Autopsy Technician

jacksonville.gov; Jacksonville, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Jacksonville Medical Examiner Department is seeking two Autopsy Technicians. This entry-level, technical role supports pathologists in postmortem examinations and morgue operations.

Duties include preparing cadavers, cleaning equipment, and handling specimens while following established procedures. Applicants must have one year of related education or experience and obtain a City certification as a Public Driver.

Qualifications

• One year of education and/or experience in autopsy room, mortuary science, emergency medicine or medical office surgical suite.
• Must qualify prior to appointment and obtain City of Jacksonville certification as a Public Driver.
• Ability to lift and move heavy items and cadavers weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to read and write and follow oral and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cadavers and autopsy room to assist pathologist in postmortem examinations.
• Assists pathologists in autopsies by undressing, weighing organs, and measuring cadavers.
• Receives cadavers, ensures proper storage, identification and release to authorized persons.
• Inventories effects, documents information and maintains chain of custody.
• Maintains cleanliness and disinfection of morgue areas and equipment.
• Operates autopsy equipment and related city vehicles as required.

Job description

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

The Medical Examiner Department is actively seeking two (2) Autopsy Technician.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition, to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on‑time payments.

This is technical work at the entry level assisting pathologists in performing varied autopsy procedures and associated duties in the cleaning of morgue equipment and examination areas. The work requires knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures used in the morgue which involves the use of specialized skills or specialized equipment which is learned on the job or through specialized training. Contacts require basic courtesy, tact, and effectiveness in dealing with others, and includes requesting or providing information, asking questions, and obtaining clarification. The work is fairly routine following established routines, standing instructions, and established procedures, but some variation in the sequence of procedures used is permitted based on situations encountered in the workplace. Work is performed primarily in the morgue area and includes exposure to chemicals and bio-hazardous materials. Operates autopsy equipment such as electrical saws, measuring devices, digital scales, mechanical lift, electric floor buffer, digital drying cabinet, digital X-Ray machine, surgical instruments, motor vehicle, and personal computer to verify and input data. The physical demands of the work include standing for extended periods of time, bending, and moderate physical activity such as lifting and moving cadavers and/or objects weighing more than 50 pounds. The work is performed under general supervision where work assignments are subject to instructions and established procedures, and the worker is given latitude to rearrange the sequence based on changing work situations or workflow.

• Prepares cadavers, specimens of human organs, and autopsy room to assist pathologist in postmortem examinations.
• Assists pathologists in the performance of autopsies by undressing, cleaning, weighing organs, and measuring cadavers and separate organs; opening cavities; assisting in the removal of organs and toxicology specimens.
• Receives cadavers in morgue and assures their proper storage, identification and release to authorized persons.
• Inventories effects and other articles, bags evidence and valuables, and documents information while maintaining chain of custody.
• Preserves, stores and retrieves organs, surgical specimens, and biopsies.
• Washes and dries linens in washing machine and dryer, washes workstations, autopsy tables, storage trays, instruments; sharpens knives, and replaces soiled linens and related morgue equipment.
• Photographs decedents, clothing, valuables and specimens following the SOP guidelines of the Forensic Photographer.
• Takes identification photographs of decedents and takes 10 print and major case prints of decedents.
• Assists in the disposal of case‑related specimens including formalin‑fixed tissue according to ME protocols and procedures.
• Operates city vehicle for city business.
• Unpacks and shelves morgue materials and supplies.
• Maintains proper order and thorough cleanliness and disinfection of responsible areas.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies.
• Performs related work as required.

• Knowledge of standard routines and basic instruments used in a morgue, hospitals and/or medical office surgical suites.
• Knowledge of hazardous material handling procedures.
• Knowledge of safety procedures, occupational hazards, personal protective equipment, blood borne pathogens and universal precautions.
• Ability to read and write.
• Ability to understand and/or follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability and willingness to work with cadavers.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks according to standard autopsy procedures and to make accurate observations and records of results.
• Ability to lift and move cadavers and other heavy items such as boxes and materials weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles.
• Ability and willingness to use a personal computer, digital camera, digital X-ray equipment, electric saw, digital evidence drying cabinet, pressure washer, washing machine/dryer and surgical instruments.

• One‑year of education and/or experience in autopsy room, mortuary science, emergency medicine (basic or higher), or medical office surgical suite.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

• A valid driver’s license is required and must be maintained.
• Must qualify prior to appointment, obtain and maintain during employment in this class a City of Jacksonville certification as a Public Driver.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• The probationary period for this class is six (6) months.
• This classification performs safety‑sensitive functions and is subject to pre‑employment, random and other drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401).
• The Medical Examiner’s office is part of the Incident Management System for each county which it serves.
  • All full‑time employees are required to report and carry out duties as assigned for the duration of the emergency.
  • Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

If an applicant meets qualifications based on education, the educational field must be in one of the areas listed.