Autopsy Technician (Medical Examiner)

Salary: $18.90 - $34.06

Job Overview

Performs duties assisting a pathologist with autopsies and other forensic procedures.

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Receives and properly registers human or non-human remains into the medical examiner's facility by assigning a case number, date, and name if known.
• Obtains and records information for identification purposes including finger and palm prints.
• Documents and secures personal property, valuables, medications and other evidence.
• Washes and prepares remains for examination or autopsy according to established operational policies.
• Photographs remains and anatomical sites for identification purposes and to document trauma.
• Takes and develops x-rays as necessary to assess the presence, location and number of foreign objects in the bodies or to aid in the identification of burned, mutilated, or decomposed remains.
• Prepares and maintains surgical instruments and laboratory supplies for post-mortem exam.
• Assists pathologist during autopsy by handing instruments, weighing organs and posting weights, locating and tying off major arteries or stumps of organs.
• Obtains hair and fingernail specimens, as required.
• Labels specimen containers for toxicology and files and stores specimens as appropriate.
• Closes post-mortem incisions and prepares the remains for the undertaker.
• Cleans autopsy suite, storage rooms, loading dock and garage following defined procedures.
• Releases remains to funeral homes or their representatives in accordance with established operational policies and procedures.
• Maintains work related records and prepares reports using a computer.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of techniques and procedures used in autopsy examinations.
• Knowledge of the functions, services, procedures and regulations of the Medical Examiner's Office.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and morphology.
• Knowledge of aseptic and disinfectant procedures.
• Knowledge of x-ray equipment and procedures.
• Knowledge of Chapter 406, of the Florida Statutes pertaining to the standards required of the Medical Examiner's Office.
• Knowledge of chain-of-custody policies regarding specimens, evidence, and body removal.
• Knowledge of methods of transmission of tuberculosis, AIDS, hepatitis and meningitis.
• Skill in the use of a variety of surgical instruments.
• Ability and willingness to work with diseased, decomposed or mutilated corpses on a daily basis.
• Ability to perform routine and specialized post-mortem procedures as directed by a pathologist.
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to use cameras and photographic equipment.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.

Physical Requirements

• Work is typically completed in an autopsy room.
• Must be able to stand strong sights and smells
• May require standing for long periods of time.

Work Category

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; AND
• Six months of work experience with deceased humans/patients as a mortician’s assistant, surgical assistant, or assisting in performing autopsies or transporting dead bodies;

       OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.

Career Progression

Employees in this classification that acquire the competencies and minimum qualifications for the next tier will be able to apply for promotional opportunities through a competitive selection process. Employees will not automatically be upgraded to the next tier. Reclassifying a position is based on business need and financial impact and is not based solely on the job competencies or qualifications of the incumbent.