<p>Reports to: Dean of Career and Technical Programs</p> <p>Status: Part-time</p> <p>Schedule: Typically evening and weekend teaching schedule; may assist with day classes as needed</p> <p>The Taxidermy Instructor provides hands-on and classroom instruction in the art and science of taxidermy. This includes specimen preparation, mounting, preservation techniques, and safety protocols. The instructor is responsible for delivering engaging, detailed, and practical instruction that equips students with the skills required for professional or hobbyist taxidermy work.</p> <p>Related subjects are included for a better understanding of customer relations and natural habitat construction. Students are also versed in state and federal regulations. Coursework includes basic proper measuring, skinning, fleshing, and preserving, from selecting and preparing techniques. Students will learn basic mounting procedures, finishing and painting of selected specimens, construction of natural habitats, and artistic display of mounted forms. Instruct students with lecture and hands-on practical taxidermy training in the following areas:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Mammal</p> </li><li> <p>Bird</p> </li><li> <p>Prepare and deliver course materials in classroom and lab settings following the approved curriculum.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain a safe and organized lab environment, ensuring compliance with all safety procedures.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for students.</p> </li><li> <p>Assess student learning through assignments, tests, and practical demonstrations.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress in accordance with college policies.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide students with constructive feedback and academic support as needed.</p> </li><li> <p>Participate in required training, meetings, and professional development activities as directed.</p> </li><li> <p>Follow all institutional policies, procedures, and academic standards, including those related to FERPA, Title IX, and accessibility.</p> </li><li> <p>Model professional conduct, ethics, and communication in interactions with students and colleagues.</p> </li><li> <p>Perform all other duties as assigned to support the instructional and institutional mission of the college.</p> </li><li> <p>Education and Experience</p> </li><li> <p>High School diploma plus certificates in Taxidermy courses.</p> </li><li> <p>A minimum of 2 years of experience performing taxidermy services (specimen handling, skinning, mounting, finishing, etc.) is required.</p> </li><li> <p>Associate's Degree preferred.</p> </li><li> <p>Teaching experience preferred but not required.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to communicate effectively and work with students of diverse backgrounds and skill levels.</p> </li><li> <p>Physical Demands and Working Conditions</p> </li><li> <p>Instruction may take place in classrooms, labs, and live project sites.</p> </li><li> <p>Must be able to communicate with students and colleagues, both verbally and in writing.</p> </li><li> <p>Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to ensure safety.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while demonstrating taxidermy techniques.</p> </li><li> <p>Skillful use of hands and fingers for handling scalpels, needles, small tools, and delicate materials</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to lift, carry, and position animal specimens, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds</p> </li><li> <p>Sufficient close and color vision to perform detailed work such as sewing, carving, and finishing mounts</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to hear and respond to questions in classroom/lab settings and communicate instructions clearly</p> </li><li> <p>Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and fine motor movements are required for preparing and mounting specimens.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to work safely with chemicals, preservatives, adhesives, and biological specimens, using appropriate PPE.</p> </li><li> <p>Comfortable working in a laboratory/shop environment that may involve odors, dust, and exposure to animal remains.</p> </li></ul> <p>Equal Employment Opportunity</p> <p>Montgomery Community College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.</p>