Forensic Pathology Technician Trainee

Under close supervision, to assist forensic pathologists in performing autopsies; to receive, identify and release bodies; to maintain a morgue and autopsy room in a clean and orderly manner; assist in preparing tissue specimens for histological examination, performs radiographs and takes autopsy photographs for use as forensic evidence.

• Receives, identifies, releases, and moves bodies from refrigeration storage, and prepares bodies of deceased persons for autopsy exam and final disposition;
   
• Weighs, measures, fingerprints and photographs bodies; to include use of specialized fingerprint techniques, when warranted;
   
• Assists forensic pathologists in performing autopsies to determine cause and manner of unusual, unnatural or medically unattended death, and preserve medicolegal evidence;
   
• Sets up equipment, instruments and solutions, opens bodies, obtains blood and fluid samples, prepares basic lab tests, removes (eviscerates) organs and specimens, weighs organs when required, labels and stores specimens, and closes bodies;
   
• Trains others in specialized procedures, equipment and techniques;
   
• Observes and reports conditions found which may be of value in an autopsy investigation;
   
• Prepares tissue sections for histologic examination by cutting, embedding, staining, and mounting tissue sections for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist;
   
• Maintains morgue and autopsy room in a clean, sanitary, and orderly manner; cleans and sterilizes equipment; orders and maintains autopsy, laboratory, x-ray, and darkroom supplies; and checks for proper ventilation and condition of equipment;
   
• Performs routine clerical filing, record keeping, and data entry;
   
• Operates and maintains radiographic equipment, makes x-rays, and prepares film for reading by a pathologist;
   
• Performs photography, including maintenance, and downloading photos into case files;
   
• May serve as a witness in cases and testify in court as to procedures followed;
   
• May remove and transport bodies from the scene of death, or accompany Investigators in the field;
   
• Helps assist with detailed Neuropathology examination to include, assistance; setup, transcription of notes, photography, cassette preparation and delivery to histology department;
   
• Assists in maintaining Neuropathology database;
   
• Ensures safety procedures, and maintenance of material data sheets used in autopsy suite;
   
• Responsible for preparing, maintaining, and disposing formalin fixative concentration;
   
• Hazard waste management to include tissue and biohazard waste disposal;
   
• Maintains cold room refrigerator storage unit;
   
• Maintains equipment and refrigerated storage areas;
   
• Participates and assists in mass fatality response;
   
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
   
• Performs other related work as required.

Sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks and attainment of the following knowledge and abilities.
 
Training and Experience Note:  Training and experience equivalent to the possession of a high school diploma,
  
One year of experience in nursing, mortuary science, health sciences, laboratory pathology, or experience in a Coroner or Medical Examiner's Office that developed a working knowledge of human anatomy/physiology, autopsy procedures and equipment, and methods of removing organs or preparing bodies for the mortuary.
 
Special Qualifications:
Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to obtain and maintain a County Driver's Authorization.
 
Knowledge of: 

• Basic anatomy, physiology, dissection, and medical terminology;
   
• Surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, tests, and procedures used in performing autopsies, and methods for care of instruments and equipment;
   
• Handling and preparing deceased bodies;
   
• General science laboratory techniques and procedures. 

Ability to:   

• Learn specialized procedures and tests required to assist a pathologist in an autopsy examination;
   
• Perform repetitive activities carried out according to set procedure, such as preserving specimens and preparing solutions;
   
• Maintain accurate records, perform routine clerical work and data entry;
   
• Understand instructions of a technical nature from pathologists and carry them out as prescribed;
   
• Learn basic radiographic techniques and methods, and operation and care of radiographic equipment;
   
• Learn basic principles of photography;
   
• Learn laboratory procedures and methods of histologic technique for fixing, cutting, embedding, staining, and mounting tissue sections for microscopic evaluation by pathologist;
   
• Work independently with minimal supervision;
   
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, present a demeanor consistent with the dignity of the Office, and sensitively interact with distraught persons and grieving family members;
   
• Be able to manipulate bodies by oneself and with assistance;
   
• Maintain proper cleanliness and decorum in a forensic facility.

• Safely move and lift to chest height, bodies weighing 125 pounds;
   
• Work with bodies of deceased persons, and tolerate unpleasant aspects of the job, association with traumatic death, and odors such as decomposed bodies and preservative chemicals;
   
• Stand for long periods of time, engage in continuous active work requiring moderate physical exertion and manual dexterity in the handling of bodies or equipment;
   
• Work flexible hours, shifts, weekends and holidays and be subject to call back duty.