(Not in order of importance)

• Receives, identifies, releases, and moves deceased persons from refrigeration storage.
• Prepares deceased persons for autopsy exam and final disposition.
• Assists the Forensic Pathologist in performing autopsies to include the opening and closing of deceased persons and the removal of internal organs.
• Maintains the examination room in a clean, sanitary, and orderly manner; cleans and sterilizes equipment; ensures proper ventilation and condition of equipment; orders and maintains supplies.
• May assist the Crime Laboratory with logging items in and out of evidence and preparing various samples and substances for analysis.
• Collects and prepares evidence, clothing, and specimens for lab examination.
• Observes and reports conditions found that may be of value in an autopsy investigation.
• May provide transport of bodies as required.
• Weighs, measures, and externally examines bodies; notes identifying marks.
• Labels specimen containers and transfers tissues for microscope examination; prepares and files slides.
• Informs investigators and detectives of the scheduled time for postmortem examinations when homicide is the suspected cause of death.
• Assists in the collection of blood, body fluids, and tissue specimens for forensic toxicology; packages and prepares specimens for storage or transports, in a legal chain of custody, those specimens that require toxicology testing.
• Prepares a variety of written documents by compiling and organizing necessary information and logically composing text; uses appropriate computer software programs to facilitate accurate and effective communication, reporting, and record keeping.
• Complies with all applicable health and safety standards e.g., proper use of personal protective equipment, following appropriate blood-borne pathogen practices, proper handling of chemical and biological materials by following applicable guidelines and procedures, and reporting defects or problems.
• May provide testimony in judicial proceedings by conveying procedural and/or technical information with professionalism and clarity related to procurement of evidence and/or property during the autopsy.
• Transports items and specimens to and from offsite warehouses and laboratories.
• Photographs bodies, death scenes, and crime scenes; creates digital X-ray images of decedents; takes fingerprints.
• Performs related duties as required.

The ideal candidate will have a knowledge of basic anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, procedures used to assist in the performance of an autopsy, and use and maintenance of apparatus and instruments used in performing autopsies. In addition, to be successful in the role, incumbents will need the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, work with the public under highly emotional and stressful situations, and follow written and verbal instructions of a technical nature. See the full job description for a more detailed description of the knowledge and abilities required for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

• Any felony conviction
• Recent misdemeanor conviction, or any two misdemeanor convictions as an adult
• Poor employment history
• Any sale, manufacture, or cultivation of illegal drugs
• Recent use of illegal substances such as opiates, hallucinogens, injectables, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substance
• Use of Marijuana within the past two years
• Poor driving record such as numerous hazardous traffic violations or chargeable accidents
• Recent conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or any two convictions for this offense as an adult
• Any act of domestic violence, as defined by law
• Any crime committed against a child
• Behavior or derogatory remarks constituting discrimination or bias toward others based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected class
• Any material misstatement of fact or intentional omission of information during the application or background process