This position is located in the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), Office of the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Mortuary Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Forensic Autopsy Transport Technician responds to notifications by the Forensic Investigations Unit for routine transport of decedents from hospital and nursing home facilities, and scenes of unusual circumstances. As instructed, transports remains for the purpose of “public disposition.” Complies with chain of custody policies for the transport of remains. Drives agency’s transport vehicles for body recovery and staff transport to and from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Assists Medico-Legal Investigators (MLI), Forensic Investigators (FI), or Medical Examiners (ME) at death scenes in performing initial examination of remains. Performs the intake of remains processes including automated and manual documentation of body transport, height/weight measurements, personal property, and placement of remains in refrigerated storage; verification of decedent’s tentative identification and placement of identification bands/tags on remains; properly labeling body bag; arranging paperwork such as the anatomical diagrams, autopsy report protocols, requisition and consultation forms; assembling scales, case labels, DNA blood cards, fingerprint cards, toxicology bags; and preparing specimen containers, etc. Maintains decedent log books for intake and storage of remains.

The incumbent follows established procedures for release of decedents to funeral home. Ensures that the appropriate body and decedent’s personal effects are included in the properly labeled body bag and released to the funeral home. Advises Funeral Directors of the process to complete the chain of custody documents and automated tracking for receipt of remains and corresponding personal property. Maintains decedent log books for the release of human remains. Assists in the performance of obtaining digital anatomical and dental x-ray procedures of remains with varying levels of decomposition and trauma. Performs digital fingerprint procedures, as well as ink fingerprinting techniques on remains with varying levels of decomposition and trauma; collects sterile specimens for DNA blood cards and DNA analysis; and documents chain of custody and storage of procedures completed. Supports the fleet maintenance program for transport vehicles, including courier support to and from the service facility for routine preventative maintenance, annual inspections, gas refill, etc.; reports mechanical or operating issues; cleans and disinfects exterior and interior areas; and, restocks supplies and equipment for body transport.

Qualifications and Education

Must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the CS-07 grade level. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position including, but are not limited to: assisting the Medico-Legal Investigators, Forensic Investigators, or Medical Examiners at death scenes in performing initial examination of remains; transporting of decedents' remains and ensuring compliance with chain of custody policies; maintaining sterile and organized environment in the mortuary unit; participating in completing the inspections and decontamination procedures on safety equipment including eye wash stations, shower stations, fume hoods, and biological safety cabinets, etc. A relevant Associate's degree and 2 years of specialized experience in a forensic, medical, or mortuary science field are preferred.

Licensure and Certification

None

Working Conditions/Environment

The examinations and release of remains are performed at the OCME in an autopsy suite, medical laboratory, specimen storage, or x-ray room. The incumbent may be exposed to health and safety risks related to forensic environments and must remain aware of precautions. The work involves regular and recurrent exposure to hazards such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, WMD agents, potentially carcinogenic and corrosive substances, malfunctioning electrical appliances, open flames and pressurized gas, etc. The incumbent must wear the appropriate and/or OSHA certified protective equipment when performing hazardous duties.

Work in the field related to body recovery is performed under a variety of conditions and from various locations. Locations include but are not limited to hospitals, private/group homes, crowded public spaces, crime scenes, burned and abandoned buildings, underground tunnels, train tracks, natural and man-made disaster scenes. There is also a possibility of physical harm from grief stricken and hostile family members during body removal and identification procedures.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Incumbent works on a variable rotating schedule

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-640-08

Salary Range: $60,050.00 - $75,308.00; based on available funding

Type of Appointment: Career Service – Regular Appointment

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement and you may be required to pay an agency service fee (union dues) through direct payroll deduction.

Area of Consideration: Open to the public

Essential/Emergency Designation: This position has an Essential Employee Designation; as such the incumbent will be required to report to work and remain in the event of inclement weather, a declared emergency or government closing.

Position Designation: This position as been designated as security-sensitive under the guideline of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.

Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.