Taxidermists work in art galleries, museums, workshops and studios in clean, well-lit surroundings. They may travel locally to observe animals or pick up specimens.

Taxidermists may come into contact with chemicals such as formalin (used for preserving specimens) and can be at risk of infection from dead animals.

Equipment taxidermists may use includes:

• pliers, metal files, tweezers, scalpels, wire brushes and drills


• chemicals, solvents and detergents for cleaning and preserving specimens


• protective masks and gloves for dust and fumes


• a camera for taking photos of an animal in its natural environment


• art equipment, including paints and paintbrushes


• mannequins for shaping mounts


• modelling clay for packing skulls


• fibre and polystyrene for stuffing specimens


• reference books and photographs


• scales for weighing specimens as part of data collection


• hammers, nails and saws for woodwork


• wire for holding and supporting limbs and cotton for binding stuffing together and holding specimens in shape


• specialised electrical equipment such as a bandsaw and compressed air gun


• spray-painting equipment.
  
   
  
  

Taxidermists usually work irregular hours if they are self-employed or regular hours if they work in a museum or government department.

Taxidermists usually work independently, but may work as part of a small team. They may also have contact with:

• fellow taxidermists in New Zealand and overseas
• people from universities, zoology students and the public, who often provide specimens
• conservation groups such as zoos, and animal and bird parks
• museum staff or technicians
• people from government departments such as the Department of Conservation.