Job Description for Taxidermy
When pets pass away, some pet owners wish to preserve their bodies. These owners turn to a taxidermist to mount the animal. Hunters also utilize their services to display their prey. Taxidermists may also preserve these animals for scientific study. The profession requires ongoing training to remain abreast of emerging techniques and technologies.
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Experience
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Companies hiring taxidermists often require at least an associate degree. Continuing education courses are offered to allow taxidermists to complement their knowledge with new techniques and tools.
Skills
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Taxidermists must have great attention to detail as well as artistic skills to maintain the integrity of animals in the preservation process. Because new techniques for animal preservation continue to emerge, taxidermists must have a desire to learn more.
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Responsibilities
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Taxidermists must meet with clients to discuss how they would like their animals positioned and where they will be displayed in the home. They will also review mounting type, such as life-size body mount, shoulder mount or rug. They will also help their clients select habitat design, like silk plants, logs or water.
Other responsibilities include inspecting animal hides and repairing damage, such as bullet holes. They also choose lifelike glass eyes and create an expression into the lids using a malleable material. Hide paste is applied to give a natural look, and dries to ensure the figure maintains its appearance. They may also use airbrushing to recreate the natural colors perhaps lost through the process.
The taxidermist will discuss price options with clients and give them an estimated time of completion.
Compensation
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The salary for a taxidermist can vary between $16,888 and $48,576 annually, according to Payscale.com. These salaries are dependent upon level of responsibility, company size and experience. Many are self-employed. Full-time taxidermists may be eligible for medical benefits and Social Security.
Work Environment
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Opportunities for taxidermists are prevalent in museums and science-based companies. Many companies exist in areas where hunting is common. Work is often conducted in a laboratory setting. While office space is necessary for consultations with clients, the laboratory is kept out of sight, since the process is often difficult for pet owners to witness.
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References
- Photo Credit bear image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
