Transport Agent - Medical Examiner's Office at Pierce County, WA

About the Department

Position Duties

Why It's a Great Opportunity: 

This is a rare opportunity to get into an entry-level position as a Transport Agent for the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. You will be responsible for transporting human remains from facilities and death scenes, releasing human remains to funeral homes, assisting with external postmortem examinations, photographing human remains, receiving deliveries, supporting fleet vehicles, and transporting physical, biological, and toxicological evidence. You will work with both the technical and investigative units of the Medical Examiner's office.

Why It's a Great Department: 

We serve the living through professional death investigations and forensic postmortem examinations, up to and including autopsy.   We work together both within and across teams to provide forensic pathology and death investigation services that are timely, accurate, thorough, and independent from outside influences.   You will assist this close-knit staff that performs a critical role for Pierce County.

PCMEO is a stand-alone, secure forensic autopsy facility accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).   The office currently has a Lodox™ full-body radiography machine and is undergoing a facility improvement to incorporate advanced imaging computed tomography (CT) into the daily workflow.   PCMEO is a modern, moderate-volume, well-equipped four-autopsy station facility with four full-time forensic pathologists, including the Chief Medical Examiner.  The office is at the forefront of applying advanced imaging technology and electronic case management systems to streamline workflows and optimize efficiency.   A facility renovation project is underway and designed with an eye toward future growth.   Your office is fully equipped with modern technology and furnishings.  Parking is secure, free, and on-site.

For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.

How to be Successful in the Role: 

Bring your knowledge and interest in forensic science along with your positive attitude, high energy, and willingness to learn, and you are sure to succeed! You will need to know how to prioritize work and be able to problem solve and balance your duties as a member of two teams. You will need to be able to lift and transport human remains and drive a variety of fleet vehicles.

Your Future in this Role: 

You will be trained by a team of skilled and knowledgeable forensic autopsy technicians and medicolegal death investigators. You will be part of a small, close-knit staff that performs a critical role for Pierce County.  

Core Daily Responsibilities: 

• Transport human remains from hospitals, nursing homes, scenes of death, and other locations.
• Responsible for receiving and releasing human remains, maintaining the proper chain of custody ensuring clothing and personal effects accompany the remains to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Assist forensic autopsy technicians and medicolegal death investigators in the collecting, handling, and transportation of trace, physical, and biological evidence and finger and palm prints.
• Assist with the preparation of bodies for postmortem examinations; weigh and measure human remains; handle and manage tissue and fluid samples from the body and forward or transport related information and samples to laboratories for further analysis.
• Routinely and safely lift and carry heavy objects, including the moving of dead human remains.
   

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Minimum Qualifications

• Additional education and/or experience which indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute equally for the recruiting requirements.
• A high school diploma or GED.
• Must have at least one year of work experience.
• Continuous possession of a valid Washington State Driver's license is required for employment.

• Please attach a copy of your cover letter and resume. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

Preferred Requirements: 

• Preference will be given to applicants with more advanced education and experience in mortuary science, natural science, forensic science, or criminal justice.

 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and follow State driving laws.
• An employee in this position is subject to 24-hour availability and must be willing to work non-standard hours, as required. 
  
  

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Other Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.  Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County place people are proud to call home?