Forensic Pathology Technician

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

1d•CA$65,673 - CA$82,303•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. Alberta Justice helps ensure all Albertans can live in safe and resilient communities while having access to a fair and innovative justice system. Working alongside its partners in law enforcement, family justice, health, the judiciary, the criminal justice system and other stakeholders, the ministry has a direct or shared responsibility in all elements of the justice system in Alberta. The staff members of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are committed to the provision of high-quality services to Albertans. Activities performed enable the Office to certify the cause and manner of death in accordance with the Fatality Inquiries Act; provide forensic service, assist in educating Albertans in time of grief; and develop and maintain a center of excellence in forensic pathology and toxicology.

Requirements

Knowledge of contents of Sexual Assault Kits and Firearm Primer Residue Kits in the collection of evidence during homicide/criminal cases.
Knowledge of specialized techniques that must be developed to properly extract toxicological specimens from decomposed, putrefied maggot infested bodies, children, mutilated injured bodies and high-risk cases.
Knowledge of the internal human anatomy that is essential to recognize any abnormal artifacts and relay this information to the Pathologist/Medical Examiner.
Knowledge in the ability to perform autopsies, external examinations, extraction of toxicological specimens, and development of specialized techniques.
Comply with the current workplace health and safety, and respectful workplace policies.
Knowledge of the Fatality Inquiries Act (FIA) and Protection and Privacy Act (POPA).
Possess clear and concise communication skills as this is required for direct interaction with the Medical Examiner, Medical Investigators, Police personnel, funeral homes, and internal staff members.
A two-year technical diploma in medical or biology related field plus a minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a health/medical field is required. (e.g.: Forensic Assistant/Technician, Nursing, Paramedic, etc.)
Equivalencies will be considered: Degree and a minimum of two (2) years related experience in a heath/medical field, Certificate and a minimum of three (3) years related experience in a health/medical field.
Experience working with Microsoft office suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Previous front-line health/medical occupation experience. (Forensic Assistant/Technician, Paramedic, Nurse LPN/RN, etc.)
Previous necropsy experience.

Responsibilities

Performs timely and accurate admission of decedents to the morgue to organize the daily workload.
Provides technical support to determine positive identification of decedent.
Performs, processes, and stores post-mortem x-rays both routinely and in consultation with medical examiners (e.g.: forensic pathologists).
Assists medical examiners during external examinations to ensure all information necessary to the case is obtained.
Performs autopsies to assist medical examiners with gathering information needed for case investigation.
Performs clean up duties, sanitizing, and resets stations with sharpened tools after each autopsy/external exam.
Releases all bodies from the morgue to stakeholders/funeral homes to accommodate families and facilitate storage requirements.
Performs the collection of and arranges proper transfer of toxicological, microbiological, and other specimens to appropriate laboratories to ensure samples are received in a timely manner for testing requested by medical examiners.
Enters information into the database accurately and in a timely manner.
Completes administrative duties and tasks assigned from supervisor.
Participates in supervising observers and students to ensure safety precautions are upheld and promotes educational programs.
Teaches students’ autopsy evisceration technique and procedure.