Autopsy Technician I

Jefferson County

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Jefferson County is seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Forensic Autopsy Technician to join the Coroner’s Office. This entry-level role offers a unique opportunity to support medicolegal death investigations while gaining hands-on experience in forensic practices. Working under the guidance of the Senior Autopsy Technician and the leadership of the Chief Deputy Coroner and Coroner, this position assists the forensic pathologist with both autopsy and non-autopsy procedures, including examinations, evisceration, and toxicology specimen collection. The ideal candidate will be committed to learning established protocols, maintaining strict adherence to state and federal regulations, and contributing to the office’s mission of delivering accurate, respectful, and legally sound death investigations.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
A minimum of one year or more of proven and documented experience with autopsies or toxicology lab.
Requires knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology , and forensic pathology.
A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
Successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references for all positions.

Nice To Haves

Certification (D-ABMDI) with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators is required within one year of hire.
Some college in biology or physical science; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related field highly preferred.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Capability to work with individuals, groups, and staff.
Work effectively on a team and in an independent environment.
Dedicated, committed, and reliable professional.
Strong attention to detail.
Thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines.
Collaboration with investigators and pathologists
Ability to handle stressful situations.
Self-motivated, displays proactivity, and takes initiative.
Have a positive, can-do attitude with great problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Assist forensic pathologist during autopsy.
Prepare and set up for autopsy.
Ensure autopsy instruments, fixtures, and overall suite are clean and organized.
Assist with physical examination to include cleaning and preparing the body for evisceration, evidence collection, histology collection, toxicology draws, and cleaning and closing the body for release.
Document autopsy with photographs.
Document, package, and store all evidence, toxicology specimens, and personal property collected during the autopsy.
Collect and package any specific requests by other agencies such as fingerprint cards, buccal swabs, DNA cards.
Ensure pathologist is aware and gives permission for collection and release.
Label cassettes for histology and package and send them to the appropriate agency.
Take X-rays if needed.
Update COHERO with autopsy information; preliminary findings, toxicology specimens, autopsy photographs, any other relevant documentation.
Review the Cohero Status Board and Home Page for any Tech Assist requests.
Tech Assist requests may include drawing toxicology and doing clean up photos on non-autopsy cases.
Prepare and package toxicology for dissemination to other agencies.
Delivers packages to FedEx.
Follow appropriate destruction/disposition methods for medications, toxicology, and specimens.
Assists with packaging and destruction process of medications.
Packages and destroys toxicology, specimens, and medical devices and tools.
Clean autopsy suite to include cleaning of supplies/tools and autopsy table along with surrounding area, mop floor, and start and finish laundry if needed.
Ensure supplies stay organized.
Follow up on any tasks for the day to ensure they are completed.
Other duties as assigned