Forensic Autopsy Technician - Central District
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner–Central District, located in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is seeking a part-time, wage Forensic Autopsy Technician. The position averages 15–29 hours per week, may not exceed 1,500 hours in a year, and is not eligible for benefits. Work involves varying rotating shifts, including days, weekends, and holidays, with occasional work after normal hours. The technician assists Assistant Chief Medical Examiners (forensic pathologists) with autopsies, including making incisions, removing and weighing organs, taking X-rays and digital photographs, collecting evidence, fingerprinting, and documentation. The role also involves retrieving, admitting, and releasing bodies; cleaning the morgue; maintaining morgue equipment and office vehicles; instructing internal and external personnel on morgue procedures; and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations. The technician preserves evidence, retrieves deceased persons when required or requested, and responds to mass-disaster scenes.
Requirements
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Have general working knowledge of anatomy, evidence collection, chain of custody, autopsy assistance, morgue operations, and confidentiality through direct experience or equivalent education.
- Have experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), database usage, and data entry, with strong keyboarding skills.
- Be able to push, pull, or maneuver weights of 500+ pounds, with and without assistance; stand for long periods; and traverse uphill, rocky, or otherwise unstable terrain.
- Be able to respond to mass-disaster scenes and other out-of-district assignments for up to a two-week rotation.
- Have basic photography skills, including knowledge of digital photography and the ability to save images to various media (CD, USB, or digital server).
- Possess a valid driver's license.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience with human remains in a hospital, morgue, funeral home, or medical examiner’s facility.
- Relevant training and experience in forensic sciences, health sciences, or a related field.
- Training as an autopsy technician or medicolegal death investigator.
- Experience obtaining, maintaining, and shipping collected specimens for analyses or consultations.
- Training and experience in digital radiography and digital dental radiography.
- Knowledge of OSHA regulations for biohazard and chemical work environments.
Responsibilities
- Assist forensic pathologists with autopsies, including incisions, removing and weighing organs, X-rays, digital photography, evidence collection, fingerprinting, and documentation.
- Retrieve, admit, and release bodies.
- Clean the morgue facility.
- Ensure morgue equipment and office vehicles receive proper maintenance.
- Instruct internal and external personnel on morgue procedures.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.
- Preserve evidence.
- Retrieve deceased persons when required or requested.
- Respond to mass-disaster scenes.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
