LTE Morgue Technician

Dane County; McFarland (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Dane County is seeking a Morgue Technician to support medicolegal autopsies, specimen collection, and morgue operations under the Director of Operations. The role requires handling of bodies, maintaining sterile conditions, and coordinating with law enforcement and funeral services.

Weekend and holiday coverage may be required, with potential overtime for coverage needs. Qualifications include an associate’s degree in a medical/forensic field and hands‑on morgue experience, plus a valid driver’s

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a medical, funerary or forensic field with hands‑on morgue/autopsy experience.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist forensic pathologists with autopsies and specimen handling.
• Maintain morgue cleanliness and inventory; prepare body tissues for processing.
• Arrange for release of bodies and coordinate with agencies; document chain of custody.

Skills

Driver's license

Flexible schedule

Education

Associate’s degree in medical/forensic field

Job description

Limited Term Employees (LTEs) are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year and are not guaranteed any hours per week.

Note to applicants – for the 2026 budget year, there is a 1% reduction in wages. This is already reflected in the hourly wage above.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision of the Director of Operations, responsible for the day-to-day administration of the morgue. Works a rotating schedule with other Morgue Technicians that includes vacancies on weekends, holidays, and some weekday work available when vacation coverage is needed. Assists with autopsies. Completes postmortem radiology. Performs work involving specimen preparation and packaging. Maintains the cleanliness of the morgue. Performs other duties as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists a Forensic Pathologist in the performance of medicolegal autopsies including opening and closing of the body, assisting with evisceration, assisting with other autopsy procedures and preparing samples for histologic examination. Receives/tracks/distributes organs and returned histologic preparations. Assists in distribution or acquisition of histologic specimens for review or consultation. Maintains the cleanliness and stock histology room; laundry of scrubs, protective gowns, and autopsy supplies. Cleans reusable PPE such as PAPR equipment, shields and safety glasses/goggles. Completes photography, basic radiology via LODOX x‑ray, BODYTOM CT and portable x-ray devices. Collects and documents evidence or specimens. Coordinates with the Chief Medical Examiner or Forensic Pathologist the scheduling of autopsies including notification to appropriate law enforcement personnel. Assists in identification of bodies including assistance in obtaining fingerprints, using specialized procedures for decomposed bodies and obtains services of identification experts such as a forensic dentist. Registers and inventories all bodies and their personal property. Maintains autopsy facility, equipment and supplies in a clean/sanitary condition. Prepares bodies for release. Releases bodies and property to the appropriate agency, funeral director or family member and secures a receipt of the transaction. Maintains morgue supply inventory, including the ordering of supplies. Assists in prescription drug inventory and packaging, cleaning of the morgue, accessioning area and laboratory to include Ultraviolet treatments. Assists with mass fatality planning and preparation of supplies and resources. May be required to assist with decedent removal or off‑site autopsy assistance. Assists in disposal of histological specimens in accordance with Departmental policy. Provides testimony as to decedent identification, chain of custody and evidence gathered. Completes and timely files all morgue related forms and reports.

Education, Training and Experience:

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree in a medical, funerary or forensic field AND hands‑on experience as a Pathology Assistant, Autopsy Assistant, Morgue Diener, Funeral Director or in a closely related area.

Special Requirements

Possession of or eligibility for a valid driver’s license and access to reliable personal motor vehicle transportation. Able to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. Also refer to the “Physical and Environmental Work Requirements” section below.

Background Check Statement:

Some positions may require a criminal background check, which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must be able to stand for a least four (4) hour periods at a time. Must be able to continually perform repetitive tasks and motions. Must be able to use power tools and operate lifts. Must be able to load and transport wheeled tables/carts weighing up to 300 pounds. Must be able to assist in loading and unloading freight weighing up to 100 pounds. Ability to carry, push and pull objects related to the autopsy procedures. Ability to move with full range of motion. Ability to work in: all weather conditions, hot/cold work environments, conditions that may sometimes be loud in volume. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for at least four (4) hour periods at a time.

Considerable knowledge of procedures involved in medico-legal autopsies. Considerable knowledge of human anatomy. Considerable knowledge of medical and legal terminology. Considerable knowledge of techniques and procedures for the handling and preparation of evidence for chain of custody control. Considerable knowledge of methods and procedures for the handling of contaminated specimens, bio‑hazardous waste, and equipment. Blood borne pathogen training. Working knowledge of cleaning products and disinfecting procedures to clean and sanitize equipment and facilities according to safety precautions. Working knowledge of solvents and tissue preservatives such as formalin using safety precautions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Medical Examiner staff, law enforcement officers, funeral directors, decedent family members and medical personnel. Ability to move bodies of various weights and sizes. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Knowledge of or related to bloodborne pathogen safety, patient confidentiality, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPPA, radiology equipment operation and mass fatality preparation, morgue and autopsy procedures.