Supervising Coroner Technician

Under direction, the Supervising Coroner Technician plans, organizes, supervises and coordinates the activities of the lower level staff in the operations of morgue services, supervises preparation of bodies for autopsies and assists forensic pathologists during autopsies.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of
 

• Principles of supervision
• Purpose and objectives of a coroner’s office
• Laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to morgue operations
• Customer service principles and techniques
• Techniques, procedures, and equipment involved in handling and preparing bodies for autopsy examination
• Methods and procedures for care of surgical instruments and autopsy equipment
• Methods of preparing and preserving specimens
• Radiographic techniques, methods, and operations; film processing and development; maintenance of radiographic equipment
• Principles of photography
• Principles of clinical investigations
• Human anatomy and physiology as applied to conducting autopsies
• Medical terminology
• Universal safety precautions and aseptic techniques

Ability to
 

• Analyze operational and technical problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend workable solutions
• Maintain comprehensive records
• Prepare reports and correspondence
• Interpret laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to a morgue
• Perform complex and varied tasks related to morgue services
• Develop and conduct in-service training applicable to morgue support services
• Train subordinates in the methods and procedures of morgue services
• Use surgical instruments to complete technical procedures requiring exacting skills
• Photograph bodies and process and develop film
• Communicate with people of various social, cultural, economic, and educational background
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Present a demeanor of dignity and sensitivity when interacting with distraught persons and grieving family members
• Work with law enforcement staff on high profile cases
• Maintain confidentiality
• Work with the public under highly emotional and stressful situations
• Interact with people of various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either: One year of full-time paid experience employed by the County of Sacramento in the class of Senior Coroner Technician.

Or: Three years of full-time paid experience in morgue services assisting pathologists with autopsies using a variety of techniques to prepare specimens and/or evidence, one year of which must have been in a supervisory or lead worker capacity.

Or: Three years of full-time paid experience, which includes two years of full-time paid experience assisting pathologists with autopsies using a variety of techniques to prepare specimens and/or evidence, AND one year of full-time paid experience as a supervisor or lead worker in: a science research or surgical laboratory; a mortuary assisting in the preparation of bodies for burial; a medical setting; or similar experience.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

 Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (Download PDF reader) or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.