Forensic Autopsy Technician at Ada County, ID

About the Department

Ada County is a great place to work!  We have over 2000 employees dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life.  Our Coroner's team is growing, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of taking this team to the next level.

We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by approximately 40%, including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

The Ada County Coroner’s Office will aim to provide the highest standard in medicolegal death investigation, forensic analysis, pathology services, and administration. The Office will continue to seek new ways to increase quality of work while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Learn more about Ada County Coroner's Office by visiting their website. Ada County Coroner


POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY:
Provides technical assistance in diagnosing disease, trauma and in determining cause and manner of death.  Processes cases before, during and after autopsy by using a variety of techniques to preserve medicolegal evidence, establish positive identification and preserve chain of custody. Maintains the facility in a safe and sanitary condition.  Performs a variety of forensic and clerical work to include: collecting, photographing, documenting, preserving and maintaining evidence and specimens.
 
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: 
This position performs work that is varied and complex, requires independent judgement and initiative which is performed under general supervision and according to pre-defined guidelines.

Position Duties

• Assists in medical legal autopsies, opens and closes bodies, removes and weighs organs, collects, preserves, transports and stores specimens;
• Prepares and preserves forensic evidence through proper collection, handling, security, and chain of custody;
• Confers with forensic odontologists, state epidemiologists, research medical professionals, police, coroners, doctors, hospital staff, next of kin and insurance investigators, funeral homes;
• Admits decedents into morgue custody and assures proper chain of custody procedures are followed;
• Records and maintains detailed records of evidence and examinations;
• Lifts, transfers, and positions decedents, while correctly using approved lifting techniques and procedures;
• Photographs and documents decedents, wounds, injuries, property and evidence;
• Obtains fingerprints using several forensic techniques;
• Collects bodily fluids and tissue for toxicological analysis;
• Performs diagnostic imaging including body and dental radiographs;
• Performs toxicology preparation and shipping;
• Procures biological cultures and coordinates with state epidemiologist and hospitals;
• Ensures proper identification has been obtained;
• Coordinates the releasing, moving and refrigerated storage of decedents and tracks of the location and status of decedents in Ada County Coroner’s Office custody. Cleans, prepares and releases decedents to the mortuary;
• Maintains cleanliness of facilities and equipment.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs routine maintenance and upkeep on facilities and equipment;
• Performs related functions as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in health science, nursing, medical technology, anthropology, biology or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence;
• Knowledge of modern forensic, pathological, and laboratory principles and practices;
• Knowledge of medical nomenclature and anatomy;
• Knowledge of universal precautions and safety guidelines;
• Knowledge of applicable laws, statutory requirements, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Knowledge of photography techniques and processes involved in medicolegal investigations;
• Skill in the operation of scanning/imaging, photographic, audio-visual, x-ray and related equipment;
• Skill in finding and gathering information and data;
• Skill in the use of the principles, theories, and practices of fingerprint examination;
• Ability to perform medical procedures;
• Ability to read, interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures;
• Ability to use cleaning agents, products and equipment;
• Ability to use security and or control techniques or devices to secure people, facilities, property, supplies and specialized equipment;
• Ability to maintain composure and respond effectively and efficiently in stressful, emergency, volatile, or crisis situations;
• Ability to deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact and professionalism;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The incumbent will work closely with law enforcement, emergency personnel and medical professionals;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

Other Qualifications

• Incumbent may be subject to a variety of chemicals and infectious disease and machine operations which requires the use of special precautions and or equipment;
• Duties of the position include some physical exertion such as long periods of standing walking over rough terrain, bending , crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities; moving of heavy objects which require above average agility and dexterity;
• The incumbent must be able to lift a minimum of 100 pounds with the majority of the bodies weighing over 100 pounds;
• Requires emotional and psychological resilience when exposed to sensitive and potentially traumatic case material.

DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.

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