animal positions
The various positions animals take in a natural environment and in different circumstances, the anatomy and figure of the animal and the natural way of standing and moving.
Taxidermists mount and reproduce deceased animals or parts of animals such as trophy heads for the purpose of public display and education, such as in a museum or monument, or for other sources of scientific study, or for a private collection.
Competences and skills
27 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 6 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceSector-specific
3 competencesanatomy of animals
The study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.
conservation techniques
The procedures, instruments, techniques, materials and chemicals used in conservation and archiving.
physiology of animals
The study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.
Cross-sector
2 competencesanimal species
The characteristics of different species and breeds of animals (relevant to the occupation).
animal welfare legislation
The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
- Scope note
- National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include . , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
Essential skills and competences 5 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesclean animal body parts
Clean various body parts of animals for the preparation and tanning of animal skins. Clean body parts such as skin, skeleton, antlers or horns by using cleaning techniques, according to the animal species.
create animal structure
Manufacture the form of the animal and mount the bones to form the animal's structure using wires, cotton and clay. For a larger animals, use also a mould, metal structure or sculpture to form the animal, and place it in the correct position.
finish animal structure
Finish the animals structure by attaching other parts and accessories to the structure, such as a nose, ears, eyes or tail. For bigger animals, glue also the skin to the structure of the animal.
Sector-specific
2 competencesclean carcasses
Remove organs, fats sticking hole, spinal cord, and diaphragm from carcasses. Perform cleaning of the carcass following established procedures in order to obtain a final carcass presentation.
skin animals
Skin animals in an appropriate manner considering the end purpose of the skin. Strip off the hide of an animal to prepare for processing the carcass, or to use the skin or fur. Use case skinning for smaller animals, where an incision is made around the feet and the skin stripped off like a sock. If a non-invasive slaughter method like gassing or beating was used on a fur animal, take care to ensure that the animal is dead prior to skinning. Use open skinning for large animals, where an incision is made along the abdomen. Use the required equipment for skinning.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Optional knowledge 3 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceapplied zoology
The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.
Cross-sector
2 competenceschemistry
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
Optional skills and competences 13 competences
Occupation specific
4 competencesassemble fossils
Reassemble the skeletal structure of dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals, and other fossils by comparing them to existing fossils.
create base for products
Manufacture the base or pedestal for a product so it can be mounted on top of it so the product can maintain its position and is easier to place.
create scenery display
Create a scenery display that represents the natural environment of the displayed product.
repair stuffed animals
Consult documentation and perform the necessary tasks such replacing parts, repair fur or change the colours, to return the item back to its original condition and maintain its authenticity.
Sector-specific
8 competencesconduct research on fauna
Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
green
create animal records
Create animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.
deal with killing animals processes
Cope with the process of slaughtering and handling carcasses without distress.
inspect animal carcasses
Inspect the animal carcasses for non conformities such abscesses or contamination, and correct them if possible. Takes samples for laboratory inspection. Makes registrations of non-conformities and/or findings.
label components
Identify and label the different parts of goods or materials to ensure they are well kept for later use.
provide customers with order information
Provide order information to customers by telephone or e-mail; clearly communicate about price ratings, shipping dates and possible delays.
provide customers with price information
Provide customers with accurate and up-to-date information about charges and price rates.
use painting techniques
Apply painting techniques such as 'trompe l'oeil', 'faux finishing' and aging techniques.
Cross-sector
1 competenceapply a protective layer
Apply a layer of protective solutions such as permethrine to protect the product from damage such as corrosion, fire or parasites, using a spray gun or paintbrush.