Coroner Technician I/II

Duties

Under general supervision, the Coroner Technician Level I/II assists forensic pathologists with autopsy examinations by performing technical procedures as directed by providing tools, equipment, and solutions; preparing bodies before and after the autopsy by disposing of organs, tissues and fluids; using a variety of techniques to prepare medical-legal evidence; identifying and releasing bodies; maintaining facility in a safe sanitary condition; performing a variety of clerical work; and completing other duties related to morgue services.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Knowledge of

• Basic human anatomy and physiology as applied to conducting autopsies.
• Basic medical terminology.
• Basic radiographic techniques, methods, operations; film processing and development; maintenance of radiographic equipment.
• Basic principles of photography.
• Procedures and practices related to the receipt and release of the dead human body.
• Chain of evidence techniques.
• Purpose and objectives of a coroner's office.
• Universal safety precautions and aseptic techniques.
• Techniques involved in handling and preparing bodies for autopsy examination.
• Methods and procedures for care of surgical instruments and autopsy equipment.
• Modern office technology and equipment.
• Customer service principles and techniques.

Ability to

• Handle death in a mature and respectful manner.
• Tolerate unpleasant aspects associated with traumatic death, bodies of deceased persons in various stages of decomposition, odors, and larva.
• Learn and apply procedures and tests required to assist pathologist in an autopsy exam.
• Photograph bodies.
• Maintain accurate records; perform routine clerical work and data entry.
• Work with law enforcement staff on high profile cases.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work with the public under highly emotional and stressful situations.
• Interact with people of various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications - Either:

• Successful completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units in natural science, Emergency Medical Technology, Paramedicine, or other coursework in a field related to the intent of the class, from an accredited college or university.
OR
• One year of full-time experience, paid or volunteer, assisting pathologists in performing autopsies using a variety of techniques to prepare specimens and/or evidence.


• Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (Download PDF reader) or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

License Requirements:

• A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the appropriate valid California Driver License constitutes cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining agreement. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements: Positions in this class require the incumbent to be able to:

• Lift and move bodies weighing up to 150 pounds with assistance.
• Assist with carrying dead bodies up and down stairs and steep levees, and in confined areas.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Engage in continuous active work requiring moderate physical exertion and manual dexterity in handling bodies and equipment.
• Constantly hold, reach, grasp, write, and perform repetitive motion.
• Use an air-purifying respirator required by OSHA.


• Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions: Positions in this class require the incumbent to be able to:

• Collect specimens of human fluids and wastes including blood, urine, and organ tissue from deceased bodies and may encounter specimens containing communicable disease.
• Work in the presence of biological/chemical agents and fumes.
• Work irregular shifts (swing and graveyard), weekends, and holidays.

Other Requirement:

• Medical evaluation to determine ability to use a respirator.

Criminal History and Background Checks:

• The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for the above class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedures, and applicable federal and state law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.
• The County may also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within this class. The background check may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history checks, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.

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