Taxidermy Mounting Manager

Well established company based in Makhanda are seeking an experienced and qualified applicant to join their dynamic team

Key Responsibilities:

1. Production Management:
   • Plan and oversee the mounting process for all taxidermy projects, including game heads, life-size mounts, birds, fish, and custom pieces.
   • Ensure the workflow is efficient, meeting production timelines and quality expectations.
   • Oversee the preparation, tanning, and mounting processes to ensure each piece is structurally sound and aesthetically accurate.
2. Quality Control:
   • Inspect all completed mounts to ensure they meet the company’s high-quality standards and client expectations.
   • Troubleshoot and resolve any issues with mounts, including anatomical inaccuracies or finish imperfections.
   • Ensure all materials and processes adhere to best practices for longevity and durability of mounts.
3. Team Leadership and Training:
   • Supervise and mentor a team of taxidermists, sharing expertise and guiding them in advanced mounting techniques.
   • Provide training to staff to improve their skills in sculpting, skin preparation, painting, and habitat creation.
   • Foster a positive, collaborative, and productive work environment.
4. Customer Interaction:
   • Liaise with clients to understand their requirements and provide expert recommendations on mounting options.
   • Ensure customer satisfaction by delivering mounts that meet or exceed their expectations.
   • Address any concerns or requests from clients in a professional and timely manner.
5. Habitat and Artistic Design:
   • Oversee the creation of realistic and artistic habitats to complement mounts, including foliage, rocks, and water features.
   • Ensure mounts are presented in lifelike poses that reflect natural behavior and anatomy.
6. Material and Equipment Management:
   • Manage inventory of taxidermy supplies, including forms, hides, paints, and tools, ensuring materials are of the highest quality.
   • Ensure all equipment and tools are maintained in good working condition.
   • Source new materials and tools to improve efficiency and quality where necessary.
7. Compliance and Documentation:
   • Ensure all projects comply with local and international wildlife laws and regulations.
   • Maintain accurate records of incoming specimens, permits, and completed projects.
   • Ensure proper labeling and tracking of all specimens in the workshop.
8. Continuous Improvement:
   • Stay updated with new techniques, tools, and trends in taxidermy to maintain the company’s competitive edge.
   • Lead initiatives to innovate and enhance the quality and artistic appeal of mounts.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; formal training in taxidermy is highly desirable.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in taxidermy, with expertise in mounting a wide variety of animals, including large game, small mammals, birds, and fish.
  • Proven experience managing or supervising a taxidermy workshop or team.
• Skills:
  • Mastery of taxidermy techniques, including skinning, tanning, sculpting, and finishing.
  • Strong artistic ability with an eye for detail and realism.
  • Excellent leadership and team management skills.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of wildlife anatomy and behavior.
  • Proficient in creating naturalistic and visually appealing habitat displays.

Competencies:

• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional quality.
• Creativity and artistic vision for lifelike mounts.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills to address production challenges.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with clients and team members.
• Passion for wildlife and conservation.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily workshop-based with exposure to chemicals, tools, and equipment used in taxidermy processes.
• May require occasional travel to collect specimens or meet clients.
• Requires physical dexterity, stamina, and the ability to work with heavy materials and equipment.

Should you wish to apply please email your CV through to Erin Bentz at erin@profilepersonnel.co.za

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive a response within 14 days please consider your application unsuccessful. We will keep your CV on our database for any other relevant roles that may arise.