Placer County

To assist with the performance of autopsy examinations; collect, prepare, and process medical-legal evidence; and perform other duties related to coroner/morgue services.

Receives general supervision from higher-level supervisory staff.

• Perform a variety of duties related to the services of the Coroner’s Division of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Prepare equipment, instruments, and stations for autopsy examinations.
• Assist in the performance of autopsies, including opening and closing bodies; obtain blood, fluid, organ, tissue, and other specimens; excise and dispose of organs.
• Photograph bodies, develop film, and catalogue and maintain files of case photos; create digital X-ray images of decedents; take fingerprints.
• Collect, prepare, and process medical-legal evidence.
• Move and transport decedents and specimens to and from crypt storage area.
• Complete and maintain logs, charts, files, records, and related documents.
• Maintain the safety and sanitation of the facility; clean the autopsy room, equipment, and tools; replenish linens and other necessary supplies.
• May testify in court regarding procedures performed.
• Perform a variety of clerical work and other duties related to coroner/morgue services.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Work is typically performed in an indoor morgue facility and/or office environment with controlled temperature conditions. Duties are performed in close proximity to human remains, fluids, and wastes, which may include odors, biological/chemical agents, and communicable disease. Incumbents may work odd or unusual hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and/or overtime.

Experience: One year of experience in a morgue, hospital, mortuary, or related facility that includes the handling of human remains is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college-level coursework in anatomy, biology, forensics, law enforcement, or a closely related field.

Knowledge of:

• Basic human anatomy and physiology related to conducting autopsies.
• Basic medical terminology.
• Procedures and practices related to the handling and preparing of bodies for autopsy examinations.
• Chain of evidence techniques.
• Basic principles of photography, radiography, and fingerprinting.
• Methods and procedures for sanitation and care of surgical instruments and autopsy equipment.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand operations, procedures, laws, and safety rules related to the Coroner’s Division of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Stand for long periods of time; bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; intermittently lift and move very heavy weight; use an air-purifying respirator as required by OSHA.
• Effectively assist in forensic autopsies.
• Learn and apply procedures and techniques required to assist physicians/pathologists in autopsy examinations.
• Work in close proximity to bodily fluids, wastes, and human remains in various stages of decomposition, which may include odors, biological/chemical agents, and communicable disease.
• Work closely with law enforcement personnel.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate logs, charts, files, records, and related documents.
• Work with the public under highly emotional and stressful situations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Length of Probation:

All permanent appointments from open eligible lists to positions in the classified service shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:

General - Safety