Autopsy Technician (Medical Examiner)

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court & Comptroller•Tampa, FL

6h•$19 - $34

About The Position

Performs duties assisting a pathologist with autopsies and other forensic procedures. Work is typically completed in an autopsy room and may involve working with diseased, decomposed, or mutilated corpses daily. Employees may be required to respond promptly to emergency or disaster assignments before, during, or after an event. Career progression to the next tier is competitive and depends on business need and financial impact; employees are not automatically upgraded.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate, and six months of work experience with deceased humans or patients as a mortician’s assistant, surgical assistant, assisting in performing autopsies, or transporting dead bodies; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience reasonably expected to provide the stated job-related competencies.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Knowledge of techniques and procedures used in autopsy examinations.
Knowledge of the functions, services, procedures, and regulations of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Knowledge of human anatomy and morphology.
Knowledge of aseptic and disinfectant procedures.
Knowledge of x-ray equipment and procedures.
Knowledge of Chapter 406 of the Florida Statutes pertaining to standards required of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Knowledge of chain-of-custody policies regarding specimens, evidence, and body removal.
Knowledge of methods of transmission of tuberculosis, AIDS, hepatitis, and meningitis.
Skill in the use of a variety of surgical instruments.
Ability and willingness to work with diseased, decomposed, or mutilated corpses on a daily basis.
Ability to perform routine and specialized post-mortem procedures as directed by a pathologist.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and established procedures.
Ability to use cameras and photographic equipment.
Ability to use a computer and related software.
Ability to stand for long periods and withstand strong sights and smells.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Responsibilities

Receive and register human or non-human remains at the medical examiner’s facility, assigning a case number, date, and name if known.
Obtain and record identification information, including finger and palm prints.
Document and secure personal property, valuables, medications, and other evidence.
Wash and prepare remains for examination or autopsy according to operational policies.
Photograph remains and anatomical sites for identification and trauma documentation.
Take and develop x-rays as necessary to assess foreign objects or assist with identification of burned, mutilated, or decomposed remains.
Prepare and maintain surgical instruments and laboratory supplies for post-mortem examinations.
Assist the pathologist during autopsies by handing instruments, weighing and recording organ weights, and locating and tying off major arteries or organ stumps.
Obtain hair and fingernail specimens as required.
Label toxicology specimen containers and file and store specimens as appropriate.
Close post-mortem incisions and prepare remains for the undertaker.
Clean the autopsy suite, storage rooms, loading dock, and garage according to defined procedures.
Release remains to funeral homes or their representatives in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Maintain work-related records and prepare reports using a computer.
Perform other related duties as required.
Respond to emergency or disaster duties as assigned by the department, County Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration.