MEO Forensic Science Technician

St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners • Medical Examiners Office, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Science Technician assists the medical examiners/pathologists in the conduct of performing autopsies and evidence gathering for law enforcement agencies. This role requires reliability, good character, and the ability to perform duties carefully and conscientiously to avoid unnecessary exposure to biological hazards. The technician must clearly understand written and verbal instructions to prevent errors in case numbers, evidence, or body identification. Due to the unpredictable nature of the workload, availability and responsiveness are crucial.

Requirements

• Must be reliable, of good character, and perform assigned duties in a careful, conscientious manner.
• Must clearly understand written and verbal instructions related to the job.
• Must be available and responsive on a continuous basis.
• Working with decedents in all states of decomposition.
• Assisting and performing independently methods of opening chest and brain cavities, proper removal of human organs for examination by the pathologist, and sample-taking techniques for lab processing.
• Must be able to maintain databases and records, handle paperwork and have some computer knowledge.
• Must be capable of performing strenuous physical activities associated with morgue and autopsy operations, including lifting, transferring, pushing, pulling, and maneuvering various weights (with or without assistance) and utilizing specialized equipment.
• Must be able to safely operate heavy morgue equipment, including cadaver lifts.
• Must be comfortable with frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, kneeling, and squatting.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds independently and occasionally move or assist in moving weights in excess of 100 pounds through the use of team lifting techniques and mechanical lifting equipment.
• Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
• Must be comfortable with exposure to bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards.
• Active immunizations as required for potential exposure risks.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science, nursing, or a related field; or equivalent law enforcement experience.
• Familiarity with death investigation procedures, including Florida Statutes, Chapter 406 (Medical Examiner Law), and investigative techniques.
• Basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
• Effective verbal, written, and narrative reporting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under stressful conditions and handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism.
• Ability to collaborate with various professional groups (law enforcement, medical, legal, etc.).
• Capacity to assist with autopsies and death investigations accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly.
• Valid Florida driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Be available on-call and conduct scene investigations as needed during regular business hours, as well as overnight, weekends, and holidays.
• Operate company vehicle daily and travel as required for scene investigations.
• This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.

Nice To Haves

• Bi-lingual skills in Spanish, French, and Creole, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist medical examiners in autopsies using appropriate techniques, equipment, and universal precautions for pathological diagnosis.
• Process physical evidence, ensuring reliable identification and accurate documentation.
• Assist law enforcement in safeguarding valuables and personal property of individuals in care.
• Perform basic duties including body identification, general intake procedures, fingerprinting, photography, lifting and transferring bodies, performing radiographic studies, eviscerating, organ removal and weighing, brain and spinal cord removal (if necessary), sewing up bodies, transferring bodies to stretchers, and storing tissue specimens.
• Disinfect autopsy tables and instruments, maintaining a clean, neat, and organized work environment.
• Prepare and release bodies to funeral homes and provide decedent pick-up services.
• Support Forensic Investigators as requested.
• Bag and discard specimens for incineration.
• Provide clerical support functions for the mortuary unit.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when working with the public and management.
• Provide custodial services and management of the morgue area.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Examiner, Associate Medical Examiners, and Operations Manager.
• Be available on-call and conduct scene investigations as needed during regular business hours, as well as overnight, weekends, and holidays.
• Operate company vehicle daily and travel as required for scene investigations.

Benefits

• St. Lucie County BOCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level