Forensic Autopsy Technician

Full Job Description

Requirements

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

This is a rare opportunity to work as a Forensic Autopsy Technician at the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office (PCMEO).

PCMEO investigates sudden, unexplained, suspicious, unnatural, unlawful, and violent deaths that occur in Pierce County, which has a population of approximately one million.

The Forensic Autopsy Technician is responsible for assisting the forensic pathologists with photographs, x-rays, fluid draws, evisceration, evidence collection, and other tasks related to the forensic examination of a body.

The Forensic Autopsy Technician makes important and skilled observations while providing essential assistance that is critical for the office in carrying out its public service mission to the residents of Pierce County.

Why It's a Great Department:

We serve the living through professional death investigations and forensic postmortem examinations, up to and including autopsy.

We work together both within and across teams to provide forensic pathology and death investigation services that are timely, accurate, thorough, and independent from outside influences.

You will assist this close-knit staff that performs a critical role for Pierce County.

PCMEO is a stand-alone, secure forensic autopsy facility accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).

The office currently has a Lodox™ full-body radiography machine and is undergoing a facility improvement to incorporate advanced imaging computed tomography (CT) into the daily workflow.

PCMEO is a modern, moderate-volume, well-equipped four-autopsy station facility with four full-time forensic pathologists, including the Chief Medical Examiner.

The office is at the forefront of applying advanced imaging technology and electronic case management systems to streamline workflows and optimize efficiency.

A facility renovation project is underway and designed with an eye toward future growth. Your office is fully equipped with modern technology and furnishings. Parking is secure, free, and on-site.

For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Bring your knowledge of forensic science and human anatomy along with motivation, attention to detail, and a strong positive team-oriented attitude, and you are sure to succeed.

The right person for this position will have a high level of professionalism, discretion, and respect for our mission.

If you have experience with autopsy procedures, working in a pathology laboratory, or working with law enforcement forensics, you will be a step ahead.

Understand that you could be requested to work various shifts including some holidays, weekends, and evenings.

Employees in this career position are considered essential employees and you may also be requested to report to work to assist with the continuation of operations during the (hopefully!) unlikely event of a mass disaster or other fatality surge.

Your Future in this Role:

You will be trained by a team of skilled and knowledgeable Forensic Autopsy Technicians and will have access to nationwide training opportunities.

You will be given significant responsibility to assist with forensic autopsies and external examinations, including the use of sharp instruments, specialized equipment, and handling items of evidentiary value.

Employees take part in continuing education opportunities.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Prepare body for autopsy; weigh and measure human remains; incise body; dissect and remove organs; take tissue and fluid samples from the body and forward related information and samples to laboratories for further analysis; restore organs to body; and suture and clean body.
• Assist forensic pathologist in the collecting and handling of trace, physical, and biological evidence and finger and palm prints.
• Clean and maintain work areas. Do laundry and related activities. Implement safety and biohazard control measures and recordkeeping.
• Operate x-ray equipment; take photographs of human remains; coordinate handling, storage, and transfer of film and photographs; and maintain all related records and files.
• Routinely and safely lift and carry heavy objects, including the moving of dead bodies.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

• Additional education or related experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• Two or more years of training in a medical related discipline or related scientific field.
• One or more years’ experience assisting with autopsies and/or pathology laboratory work.
• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to include these will result in an incomplete application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Photography experience with use of DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
• Full competency in using both the Rokitansky and Virchow evisceration techniques without additional training is highly desired.
• Skill in objective observation.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Washington State driver’s license is required. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and follow State driving laws.
• An employee in this position is subject to 24-hour availability and must be willing to work non-standard hours, as required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.Submit a current resume and cover letter with your application.If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.This is a competitive selection process.

Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?