Taxidermists prepare, repair and mount skins and skeletons of animals, birds and fish for display, research or study purposes.

Skins dead animals, birds or fish; cleans flesh, mites and bacteria from skins; repairs broken or damaged skins and mounts; preserves skins with chemicals; designs and moulds artificial bodies; attaches skins to artificial bodies; may also collect data and keep records about specimens; builds display stands; discusses projects with clients; makes reconstructions of extinct birds and animals; re-builds skeletons for research or display; gives talks to public groups.

• Works indoors in studios in well-let surroundings.
• May travel locally to observe animals or pick up specimens.
• Works in adequately heated and ventilated spaces.

• Physical demand ranges from light to heavy.
• Standing and walking about the location is frequent.
• Sitting may be required on an occasional basis.
• Stretching and reaching across is likely to be occasional to when performing taxidermy.
• Bending is occasionally required when organising and adjusting displays and picking up animals, birds or fish.
• Squatting, crouching and kneeling movements are likely to be required on an occasional to frequent basis.
• Twisting of the body or neck is likely on an occasional basis.
• Contact with skin irritants like preserving chemicals is likely but is typically managed by use of protective equipment and safety measures. Risk of infection from dead animals must be managed.
• Lifting, carrying and holding is likely to occur on a frequent to constant basis when moving and working with animals, birds and fish and when setting up displays.
• Repetitive movements are likely to be necessary on an occasional to frequent basis basis.
• Driving is not a significant component of the job.
• Use of hand-held tools and power tools will be frequent when performing taxidermy.
• Mental skills necessary include technical, presentation, decision-making, problem-solving and communication skills.

There are no specific entry requirements to become a taxidermist (ANZSCO Skill Level 2). Skills are learned on the job under the supervision of an established taxidermist.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.