Forensic Morgue Technician

Harris County•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Morgue Technician supports the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences’ medical examiner services by assisting with post-mortem examinations and related morgue operations. The Institute’s mission is to provide high-quality, unbiased medical examiner and crime laboratory services with uncompromised integrity. Its vision includes providing consistent death investigation and laboratory analysis, supporting justice through technology, and establishing an academic environment for forensic science training. The technician assists pathologists during examinations, handles decedent identification and property, performs imaging as needed, supports morgue release and inventory processes, and helps maintain a safe and sanitary morgue. The role is based at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston, Texas, in a morgue/laboratory setting with heavy exposure to blood and bloodborne pathogens. It is full-time, 40 hours per week, with work hours between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; the schedule includes weekends and holidays on a rotation of four weekends on and four weekends off. The position responds to emergency and disaster situations and serves as essential personnel during emergency operations.

Requirements

Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, or equivalent (60 college hours), from an accredited college or university in Biological Sciences, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Physical Anthropology, or a related field.
Register for and pass the Harris County Clerical Test with at least 85% on all sections, including a typing speed of 30 words per minute with 85% accuracy.
Provide a DNA sample to be maintained by the Forensic Genetics Laboratory for quality assurance purposes.
Have good written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrate basic computer skills, including use of standard Microsoft Office applications.
Maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of applicable information.
Be able to deal physically and psychologically with death and human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease, and trauma.
Pass a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening before employment and randomly during employment.
Submit a copy of transcripts (official or unofficial) and a handwriting sample, including handwritten numbers, with the application.
Meet the physical requirements of moving and lifting decedents weighing over 200 pounds from a stretcher to an autopsy table and storage using acceptable techniques; having the range of motion and finger dexterity to grasp, hold, and push tools for evisceration and suturing; standing for extended periods; tolerating unpleasant odors; effectively donning and doffing required personal protective equipment; and wearing protective gear for extended periods while assisting with examinations.

Responsibilities

Assist pathologists during post-mortem examinations, including opening the thoracic, abdominal, and cranial cavities.
Close post-mortem incisions and facilitate storage of decedents.
Fingerprint decedents following post-mortem examination.
Accept, preserve, and maintain accountability for decedents’ clothing, property, and valuables.
Perform X-rays and CT scans as needed for forensic studies.
Work the morgue control desk as needed, including releasing decedents and personal property to establishments authorized by next of kin and accurately entering information into the database.
Record and reconcile decedent inventory daily.
Maintain the safety, sanitation, and custodial conditions of the morgue daily.
Participate in special morgue studies as directed by the Director of Morgue & Histology Services.
Assist other Medical Examiner staff as needed or as requested by the Director of Morgue & Histology Services or Morgue Services Supervisor.
Respond to emergency and disaster situations and function as essential personnel during emergency operations.