Taxidermist Job Description

Taxidermist Job Description Template

We are looking to hire a creative and skilled taxidermist to create taxidermy pieces based on clients' needs and preferences. The taxidermist’s responsibilities include preserving various body parts, such as horns, claws, antlers, and teeth, repairing or replacing damaged tissue areas on specimens as needed, and ordering necessary taxidermy supplies as required. You should also be able to strategically apply styling gel to fur or feathers to enhance the final appearance of certain specimens.

To be successful as a taxidermist, you should be detail-oriented and knowledgeable of animal anatomy as well as health and safety regulations. Ultimately, an outstanding taxidermist should be able to maintain concentration for extended periods, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and ensure that clients are satisfied with the taxidermy pieces created.

Taxidermist Responsibilities:

• Meeting with clients to discuss their needs, preferences, and specifications as well as pricing and approximate turnaround time.
• Taking and recording measurements of the specimens that are to be taxidermied.
• Careful removal of the skin of deceased specimens and treating the skin using either preserving chemicals or various tanning methods, depending on the type of animal.
• Disinfecting the treated skin, drying it, and storing it in the freezer.
• Constructing the body foundation or skeleton onto which the treated skin will be placed, using suitable materials.
• Mounting or fitting the skin onto the constructed body foundation.
• Removing and preserving animal skulls or constructing them using artificial materials.
• Constructing various artificial body parts, such as eyes, scales, and tongues and attaching them accordingly.
• Using airbrushing and painting techniques to create more natural or realistic colorations.
• Placing taxidermied specimens onto suitably-constructed mounts.

Taxidermist Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of a postsecondary education training program in taxidermy.
• State license to practice taxidermy.
• Certification through the National Taxidermists Association (NTA) is preferred.
• Proven experience working as a Taxidermist.
• Sound knowledge of animal anatomy.
• The ability to concrete for extended periods.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Detail-oriented, patient, and creative.