Embalmer - Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

10d

About The Position

The Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine Department at West Virginia University is hiring an Embalmer. The role is responsible for embalming cadavers received by the Department and placing them in storage for preservation. The Embalmer assists the Senior Program Coordinator, Sr., in maintaining an adequate cadaver inventory for WVU-supported courses and managing cadaver use within the Department’s Division of Anatomy and Human Gift Registry (HGR) Program. Duties include receiving, embalming, using, and disposing of cadavers; maintaining inventory through data entry and physical work; and helping maintain stringent antiseptic conditions in gross labs, the morgue, and storage areas. The Embalmer prepares donors for Gross Anatomy Labs and other designated areas, assists with lab and embalming-room setup, supports postmortem examinations, and handles donor transportation, preservation, and disposition. The position also maintains cadaver identification and records, helps manage equipment, supplies, and chemicals, supports HGR processes and related programs, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor. WVU describes a 37.5-hour work week and offers 13 paid holidays, 24 annual leave days per year, 18 sick days per year, health insurance and other benefits, 401(a) retirement savings with a 6%25 employee contribution match, and wellness programs.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a related field or completion of a 12-month Mortuary Science Training program.
At least one year of directly related embalming experience.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Ability to communicate and understand policies related to cadaver use and conduct in teaching areas.
Ability to perform inventories and audits and maintain records.
Ability to properly dispose of human anatomical remains and other materials.
Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and bereaved family members.
Ability to handle stress and varied personalities and interact calmly and congenially with coworkers.
Ability to meet deadlines without prompting.
Ability to be a self-starter and team player.
Ability to learn and interpret new tasks, policies, and procedures and prioritize assignments.
Basic knowledge of human anatomy.
Understanding of state and WVU statutes regarding human remains.
Physical ability to move and transport objects weighing up to 300 pounds.
Computer knowledge, including word processing and database experience.

Responsibilities

Embalm donors for use in Gross Anatomy Labs and other designated areas, and place donors in storage for preservation.
Assist with setup of Gross Anatomy Labs and the embalming room, and support medical service personnel during postmortem examinations.
Draw blood from donors for testing and remove specified organs, including liver or brain, as needed.
Move bodies into refrigerator compartment trays or onto autopsy or embalming tables using a portable hoist and stretcher.
Pack and ship cadavers, and prepare them for cremation and placement in the Memorial Vault.
Lay out surgical instruments and laboratory supplies for postmortem examinations.
Wash tables, storage trays, and instruments; wash and replace soiled linens.
Assist with receiving cadavers and transporting them to other locations, including the morgue, gross labs, freezers, and other universities.
Prepare preserving solutions by mixing chemicals according to formulas.
Maintain accurate cadaver identification and information through data entry; sign donors into the State Anatomical Board book and scan them into the HGR database.
Maintain equipment inventory and records of cadaver transfers and storage.
Provide backup phone coverage for HGR donor processes.
Help maintain records required by state statutes and the West Virginia Anatomical Board, including death certificates and donor paperwork.
Prepare reports and PowerPoint presentations for the HGR Annual Meeting.
Assist with chemical storage, inventory, and disposal according to established policies and procedures.
Schedule crematory pickups and answer calls from removal teams about donors as needed.
Maintain clear work surfaces and clean and sterilize instruments and materials using specified sterile techniques.
Help maintain antiseptic conditions in the Department Morgue.
Collect and dispose of laboratory waste and decontaminate it as required by federal and state regulations.
Assist with inventory and supply maintenance for teaching labs and morgues.
Support Department of Anatomy labs and programs, including HCOP and HSTA.
Recommend setups, equipment, policies, and procedures to the supervisor.
Help maintain a healthy work environment in the morgue and gross anatomy labs, provide phone coverage, communicate with future donors, and complete paperwork.
Perform other duties as directed and assigned by the supervisor.