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Job Description
OVERVIEW
The Kitsap County Medical Examiner's Office is seeking a dedicated Forensic Autopsy Technician to join our essential team of professionals who provide answers to families, support law enforcement investigations, and contribute to public health and safety.
Why This Role is Unique
As a Forensic Autopsy Technician, you'll be at the intersection of science, medicine, and justice. This isn't just a job-it's a calling that combines technical expertise with compassionate service to the community. Every day, you'll:- Work alongside expert Forensic Pathologists in performing autopsies and postmortem examinations that provide critical answers to families and the legal system
- Handle diverse, challenging cases that require meticulous attention to detail and scientific precision
- Collect and preserve vital evidence including physical, biological, and toxicological specimens that may be crucial to legal proceedings
- Utilize cutting-edge technology including forensic photography to document findings
- Contribute to histological analysis that helps determine cause and manner of death
- Maintain chain of custody for evidence that could impact criminal investigations and civil cases
- Support the grieving by ensuring dignified handling of human remains and professional transport services
This role offers unparalleled hands-on experience in forensic science, direct mentorship from board-certified forensic pathologists, and the satisfaction of knowing your work provides closure to families.
What You Bring to Our Team- Minimum Qualifications: Two years of related experience in a medical or scientific field, including at least one year assisting with autopsies and/or laboratory work.
- Education Substitution: Relevant college coursework in biology, physiology, forensic studies, or anatomy from an accredited institution may substitute for up to one year of required experience.
- Preferred Qualifications: Six months of experience working with a Forensic Pathologist performing autopsies for Coroners, Medical Examiners, or Law Enforcement agencies.
- Certification Requirements: Must obtain Washington State First Aid/CPR certification within six months of employment
- Must meet Kitsap County driving requirements (Category 1 Driver for County vehicles) and have a valid Washington State Driver's License required before hire and maintain satisfactory driving record per County policy.
- Current driving record review required prior to employment, background check, physical and psychological prior to hire.
Availability & Commitment:- 24-hour availability for emergency response
- Willingness to work non-standard hours, including long shifts, rotating schedules, holidays, and weekends
- Dedication to continuous learning and professional development
Why Choose the Kitsap County Medical Examiner's Office?- Professional Growth: Work directly with experienced forensic pathologists and expand your expertise in a specialized field
- Meaningful Work: Every case you handle makes a difference to families seeking answers and communities seeking justice
- Stable Employment: Join a well-established office with comprehensive benefits and job security
- Diverse Experience: No two days are alike-experience a wide variety of cases and learn continuously
- Team Environment: Work with dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence and service
OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION- Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
- This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Covered under a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME 1308. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
- Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
- Work hours may vary; but will include weekends, evenings and holidays. Flexible hours are available, as approved by management.
- Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.
- This recruitment may be used to fill future openings.
At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.
County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
MetLife Long Term Disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .
*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense
Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.
Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program
Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year, 1 additional floating holiday after 10 years of service.
Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:
Upon completion of 2 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.
***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated***
Additional compensation that you may be eligible for:
Shift differential
Overtime
Stand by pay
Call-back pay
Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.
Union Membership
This position is covered under AFSCME Local 1308 Courthouse Employees collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx
NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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KITSAP COUNTY
Show moreKitsap County employs over 1100 employees in jobs that allow employees to make their mark and make a difference in their local community. The County strives to provide effective and efficient services by continually assessing its purpose, promoting and rewarding innovation and fostering employee development. Kitsap's Human Resources team provides the employee programs and benefits to keep Kitsap a great place to work.
- Nancy Buonanno Grennan, Human Resources Director
Our Mission
Human Resources recruits talented, career-minded leaders; supports employee development; builds trust; celebrates teamwork; works with integrity and clear communication.
Our Vision
If we are successful, Kitsap County will be a trusting & competitive organization that employs and develops the most effective, professional & friendly staff available.
Our Values
We make decisions out of a sense of fairness & we will remember the "Human" part of HR.
We focus on the needs of our customers & work to earn their trust.
We do the right thing, no matter who is involved.
We are relentlessly positive. -