and maintaining tools and workspaces
Performing skinning, fleshing, tanning, and mounting procedures
Creating natural looking environments for the mounts
Applying finishing touches, such as painting and airbrushing, to enhance appearance
Ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and ethical guidelines
Repairing and restoring vintage or damaged specimens
Maintaining accurate records of work performed

Qualifications

Proven experience as a Taxidermist
Knowledge of animal anatomy and characteristics
Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
Ability to use various tools (e.g., knives, scalpels, saws, paintbrushes)
Familiarity with safety procedures and equipment maintenance
Respect for wildlife and ethical guidelines
High school diploma or equivalent; certification from a taxidermy school is a plus

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Training and development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Taxidermist
Work Environment: Primarily workshop-based. Some local travel may be required for client consultations or wildlife retrieval.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Business Owner or Workshop Manager.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $33,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Taxidermist Do?

Taxidermists are professionals who specialize in the art of preserving, mounting, or reproducing dead animals for display purposes or study.

They mostly work for museums, educational institutions, or private collectors.

They perform detailed work with various tools and materials to prepare the animals’ bodies, which involves skinning, tanning, molding, and painting.

They also incorporate artificial materials, such as glass for eyes, to ensure a life-like appearance.

Taxidermists are also responsible for restoring and repairing damaged specimens, ensuring they retain their original form and structure.

They must maintain a keen eye for detail, understanding the anatomy, coloration, and movement of the animal to make it look as natural as possible.

Additionally, taxidermists are often called upon to create natural-looking habitats or dioramas to complement their work and enhance the display.

Some taxidermists specialize in specific animals or types of display, while others may offer a broader range of services.

Regardless of the specialization, a taxidermist’s main aim is to capture the essence of the animal in a realistic and respectful manner.

Taxidermist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient taxidermist should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications that are pertinent to the role, such as:

Artistic skills and a keen eye for detail to accurately replicate the appearance and anatomy of various animals
Technical skills in biology and anatomy to ensure the accurate preservation and reconstruction of animal bodies
Hand-eye coordination and precision for meticulous work, including skinning, tanning, molding, and mounting
Knowledge in using tools and chemicals that are essential in the taxidermy process
Interpersonal skills for understanding client requirements and delivering to their satisfaction
Problem-solving skills to creatively overcome challenges that may arise during the taxidermy process
Persistence and patience, as taxidermy is a time-consuming and demanding craft
Basic business skills for managing client relationships, maintaining inventories, and handling financial matters

Taxidermist Experience Requirements

Taxidermy is a specialized field that requires hands-on training and a strong understanding of animal anatomy and artistry.

Aspiring taxidermists often begin their journey with a basic taxidermy course, which can range from a few weeks to several months, where they learn the fundamentals of the craft.

During these initial training programs, students gain experience in skinning, tanning, preserving, and mounting various species.

Some students may also learn how to create realistic habitats for the mounted animals.

After initial training, aspiring taxidermists typically embark on an apprenticeship or entry-level role with an experienced taxidermist to gain more practical experience.

This phase usually lasts between 1 and 3 years and allows the taxidermist to perfect their skills and learn advanced techniques, such as creating large displays or working with more exotic animals.

Senior taxidermists with more than 5 years of experience usually have extensive knowledge in their field.

They may have developed a specialty, such as bird taxidermy or museum-quality displays.

Additionally, these professionals may have managerial experience, as they often oversee apprentices or run their own taxidermy businesses.

Professional certification, though not always required, can also enhance a taxidermist’s professional standing and indicate a high level of skill and experience.

Many seasoned taxidermists pursue certification to demonstrate their commitment to the craft and adherence to industry standards.

Taxidermist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a taxidermist does not necessarily require formal education, but many aspiring taxidermists choose to attend taxidermy programs or schools to acquire the necessary skills.

These programs provide training in preserving and mounting animal skins, as well as developing artistic skills to create lifelike displays.

In addition to formal education, many taxidermists complete an apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of an experienced professional.

There are no universal licensure requirements for taxidermists, but some states do require taxidermists to obtain a permit or license.

The criteria for obtaining a license or permit varies by state, but typically includes passing an examination and providing evidence of education or training in taxidermy.

While not required, certification from organizations such as the National Taxidermists Association can demonstrate a taxidermist’s professional skills and dedication to the craft.

Continuing education and training are also important, as the field of taxidermy continues to evolve and new techniques are constantly being developed.

Taxidermist Salary Expectations

A Taxidermist can expect to earn an average salary of $38,000 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary greatly based on the taxidermist’s level of experience, quality of work, and geographical location.

Additional factors such as whether the taxidermist is self-employed or works for a company can also influence earnings.

Taxidermist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Taxidermist need?

A taxidermist must possess excellent attention to detail, as they will be responsible for replicating the natural appearance of animals in a life-like manner.

They should have strong manual dexterity and coordination for handling delicate work, such as skinning and sewing.

Additionally, they must be skilled in the use of tools and chemicals used in taxidermy, have a good understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, and be able to work with a variety of materials to create realistic habitats.

Do Taxidermists need a degree?

A degree is not typically required to become a taxidermist, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often necessary.

Many taxidermists learn their trade through apprenticeships or vocational schools.

Some states may also require taxidermists to obtain a license or permit to practice their craft, which may require passing an examination.

What should you look for in a Taxidermist resume?

When reviewing a taxidermist’s resume, it is important to look for experience in the field, as this job requires highly specialized skills.

Look for any training or certification in taxidermy, as well as knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

An artistic background or experience working with a variety of animal species can also be beneficial.

What qualities make a good Taxidermist?

A good Taxidermist is patient, as the process of taxidermy can be time-consuming and intricate.

They must also be precise and have a keen eye for detail to accurately recreate an animal’s natural look.

They should have an appreciation for wildlife and a strong understanding of animal anatomy.

Good taxidermists also possess excellent communication skills to understand the customer’s requirements and explain the process in a clear and concise manner.

Is it difficult to hire Taxidermists?

Hiring a Taxidermist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the job.

There may be fewer candidates with the necessary skills and experience in your area.

Also, as the field of taxidermy is quite niche, it might require a more targeted recruitment approach to find the right candidate.

However, this can also mean that those who are interested in and trained for this type of work are highly passionate and committed.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we unraveled the intricacies of what it truly entails to be a taxidermist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about stuffing animals.

It’s about immortalizing the beauty of nature, one specimen at a time.

With our detailed taxidermist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to embark on your journey.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously crafted job listings or perfecting your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every preserved specimen tells a unique story.

Let’s narrate that story. Together.

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