Forensic Autopsy Technician (2523) Office of the City Administrator (Eligible List ID #155976)

The Forensic Autopsy Technician plays a vital role in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner by assisting board-certified forensic pathologists with performing forensic autopsies under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. This includes collecting, processing, and preserving legal evidence, clothing, toxicology and biologic samples for forensic testing while maintaining chain of custody. This position also ensures autopsy facilities and equipment are clean and decontaminated, assists with decedent identification, and is responsible for inventorying, storing, and releasing correctly identified cases and other related duties as required.  This is a unique opportunity to contribute to essential forensic work and gain hands-on experience in a specialized field alongside other forensic professionals.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties:

• Assists the forensic pathologist with forensic examination, including but not limited to the evidence collection, labeling, X-rays, photography, specimen collection and provides additional assistance during prosection of deceased persons during autopsy; and other forensic examinations such as dental or anthropology examinations;
• Assists in the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biologic evidence for forensic analysis, which includes, but is not limited to, gunshot residue collection, fingernail clippings, sexual assault specimen collection, collection of bodily fluids for forensic toxicology, clinical chemistry, serology and microbiologic testing; package and prepare evidence and specimens for storage or transport within a legal chain of custody; ensure proper biohazard waste disposal according to protocol;
• Assist in the identification of decedents, including readable fingerprints of decomposed decedents, radiological images, rehydration of tissues;
• Registers the storage position of all deceased persons, and inventories those cases stored; confirms the identity and legal release of decedents in accordance with departmental policies, and completes related paperwork;
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining autopsy suite, scale room, hallway, and related specimen storage rooms; order and stock necessary supplies and equipment for proper function of the facility and vehicles in a manner that ensures a safe worksite, free of biohazards; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Special requirements: Nature of duties may require sustained physical effort involving manual skill, dexterity, hand/eye coordination, standing for long periods of time and ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies. Work environments entail exposure to deceased persons with severe traumatic injury, decomposed bodies and infectious cases, biohazards such as AIDS, tuberculosis, meningitis, hepatitis or any other human infectious agent; exposure to potentially toxic chemicals, live steam and frequent use of personal protective equipment and respirators. This work requires strict compliance with the department policies pertaining to blood-borne pathogen exposure prevention, biohazard exposure prevention, toxic chemical exposure prevention, evidence handling policy and security requirements on evidence, standards and information. Because of the special and privileged information available about potentially sensitive matters, confidentiality is required. Inappropriate release of information could lead to a criminal charge of impeding an investigation.