Forensic Morgue Technician

Mission

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist pathologists during post-mortem examination including opening the thoracic, abdominal and cranial cavities.
• Closes post-mortem incisions and facilitates storage of decedents.
• Fingerprints decedents following post-mortem examination.
• Accepts, preserves and is accountable for clothing, property, and valuables belonging to decedents.
• Performs X-rays and CT scans as needed for forensic studies.
• Works the morgue control desk as needed to include releasing decedents and personal property to establishments bearing authority from next of kin and accurately enters information into the database.
• Records and reconciles decedent inventory on a daily basis.
• Maintains the safety, sanitation, and custodial conditions of the morgue on a daily basis.
• Participates in special studies of the morgue as directed by the Director of Morgue & Histology Services.
• Provides assistance to other Medical Examiner staff as needed or requested by the Director of Morgue & Histology Services or Morgue Services Supervisor.

Requirements

• All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 85% with a typing speed of 30 wpm and 85% accuracy.
• Must pass Harris County Clerical Test with a score of at least 85% on all sections including a typing score of 30 wpm with 85% accuracy.
• Must provide a DNA sample to be maintained by the Forensic Genetics Laboratory for quality assurance purposes.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must demonstrate basic computer skills to include standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license for the duration of employment.

Additional Requirements

• Education: Associate of Arts/ Science degree or equivalent (60 college hours) from an accredited college or university in Biological Sciences, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Physical Anthropology, or a related field.
• Licensure: Must maintain a valid driver's license for the duration of employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must maintain the confidentiality and integrity of applicable information.
• Must possess the ability to deal physically and psychologically with death and human remains in various stages of decomposition, disease and trauma.
• Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment).

General Information

• Register Online for the HRT Clerical Skills Test using the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/998426/hrt-clerical-skills-test
• Most recent test scores are retained for up to 6 months.