Autopsy Technician II

Class Concept

This role serves as a senior technician and involves assisting with the performance of medicolegal autopsies including ensuring compliance with OSHA and OCME safety policies while performing eviscerations, gross anatomic dissections, obtaining specimens for microscopic examination, disposing of medical waste appropriately and cleaning and storing the body. This position also coordinates the release and receipt of the body, cleans and disinfects the facility and equipment per established protocols and handles evidence in accordance with established rules for preserving the chain of custody of evidence. This position takes photographs of body as well as radiograph procedures as needed. Position also handles all record keeping and data entry in regard to logging information into the Medical Examiner Information System (MEIS).

Position coordinates investigations with law enforcement and public health agencies, especially in the event of a suspected bioterrorism outbreak or other mass fatality. Position manages autopsy facility materials including coordinating the scheduling, transportation, receiving, and release of bodies, inventory of autopsy equipment and supplies, providing research and expertise on forensic pathology and autopsy techniques to pathologists, law enforcement, medical/dental students, college students, and Medical Examiners. The position provides training and guidance to level I positions entering OCME. This level requires greater independence than level I in the series.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of law enforcement requirements for criminal investigations, and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner administrative procedures and policies.
• Working knowledge of firearms, ballistics and law enforcement procedures.
• Working knowledge with funeral service practices, autopsy, radiographs, and photographic techniques and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of anatomy and pathology and the embalming process.
• Considerable knowledge of investigative and identification procedures and techniques.
• Thorough knowledge and compliance with designated OCME Autopsy Facility engineering and work practice safety controls (e.g., personnel protection equipment, handling of infectious substances, decontamination, and disposal of medical waste).
• Skill in the taking of finger and palm prints.
• Skill in excellent written and oral communication.
• Ability to collect, document, and report information supportive of a death scene inquiry.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Medical Examiner staff, law enforcement agencies, transporters, and the public

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate Degree in the biological/anatomical, forensic, mortuary/funeral, or criminal justice sciences from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in the field of pathology, forensic pathology or decedent care; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.