Autopsy Technician

The Autopsy Technician works closely with the Forensic Pathologist in assisting with autopsies. This position performs duties which include collecting samples, processing, and preparing specimens for testing, filing records, preparing bodies for autopsy, maintenance of laboratory and storage areas, and oversight of laboratory equipment and inventory.

• Sets up forensic autopsy suite by performing and assisting with autopsy related duties such as removing organs in an anatomical fashion, cleansing the body of any foreign material and fluids, accounting for medical therapy, and collecting specimens in the form of tissue or fluids. Ensures that the body is cleaned, organs returned, sutured, and in the correct body bag at the end of autopsy then returned to the cooler for refrigeration.
• Packages and processes specimens for toxicology testing includes labeling each specimen, ensuring they are in correct vials, spinning vials, and preparing according to preservation standards for mailing. Coordinates and communicates with research facilities and hospitals to prepare, collect, store, and send swabs, brains, and blood for various specialized tests.
• Collects and preserves evidence and other items collected during autopsy for use in investigations and determining the circumstances, manner, and cause of death. Maintain records of evidence released from custody to crime labs or police departments, ensuring that the chain of custody is maintained.
• Responsible for intake and release of decedents, which includes fingerprinting, taking the height and weight, and maintaining record of the body, maintaining a chain of custody of property, checking the identity of decedents, and checking next of kin for release to mortuaries. Notification to funeral homes of the release status must also occur.
• Maintains equipment, supplies, and additional inventory daily. Request and order supplies as needed. This includes maintaining the body lift and cooler, sharpening knives, and bones saws, cleaning, and stocking. Reports all malfunctions with equipment.
• Photographs decedents including all injury, trauma, scars, tattoos, and evidence collected and takes radiographs using an X-Ray machine for applicable cases. Includes preparing a decedent for viewable state via in person or photograph.
• Cleans autopsy suite after every autopsy by removing all biohazard material, cleaning, and rotating laundry, and discarding of old toxicology vials and tissue samples according to biohazard disposal standards.
• Educates and trains a diverse range of medical students, residents, interns, and law enforcement personnel in the autopsy techniques and procedures.
• Maintains detailed records when collecting/storing specimens, receiving and storing evidence/property, transferring/releasing bodies, and toxicology by entering all case information into case/data management system.
• Assists with histology by fixing biopsy samples taken from autopsies, documenting the samples, and creating mediums for biopsy processing. Sends out biopsy samples and coordinates with other histology labs for special stains in slides.
• Compiles statistical reports on deaths (drugs of abuse, domestic violence, motor vehicle, child deaths, suicides, homicides) in the county that are created over different periods of time and reported to a wide array of agencies.
• Answers and makes phone calls to mortuaries and families to assist with investigations, death certificates, and release of bodies. Greets the public and assists those with questions.

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Knowledge on lab safety and blood borne pathogen exposure.
• Ability to learn medical procedures related to autopsy work.
• Ability to learn and understand medical and legal terminology.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees, contractors, other professionals, and the general public.
• Ability to deal effectively with bereaved relatives.
• Ability to work effectively with human remains.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience in the medical field, which may include assisting with autopsies, surgeries, organ procurement, organ eviscerations, medical lab assistance or any relevant medical experience that help develop an understanding of human anatomy and skills in identifying and utilizing surgical equipment.
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.

• Related college coursework
• Prior autopsy experience

Supplemental Information:

• This position is characterized by a variety of tasks ranging from low level clerical work to specialized pathology work related to autopsies. Position is responsible for maintaining official Coroner records for the State. Work requires strict attention to detail and cleanliness. Incumbent regularly deals with highly confidential and sensitive documents.

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), background check and a Physical capabilities examination
• Possession of a valid Class "R" Colorado Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

• Incumbent spends most of the time in a laboratory environment where they are exposed to communicable diseases, ionizing radiation, obnoxious odors, and chemicals. Environment is one that sometimes is deemed extremely unpleasant to the average individual.
• Formalin fixative is commonly used in the laboratory precluding any individual who has a known allergy to this chemical.
• OSHA WARNING: This position has been determined to be a HIGH exposure risk to "biohazards" associated with blood-borne pathogens HIV (AIDS), HBV (hepatitis B) virus, and air-borne transmissions of TB (tuberculosis). Members are advised that exposure to a "biohazard" may result in severe illness or death. Members are required by agency policy to use protective equipment and clothing. Inoculation may be required to prevent or treat exposures to "biohazards".
• Subject to: cuts/injury from various blades or knives, electrical and radiant hazards, flammable/carcinogenic, and explosive chemicals.

• Frequently stands or walks in order to complete lab work requiring mobility.
• Frequently stoops, kneels, balances, and crouches while moving bodies and equipment in the laboratory.
• Frequently required to lift, push or pull burdens of over 100 lbs including bodies.
• Frequently involved in auditory and oral interaction both interpersonally and through communication devices such as telephones.
• Constantly utilizes full scope of visual capacity to perform physical tasks on bodies and in order to operate automated office and lab equipment.
• Uses eye, hand, and finger coordination to manipulate and handle office, surgical and laboratory equipment.
• Physical ability to safely operate a County vehicle while out in the field.
• Spends 50% of the time sitting and 50% of the time either upright or walking.

** In accordance with Senate Bill 23-058, applicants understand that Arapahoe County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that Arapahoe County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (i.e. uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627. Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt uploading (attaching) it.