Lead Autopsy Technician

State of North Carolina

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. The Lead Autopsy Technician provides technical support to forensic pathologists within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) and assists in postmortem examinations to determine cause and manner of death. This position performs eviscerations, gross anatomical dissections, and evidence collection while ensuring compliance with safety protocols and chain-of-custody requirements. The role directs daily workflow for Autopsy Technicians I and II, oversees training programs, and coordinates operational coverage to maintain autopsy facility efficiency. The position also supports special projects, mass fatality response, and collaborates with law enforcement and investigative units. Work is performed in a high-volume, safety-sensitive environment requiring precision and adherence to established procedures.

Requirements

• Associate Degree in the biological/anatomical, forensic, mortuary/funeral, or criminal justice sciences from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in the field of pathology, forensic pathology or decedent care OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Documented experience performing eviscerations and gross anatomical dissections during postmortem examinations in a high-volume forensic environment.
• Proven experience leading technical teams, including assigning daily workflow, maintaining training programs, and implementing corrective instruction for autopsy operations.
• Demonstrated experience handling and preserving physical evidence, including photographing, packaging, and labeling items to maintain chain of custody for law enforcement coordination.
• Hands-on experience entering case data and body management information into the Medical Examiner Information System (MEIS) and managing digital documentation processes.
• Experience applying OSHA and OCME safety protocols for biohazardous material handling, facility sanitation, and compliance monitoring in autopsy settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist forensic pathologists in performing eviscerations, gross anatomical dissections, and specimen collection for microscopic and specialized studies.
• Prepare and maintain autopsy instruments and equipment to ensure readiness for postmortem procedures.
• Document and photograph decedents and examination findings; upload images to the designated digital storage system.
• Inventory, package, and label physical evidence and personal effects to preserve chain of custody; coordinate disposition with law enforcement.
• Perform radiographic examinations and record findings according to OCME policy.
• Enter case data and body management information into the Medical Examiner Information System (MEIS) accurately and timely.
• Train and mentor Autopsy Technicians I and II, maintain training curriculum, and implement corrective instruction as needed.
• Develop and manage daily task assignments and schedules, including weekend and holiday coverage for autopsy operations.
• Monitor facility conditions, including cooler and refrigerator temperature systems, and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Participate in special projects, system testing, and mass fatality response efforts as directed by the Autopsy Facility Manager.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees