Autopsy Technician

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want four weeks off during your first year of employment and low or no cost health insurance options? If so, the Medical Examiner Department is hiring two Autopsy Technicians. As a City of Jacksonville employee you will receive 12 paid holidays, a personal leave day, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, flexible spending plans, and eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of public service.

This entry‑level position assists pathologists in performing autopsy procedures and related duties, including cleaning and maintaining morgue equipment and examination areas. The role requires working primarily in the morgue area with exposure to chemicals and bio‑hazardous materials. The Autopsy Technician operates specialized equipment, such as electrical saws, digital scales, a digital X‑ray machine, and a motor vehicle, and verifies and inputs data into a personal computer.

• Prepare cadavers, organs, and autopsy room for pathologist post‑mortem examinations.
• Assist pathologists in autopsies by undressing, cleaning, weighing organs, measuring cadavers, opening cavities, and helping remove organs and toxicology specimens.
• Receive cadavers in the morgue, ensuring proper storage, identification, and release to authorized persons.
• Inventory effects, bag evidence and valuables, and document chain of custody.
• Preserve, store, and retrieve organs, surgical specimens, and biopsies.
• Wash and dry linens, workstations, autopsy tables, storage trays, instruments; sharpen knives and replace soiled linens and related equipment.
• Photograph decedents, clothing, valuables, and specimens following the SOP guidelines of the Forensic Photographer.
• Taken identification photographs of decedents and produce 10 print and major case prints.
• Assist in disposal of case‑related specimens, including formalin‑fixed tissue, per ME protocols.
• Operate city vehicle for city business.
• Unpack and shelve morgue materials and supplies.
• Maintain proper order and thorough cleanliness and disinfection of assigned areas.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies.
• Perform related work as required.

• Knowledge of standard routines and basic instruments used in a morgue, hospitals, or medical office surgical suites.
• Knowledge of hazardous material handling procedures.
• Knowledge of safety procedures, occupational hazards, personal protective equipment, blood‑borne pathogens, and universal precautions.
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Willingness to work with cadavers.
• Ability to perform tasks according to standard autopsy procedures and make accurate observations and records.
• Ability to lift and move cadavers and other heavy items weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles.
• Ability to use a personal computer, digital camera, digital X‑ray equipment, electric saw, digital evidence drying cabinet, pressure washer, washing machine/dryer, and surgical instruments.
• One year of education and/or experience in a medically related or mortuary‑science related discipline with undergraduate‑level coursework in human anatomy and physiology, or one year of experience as a Death Scene Investigator investigating varying levels of decomposition and diverse causes and manners of death.

• A valid driver’s license is required and must be maintained.
• Must qualify prior to appointment and obtain a City of Jacksonville certification as a Public Driver during employment.

• The probationary period is six months.
• This classification performs safety‑sensitive functions and is subject to pre‑employment and random drug/alcohol testing programs per the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401).
• The Medical Examiner’s office is part of the Incident Management System for each county served, and all full‑time employees are required to carry out duties as assigned for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.