How to become a Taxidermist

Taxidermists prepare skins of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish to create life-like 3-D representations for display in museums, or as trophies and memorials. The skin (including fur, feathers or scales) is removed from the specimen, preserved using various methods, and mounted on an artificial frame. Taxidermists in museums also prepare specimens for study, research and collection purposes. They may employ the technique of skeletal assembly to demonstrate the structural and anatomical features of a specimen.

Personal requirements for a Taxidermist

  • Enjoy natural history and animal anatomy
  • Artistic interests such as sculpture, painting and drawing
  • Good observation skills
  • Good dexterity with tools and equipment
  • Woodworking or carpentry skills
  • Patient and careful
  • Attention to detail
  • Good hand-eye coordination

Education & Training for a Taxidermist

You can work as a taxidermist without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job in taxidermy studios. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.


Additional information

In some states and territories, taxidermists may be required to hold a licence, depending on the type of work they are undertaking.

Duties & Tasks of a Taxidermist

Taxidermists:

  • Take measurements and note features of specimens before mounting
  • Reproduce specimens by moulding and casting with a variety of materials including plaster, polymers, plastic, fibreglass and polyurethane foam
  • Remove and clean skin and treat with preservatives
  • Place skin on a model to reproduce the exact size and shape of the specimen
  • Preserve and prepare skeletons through the use of chemical and non-chemical treatment
  • Pose small animals and preserve them by freeze-drying
  • Prepare native and non-native animals for special exhibits
  • Prepare and preserve biological material for museum displays
  • Collect and preserve foreground material (plant, soil and leaf litter) for creating natural environments for diorama displays
  • Maintain exhibits and specimens.

Tasks

  • Receives, ships, packs and unpacks exhibits.
  • Assists in setting up lighting and display equipment.
  • Designs and arranges exhibit furnishings, display cases and display areas.
  • Mounts and prepares objects for display.

Working conditions for a Taxidermist

Taxidermists may be employed by museums as preparators or exhibition project officers, who also create museum exhibits, including models and habitat displays.


Employment Opportunities for a Taxidermist

Taxidermists are employed in government departments, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), museums, universities and smaller private commercial studios. Employment opportunities are very limited within Australia, as most museums only have one position for taxidermists. Greater opportunities may exist overseas in countries that have game animals.


Specializations

Taxidermist

Taxidermists prepare skins of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish to create life-like 3-D representations for display in museums, or as trophies and memorials. The skin (including fur, feathers or scales) is removed from the specimen, preserved using various methods, and mounted on an artificial frame. Taxidermists in museums also prepare specimens for study, research and collection purposes. They may employ the technique of skeletal assembly to demonstrate the structural and anatomical features of a specimen.

  • Average age
    Average age
    43 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Decline
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    32% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    43 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,346
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    High skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Average unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    57% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    220 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 8.4%
    NSW: 26.4%
    NT: 0.0%
    QLD: 17.6%
    SA: 3.5%
    TAS: 9.7%
    VIC: 28.2%
    WA: 6.2%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 1.4%
    20-24: 5.6%
    25-34: 20.7%
    35-44: 27.7%
    45-54: 25.4%
    55-59: 7.5%
    60-64: 8.9%
    65 and Over: 2.8%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 8.8%
    Bachelor degree: 39.8%
    Certificate III/IV: 13.5%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 17%
    Year 10 and below: 7%
    Year 11: 3.5%
    Year 12: 10.5%
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