Consider this new role as a Morgue Technologist and make a difference to public safety and the death investigation system! Located at the state-of- the-art Forensic Services and Coroners’ Complex (FSCC), we are seeking five professional Morgue Technologists to join our dynamic team and provide first level technical and support services to the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) related to autopsy casework and morgue functions.

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What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role you will:
• Integrate morgue activities with postmortem examinations, morgue organization and management, quality assurance and inventory, fingerprinting deceased persons, postmortem dental X-rays and biological waste disposition.
• Receive evidentiary items and documents from the Provincial Dispatch Unit , sorting items and preparing items for appropriate distribution throughout the OFPS.
• Organize and ensure cleanliness of morgue storage areas.
• Assist with data collection for the purposes of establishing positive identification.
• Coordinate evidence shipment, distribution and chain of custody to experts (e.g., Forensic Odontologist, police services, etc.) to help establish positive identification.
• Coordinate and liaise with police agencies throughout Ontario.
• Advise and release bodies to individuals/agencies legally entitled.
• Assist with postmortem examinations, under the Forensic Pathologist’s direction by: retrieving/returning deceased persons from the morgue coolers, turning and lifting the deceased persons in the autopsy.

How do I qualify?

Laboratory and Technical knowledge

You have:
•Knowledge of laboratory tests, techniques related to specific tasks (e.g. fingerprinting, dental Xrays) in order to assist in the completion of forensic autopsies
•Knowledge of laboratory safety and awareness of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations that apply
•Knowledge of universal precautions in order to work safely with biohazardous materials
•Ability to understand medical terminology to liaise with medical professionals
•Ability to acquire and apply knowledge of the requirements of the justice system related to handling forensic evidence and samples

Other Essential knowledge

•You have knowledge of procedures for handling bodies/evidence (e.g. continuity of evidence, health and safety, universal precautions) and can assess incoming/outgoing bodies/remains and determine required action.
•You have the physical ability and knowledge of how to move, lift and turn human bodies (remains) and/or portions of bodies including visceral organs for pathological examination.
•You posses the ability to upload and catalogue photographs.
•You have knowledge of laboratory and case information management systems, computer operating systems and programs (e.g. Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access, SQL, Adobe, etc.).

Judgement, Reasoning and Organizational skills

You can:
•determine the approach to handling case materials, storage and disposal methods
•label and document forensic evidence and specimens with a high degree of accuracy
•ensure confidentiality and accuracy of highly sensitive materials related to death investigations
•identify priorities and incidents requiring the manager, Chief Coroner or Chief Forensic Pathologist
•determine work priorities among conflicting demands and attention to details when maintaining chain of custody
•identify and follow up on issues/delays in maintaining morgue services

Communication (oral and written) skills and Interpersonal skills

•You have demonstrated the ability to work effectively with staff, stakeholders and can communicate with associates (e.g. medical, legal, and law enforcement professionals) regarding post mortem and/or test results.
•You can maintain accurate documentation of autopsy related information and retention of specimens/exhibits.

Work conditions

This role will require:
•Ability to be frequently exposed to, handling of, and contact with bodies/remains that may be contaminated, decomposed, mutilated, and/or arthropod infested.
•Frequent exposure to unpleasant materials, odours, and content. May involve exposure to potentially infectious viruses, bacterial and diseases.
•Ability to work 24-hours a day, 7-days a week including weekends and statutory holidays.

For additional information, please visit original job posting: MORGUE TECHNOLOGIST