MORGUE ATTENDANT LBJTMC

LBJ Tropical Medical Center; Fagaʻalu, Tafuna (AS, AS); On-site; USD 19,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

LBJ Tropical Medical Center in American Samoa is seeking a Morgue Attendant for the Laboratory department. The role involves preparing and cleaning remains for viewing and autopsy, maintaining a clean morgue, and handling routine administrative tasks.

The position requires irregular 24-hour rotating shifts, physical stamina, and emotional resilience to support families. You will identify bodies, manage specimens, and assist with autopsies under supervision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Irregular hours with 24-hour rotating shifts.
• Exposure to biological hazards and distressing sights.
• Physical demands including lifting and standing for long periods.
• Emotional resilience to handle death and grieving families.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate with coworkers and families.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and clean the deceased's body for viewing and autopsy procedures.
• Ensure that the morgue is always clean and organized.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment.
• Provide assistance and support to grieving families and loved ones.
• Collect and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Perform administrative tasks such as answering phone calls and scheduling appointments.
• Transporting deceased bodies: Moving remains from hospital wards to the morgue and between locations, such as embalming room to the storage area.
• Preparing bodies: Cleaning, washing, and preparing the body for autopsy, embalming, or release to homes.
• Assisting with autopsies: Setting up instruments, handling specimens, recording findings, sewing up incisions, and assisting pathologists.
• Identifying and labeling: Ensuring correct identification and documentation of each body.
• Specimen management: Collecting, preparing, labeling, and transporting tissue samples.
• Sanitizing and cleaning: Sterilizing autopsy rooms, instruments, and equipment; managing waste and linen.
• Paperwork and record-keeping: Preparing paperwork for morticians or pathologists, maintaining logs.
• Interacting with kin: Meeting with families to confirm identification or provide information.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Physical stamina

Emotional resilience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

LBJ TROPICAL MEDICAL CENTER

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

October 29, 2026

The Department of Human Resources is accepting applications for the following position.

Job Title: MORGUE ATTENDANT

Department: LABORATORY

Reports to: Laboratory Manager

Salary: $21,643.58

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and clean the deceased's body for viewing and autopsy procedures
• Ensure that the morgue is always clean and organized
• Follow safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment
• Provide assistance and support to grieving families and loved ones
• Collect and maintain accurate records and documentation
• Perform administrative tasks such as answering phone calls and scheduling appointments
• Transporting deceased bodies: Moving remains from hospital wards to the morgue and between locations, such as embalming room to the storage area.
• Preparing bodies: Cleaning, washing, and preparing the body for autopsy, embalming, or release to homes. This includes wrapping bodies, dressing, and sometimes applying makeup.
• Assisting with autopsies: Setting up instruments, handling specimens, recording findings, sewing up incisions, and assisting pathologists or medical examiners during post-mortem procedures.
• Identifying and labeling: Ensuring correct identification and documentation of each body, including the use of labels and storage system checks for proper anatomical position and temperature
• Specimen management: Collecting, preparing, labeling, and transporting tissue samples for further examination and disposal as needed.

Sanitizing and cleaning: Sterilizing autopsy rooms, instruments, and equipment; managing biological waste and linen

• Paperwork and record-keeping: Preparing paperwork for morticians or pathologists, maintaining logs, and recording autopsy findings
• Interacting with kin: Occasionally meeting with families to confirm identification or provide information

Other Duties and responsibilities:

• Physical stamina and strength to move and lift heavy objects such as bodies and autopsy tables
• Attention to detail and ability to follow strict protocols and procedures for handling and storing deceased individuals
• Strong communication skills to effectively communicate with medical professionals, law enforcement, and grieving families
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with other morgue staff and funeral directors
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to accurately document and report findings during autopsies and other examinations

Essential Highlights

• Mortuary attendants are responsible for preparing, handling, and maintaining the remains of deceased persons, supporting both funeral and forensic operations.
• Their work spans everything from specimen collection to equipment sterilization, documentation, and assisting during autopsies.
• The role requires a unique blend of technical skill, emotional resilience, and attention to detail.
• Mortuary attendants often serve as a vital point of contact for funeral directors, pathologists, and families of the deceased.

Qualifications and Workplace Challenges:

• Require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some preferring additional coursework in sciences or health
• Irregular hours: Many work on 24-hour rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Exposure risk: Contact with biological hazards, chemical agents, and at times, distressing sights or strong odors.
• Physical demands: Lifting, shifting, and standing for prolonged periods.
• Emotional toll: Regular exposure to death and grieving families can lead to compassion fatigue or burnout.
• Emotional resilience: Comfort with death, grief, and exposure to distressing situations.
• Interpersonal skills: Respectful communication with coworkers and grieving families.