Associate Forensic Pathology Technician

Full Job Description

Under close supervision, to assist forensic pathologists in performing autopsies; to receive, identify, and release bodies; to maintain a morgue and autopsy room in a clean and orderly manner; to assist in preparing tissue specimens for histological examination; to perform radiographs; and to take autopsy photographs for use as forensic evidence.

The established eligible list will be used to fill vacancies including Full-Time and Extra-Help, as they occur. Extra Help is temporary and non-benefited. If you are interested in such opportunities, please be sure to complete the appropriate questions.

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Requirements

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Receives, identifies, releases, and moves bodies from refrigeration storage and prepares bodies of deceased persons for autopsy exam and final disposition;

• Weighs, measures, fingerprints, and photographs bodies, including using specialized fingerprint techniques, when warranted;

• Assists forensic pathologists in performing autopsies to determine cause and manner of unusual, unnatural, or medically unattended death and preserve medicolegal evidence;

• Sets up equipment, instruments, and solutions, opens bodies, obtains blood and fluid samples, prepares basic lab tests, removes (eviscerates) organs and specimens, weighs organs when required, labels and stores specimens, and closes bodies;

• Observes and reports conditions that may be of value in an autopsy investigation;

• Maintains morgue and autopsy room in a clean, sanitary, and orderly manner; cleans equipment; orders and maintains autopsy, laboratory, and x-ray supplies; and checks for proper ventilation and condition of equipment;

• Performs routine clerical filing, record keeping, and data entry;

• Operates and maintains radiographic equipment, performs x-rays, and sends images for reading by a pathologist;

• Performs photography, including maintenance, and downloading photos into case files;

• May serve as a witness in cases and testify in court as to procedures followed;

• May accompany Investigators in the field;

• Helps assist with detailed neuropathology examination, including assistance, setup, transcription of notes, photography, and cassette preparation and delivery to histology department;

• Assists in maintaining neuropathology database;

• Ensures safety procedures and maintenance of material data sheets used in autopsy suite;

• Prepares, maintains, and disposes formalin fixative concentration;

• Manages hazardous waste, including tissue and biohazard waste disposal;

• Maintains cold room refrigerator storage unit;

• Maintains equipment and refrigerated storage areas;

• Participates and assists in mass fatality response;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Qualifications

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent,

One (1) year of full-time experience in a mortuary, coroner, and/or medical examiner’s office, working with deceased bodies

One (1) year of full-time experience in nursing and/or laboratory pathology, working with deceased bodies.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

*As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help.

A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Basic anatomy, physiology, dissection, and medical terminology;

• Surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, tests, and procedures used in performing autopsies; 

• Methods for care of instruments and equipment;

• Handling and preparing deceased bodies;

• General science laboratory techniques and procedures;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;

• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Learn specialized procedures and tests required to assist a pathologist in an autopsy examination;

• Perform repetitive activities carried out according to set procedure, such as preserving specimens and preparing solutions;

• Maintain accurate records and perform routine clerical work and data entry;

• Understand instructions of a technical nature from pathologists and carry them out as prescribed;

• Learn basic radiographic techniques and methods and operation and care of radiographic equipment;

• Learn basic principles of photography;

• Work independently with minimal supervision;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;

• Present a demeanor consistent with the dignity of the Medical Examiner – Coroner’s Office and sensitively interact with distraught persons and grieving family members;

• Manipulate bodies by oneself and with assistance;

• Maintain proper cleanliness and decorum in a forensic facility;

• Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Information

• Safely move and lift to chest height, bodies weighing 125 pounds;

• Work with bodies of deceased persons and tolerate unpleasant aspects of the job, association with traumatic death, and odors such as decomposed bodies and preservative chemicals;

• Stand for long periods of time and engage in continuous active work requiring moderate physical exertion and manual dexterity in the handling of bodies or equipment;

• Work flexible hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays and be subject to call back duty.