Forensic Services Technologist

Environment, Conservation and Parks | Environnement, Protection de la nature et Parcs; Toronto; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Forensic Pathology Service is seeking a Forensic Services Technologist to support post-mortem examinations and sample handling across Ontario. You will manage biological and non-biological samples, maintain chain of custody, and liaise with pathologists and police to ensure proper testing and disposition.

The role emphasizes health and safety, attention to detail, and accurate record management in a laboratory setting, with a focus on contributing to meaningful public service in a

Qualifications

• Knowledge of forensic science, medical terminology, chain of custody and ancillary forensic testing.
• Understanding of basic science principles and health and safety practices.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Ability to maintain case management records and databases.

Responsibilities

• Work in a specialized laboratory environment to process samples and evidence and support forensic pathology units.
• Manage and coordinate biological and non-biological samples from postmortem examinations.
• Provide support related to organ and tissue retention, molecular autopsy, and research.
• Maintain case management records and electronic databases for sample storage and retrieval.
• Liaise with pathologists, staff, coroners, and police to coordinate testing and disposition.
• Ensure proper documentation and adherence to health and safety practices.

Skills

Forensic science

Medical terminology

Health and safety

Documentation

Education

Science degree

Forensic science background

Tools

Laboratory equipment

MS Word/Excel

Job description

Apply By:Thursday, November 5, 2026 11:59 pm EST

$1,362.39 - $1,611.47 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Do you have a science background and special interest in forensic work? Consider this unique opportunity to join the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service as a Forensic Services Technologist, where you will provide support services for post-mortem examinations as part of the province's death investigation process.
Note: This competition may be used to fill upcoming temporary or permanent roles within 14 months of competition close date.

About the job

• Work in a specialized laboratory environment, applying scientific and forensic principles to process samples and evidence, maintain chain of custody and support forensic pathology units and community hospitals across the province
• Manage and coordinate biological and non-biological samples arising from postmortem examinations (including packaging of samples, preparation of the appropriate test request forms, preparation for and coordination of transport of samples, receipt of results and returned samples, etc.)
• Provide support related to provincial organ and tissue retention, management of unidentified remains for Ontario, molecular autopsy, and research and development
• Maintain case management records and electronic databases to effectively manage sample storage and allow for efficient retrieval of samples for further testing or disposition
• Liaise with pathologists, technical and administrative staff, coroners, and police to coordinate sample testing, storage, and disposition at the provincial morgue
• Contribute to meaningful public service work in a challenging but rewarding setting that requires professionalism, attention to detail and a commitment to health and safety

Please Note:

• Position requires frequent exposure to, handling of, and contact with bodies/remains that may be contaminated, decomposed, mutilated, and/or arthropod infested
• Position requires frequent exposure to putrid odours
• Position may involve exposure to potentially infectious viruses, bacteria, infectious diseases (e.g. AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc.)

Scientific Knowledge and Experience

• You have knowledge of forensic science, medical terminology, chain of custody, and ancillary forensic testing in order to ensure proper handling of samples when supporting the work of the Forensic Pathology Unit
• You understand basic science principles and methodologies
• You have good knowledge of health and safety practices/procedures in order to ensure own safety and safety of others when handling biological samples and working within a laboratory setting
• You have knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and use of laboratory equipment

Strong Organization Skills

• You are able to ensure the effective and efficient processing, transport, storage, and disposition of all biological and non-biological samples
• You have good time management skills to complete multiple daily duties and tasks within established time frames
• You have demonstrated attention to detail to ensure proper continuity of evidence and accurate record management

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• You are able to follow appropriate protocols and health and safety practices when handling samples as well as identify and resolve related issues
• You can ensure proper and accurate documentation as well as reliable experimental results

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• You are able to respond to inquiries from various individuals in a clear and professional manner (i.e. coroners, pathologists, other medical professionals, police, lawyers, students, callers etc.)
• You have written communication skills to prepare detailed analysis and reports
• You have interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team

Computer Skills

• You are proficient with computer software packages and applications (i.e. internet, databases, MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Adobe) in order to locate and retrieve information, maintain records, and prepare a variety of documents (i.e. graphs, charts, presentations, etc.)
• You are able to quickly learn new software and programs

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

• 1 English Permanent, 25 Morton Shulman Ave, Toronto, Toronto Region, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
• About security checks:
  A criminal or other federal offence record does not automatically disqualify you from the position. We consider each situation based on the position's responsibilities.
  If a check is needed and you've lived outside of Canada in the past 5 years for 6 or more months in a row, or if you are not a Canadian resident, you'll need to provide an out-of-country police clearance certificate from the country you lived in.
  Employment screening checks are only reviewed and evaluated by the Transition and Security Office, which also maintains them and keeps them strictly confidential.
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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.