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

Average age
43 years
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
32% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,346
Skill level rating
High skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
57% Full-Time
Employment Size
220 workers
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%
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%
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%