Forensic Morgue Technician

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston, TX is hiring for a full-time Morgue Technician to assist pathologists during autopsies, manage decedent handling, and support forensic imaging.

The role requires physical strength, ability to pass background checks, and proficiency with basic office software; weekend shifts are included.

You will work in a morgue/lab environment with exposure to blood and will be responsible for inventory, privacy, and adherence to safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 60 college hours in biological sciences or related field.
• Ability to pass criminal background check and drug screening.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle death and human remains with care and respect.

Responsibilities

• Assist pathologists during post-mortem examinations and open cavities as needed.
• Close post-mortem incisions and prepare decedents for storage.
• Fingerprint decedents following examination.
• Accept, preserve, and account for clothing and valuables belonging to decedents.
• Perform X-rays and CT scans as required for forensic studies.
• Operate morgue control desk, release decedents and property under authority, and record data accurately.
• Record and reconcile decedent inventory daily.
• Maintain morgue safety, sanitation, and custodial conditions.
• Participate in special morgue studies as directed by Morgue & Histology Services Director.
• Provide assistance to other Medical Examiner staff as needed.

Skills

Physical strength

Written communication

Verbal communication

Basic computer skills

Driver's license

Education

Associate degree in Biological Sciences or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mission

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

Vision

• To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.
• To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.
• To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist pathologists during post-mortem examination including opening the thoracic, abdominal and cranial cavities.
• Closes post-mortem incisions and facilitates storage of decedents.
• Fingerprints decedents following post-mortem examination
• Accepts, preserves and is accountable for clothing, property, and valuables belonging to decedents.
• Performs X-rays and CT scans as needed for forensic studies.
• Works the morgue control desk as needed to include releasing decedents and personal property to establishments bearing authority from next of kin and accurately enters information into the database.
• Records and reconciles decedent inventory on a daily basis.
• Maintains the safety, sanitation, and custodial conditions of the morgue on a daily basis.
• Participates in special studies of the morgue as directed by the Director of Morgue & Histology Services.
• Provides assistance to other Medical Examiner staff as needed or requested by the Director of Morgue & Histology Services or Morgue Services Supervisor.

Other Duties

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education

• Associate of Arts/ Science degree or equivalent (60 college hours) from an accredited college or university in Biological Sciences, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Physical Anthropology, or a related field.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass Harris County Clerical Test with a score of at least 85% on all sections including a typing score of 30 wpm with 85% accuracy.
• Must provide a DNA sample to be maintained by the Forensic Genetics Laboratory for quality assurance purposes.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must demonstrate basic computer skills to include standard Microsoft Office applications.

Licensure

• Must maintain a valid driver's license for the duration of employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must maintain the confidentiality and integrity of applicable information.
• Must possess the ability to deal physically and psychologically with death and human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease and trauma.
• Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)

Location

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences

1861 Old Spanish Trail

Houston, TX 77054

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work

• Full-Time | 40 hours per week
• Work hours between 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Includes weekends and holidays.
• Weekend rotation is 4 weekends on / 4 weekends off

Work Environment

• Morgue/ Laboratory Setting
• Heavy exposure to blood/ bloodborne pathogens

Physical Requirements

• Physical strength to move and lift decedents weighing over 200 pounds from stretcher to autopsy table and storage using acceptable techniques.
• Must have full range of motion and finger dexterity for grasping, holding, and pushing to handle a variety of tools for evisceration and suturing of decedents.
• Must be physically able to stand for extended periods of time and tolerate unpleasant odors from decomposed decedents.
• Must be able to effectively don and doff appropriate personal protective equipment (including N95 mask, gown, face protection, as well as self-contained breathing apparatus as required).
• Ability to wear personal protective gear for extended periods (hours) while assisting with postmortem examinations.

Additional Information

• Responds to emergency/disaster situations and functions as essential personnel during emergency operations.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.