Forensic Autopsy Technician

About the Opportunity

THE POSITION

The Forensic Autopsy Technician will assist with autopsies and post-mortem examinations, keep morgue/autopsy room and equipment in clean and orderly condition and perform other duties as assigned.

To learn more about the Sheriff's Department, click here .

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the T echnical Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in the PARS system.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

• Receive, identify, release and move deceased persons from refrigeration unit; and prepare deceased persons for autopsy exam and final disposition;
• Assist pathologist in performing medico-legal autopsies to include preparing instruments, opening the body, removal of internal organs, prove suction or flush of body fluids, holding or retracting tissue as needed and by cleaning and closing the body following completion of the autopsy;
• Maintain morgue and autopsy room in a clean, sanitary and orderly manner; clean and sterilize equipment; and, check for proper ventilation and condition of equipment;
• Prepare decedent for post-mortem examinations and pathological study by cleaning the body and using necessary solutions, and by maintaining a sanitary working environment;
• Examine x-ray photograph and record external identification characteristics of deceased persons such as height, weight, hair, and eye color and print digital photographs;
• Observe and report conditions found that may be of value in an autopsy investigation;
• Collect and prepare evidence, clothing and specimens for lab examination; preserve, store and discard evidence, clothing and specimens as directed or according to established procedures;
• Maintain inventory of coroner/morgue supplies, equipment and chemicals, and order supplies as necessary;
• Inventory, secure, seal and/or store real and personal property of deceased;
• Prepare bodies for release to mortician after post-mortem examination, ensuring mortuaries remove the correct bodies with any property;
• Clean autopsy room, refrigeration and storage rooms, and sterilizes instruments and equipment;
• Keeps field equipment clean, stocked and in good condition;
• Notify the Chief Deputy Coroner of any needed repairs to the autopsy room area; and
• Serve as witness in Coroner cases as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Process and preserve deceased persons for autopsies;
• Maintain facility and equipment in a sterilized manner;
• Follow written and oral instructions;
• Prepare clear and concise reports when necessary and keep accurate records;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work;
• Work in all types of weather conditions;
• Handle bodies of deceased persons to include those associated with traumatic deaths and those infested with insects and vermin;
• Tolerate unpleasant odors such as those from decomposed bodies and preservative chemicals;
• Operate and maintain surgical instruments, equipment and supplies when assisting in performing medico-legal autopsy examinations;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, such as a multi-function phone system, copying machine, fax machine, Dictaphone and tape recorder used in the performance of death investigation work;
• Operate a motor vehicle;
• Operate a hydraulic lift;
• Lift and move objects, including cadavers, weighing at least 150 pounds;
• The procedures and techniques involved in assisting the pathologist in post-mortem examinations;
• Surgical instruments, equipment, supplies and procedures used to assist a pathologist in performing medico-legal autopsy examinations;
• Basic anatomy, physiology, dissection and medical terminology;
• Rules of evidence regarding chain of custody and methods to preserve and safeguard evidence;
• Laws, regulations and policies relating to the Sheriff-Coroner function which may involve use of the Health and Safety Code, Government Code, California Penal Code, Vehicle Code and Probate Code as they relate to the Coroner's office; and
• Hygienic methods and practices, including septic and antiseptic procedures.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.


EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

PATTERN I

• Successful completion of twelve (12) semester units from an accredited college or university in biology, anatomy or curriculum that would provide knowledge of principles and techniques in cause-of-death investigations, post-mortem examinations or closely related work.

PATTERN II

• At least six (6) months of experience involving autopsies, embalming, grief counseling or experience in providing relevant investigation assistance in a medical or law enforcement function.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• A minimum of six (6) months of current or recent (within the last two (2) years) work experience performing autopsies, embalming, or experience in providing relevant investigation assistance in a medical or law enforcement setting.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-7044 to make other arrangements before 5 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE
Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: May 12, 2025 at 5pm
Oral Examination: TBA

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 5/12/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• Stanislaus County

• (209) 525-6341

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