FORENSIC TECHNICIAN

Full Job Description

UNCLASSIFIED POSITION

VACANCY IS IN THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE

Minimum Qualifications:
Associate's degree in Science of Funeral Service, Biology, Forensic Science or a related field; supplemented by two years of experience in funeral services, forensics, laboratory technician or morgue attendant; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

EXAMINATION:

The examination will consist of an evaluation of education and experience, accomplished by analysis of the application.

Application must document that the applicant possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, education and experience as listed to be rated as qualified.

If selected, an official, accredited college transcript is required, at time of employment, for all degrees/course work used to qualify for this position.

All applications must be completed in full before they are submitted.

Please review all applications for accuracy and make all corrections before submittal because errors can result in not meeting the minimum qualifications.

Additional information will not be accepted after applications are received by the Personnel Department.

Requirements

Purpose of Classification:
The purpose of this classification is to perform specialized/technical work functions in assisting with performing autopsies.

Essential Functions:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assists with preparing decedents for autopsy: labels and identifies body; takes standard height and weight measurements; collects, itemizes and records personal effects; and removes clothing and medical intervention.

Collects and processes evidence: collects sexual assault kits and body fluids; draws blood for testing; obtains and submits microbiology cultures; obtains DNA cards; obtains and processes gun residue; retrieves other physical evidence such as latent fingerprints, fingernail clippings, tape lifts, and hair.

Removes and examines organs: opens body according to industry standards; examines and assists pathologist with examining body cavity and organs; returns organs to body; sews and prepares body for release.

Captures photographic and radiologic images: takes digital images before, during and after autopsy; takes x-rays to locate projectiles or other items; prepares and develops x-rays; maintains related documentation for review by pathologists, law enforcement, courtroom proceedings and other authorized agencies.

Maintains control and chain-of-custody over physical evidence gathered: secures, stores and disposes of evidence in accordance with state laws and department procedure; transports toxicology specimens in accordance with established procedures.

Maintains inventory and sanitation of supplies and equipment: ensures adequate supplies to complete work assignments; initiates requests for replacement supplies and equipment; stocks inventory; performs routine sanitation of autopsy suite; washes, dries and puts away laundry.

Performs customer service and administrative duties: answers the phone; answers questions and provides information; receives, identifies, and releases bodies; processes authorized signatures for the release of bodies; provides gate access as needed.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including x-ray badge exposure sheet, evidence log, DNA cards, and crime lab service form; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including pathologist worksheet, release forms, and instrument station checklist; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates or uses various autopsy equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains autopsy saw, x-ray machine, digital camera, macro and micro lens, and syringes and needles; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with supervisor, other employees, medical students, funeral directors, law enforcement, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:
Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Performance Aptitudes:
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

Additional Information

It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, genetics, disability or sexual orientation.