Career Opportunity

Forensic Autopsy Technician – Office of the City Administrator-2523–120201

Recruitment: RTF0120200-01148911

Published: May 19, 2023

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

The City and County of San Francisco, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is seeking a Forensic Autopsy Technician (Class #2523). The office recently moved into a state-of-the-art 52,000 sq. ft. facility in November of 2017, which includes a fully accredited laboratory, in-house histology services, ultra-modern radiology instrumentation, two-story autopsy suite that contains six main stations with three private auxiliary isolation suites and a 32ft high central skylight extending the length of the room. The facility was designed to specifically enhance the communication between the different divisions and, most importantly, enhance the work experience of staff and serve the needs of a 21st-century San Francisco. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with a diverse group of individuals who share a similar commitment to aspire towards excellence in the field of forensic science

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) provides forensic science services to the public and agencies of the City and County of San Francisco. We investigate sudden, unexpected, and violent deaths. We also track the health and healthcare provided within the community. We work to offer compassion to families through times of great sorrow and stress. And we complete investigations as neutral forensic scientists, so our work must be accurate and complete.

This is a Position-Based Test conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A

Specific information regarding this recruitment process are listed below:

• Application Opening: May 15, 2023
• Application Deadline: May 22, 2023
• Extended Deadline: May 24, 2023
• Compensation Range: $82,368.00 to $100,100.00
• Recruitment ID: #120201

Role description

1. Assists the forensic pathologist with forensic examinations, including but not limited to the evidence collection, prosecution, labeling, X-rays, photography, specimen collection and provides additional assistance during prosecution of deceased persons during autopsy; and other forensic examinations such as dental or anthropology examinations.

2. Assists in the collection and preservation of clothing, physical and biologic evidence for forensic analysis, which includes, but is not limited to, gunshot residue collection, fingernail clippings, sexual assault specimen collection, collection of bodily fluids for forensic toxicology, clinical chemistry, serology and microbiologic testing; package and prepare evidence and specimens for storage or transport within a legal chain of custody; ensure proper biohazard waste disposal according to protocol.

3. Assists in the identification of decedents, including readable fingerprints of decomposed decedents, radiological images, rehydration of tissues.

4. Registers the storage position of all deceased persons, and inventories those cases stored; confirms the identity and legal release of decedents in accordance with departmental policies and completes related paperwork.

5. Assists in cleaning and maintaining autopsy suite, scale room, hallway, and related specimen storage rooms; order and stock necessary supplies and equipment for proper function of the facility and vehicles in a manner that ensures a safe worksite, free of biohazards.

6. Testifies in criminal courtroom proceedings as necessary.

7. Performs related duties as assigned.

How to qualify

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

One [1] year of experience or formal training in a hospital or mortuary facility (e.g. medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office) including medical examiner’s or a coroner’s office assisting in the care and handling of bodies as an autopsy assistant or technician.

Special requirements: Nature of duties may require sustained physical effort involving manual skill, dexterity, hand/eye coordination, standing for long periods of time and ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies. Work environments entail exposure to deceased persons with severe traumatic injury, decomposed bodies and infectious cases, biohazards such as AIDS, tuberculosis, meningitis, hepatitis or any other human infectious agent, exposure to potentially toxic chemicals, live steam and frequent use of personal protective equipment and respirators.

This work requires strict compliance with the department policies pertaining to blood-borne pathogen exposure prevention, biohazard exposure prevention, toxic chemical exposure prevention, evidence handling policy and security requirements on evidence, standards and information. Because of the special and privileged information available about potentially sensitive matters, confidentiality is required. Inappropriate release of information could lead to a criminal charge of impeding an investigation.

Note(s):

• One-year full-time employment is considered equivalent to 2000 hours (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.
• A valid out-of-state driver’s license is acceptable during the application process. A valid California driver's license must be obtained prior to appointment and maintained throughout employment.
• Employees for the City and County of San Francisco may submit performance evaluations showing duties performed to verify qualifying City experience. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee's class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of Civil Service Commission Rules.

Verification:
“Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements”

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

SELECTION PROCEDURE/EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ):
Candidates will be required to complete a MQSQ as part of the employment application. This MQSQ is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications (MQ) for this position. The MQSQ will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.

Written Examination (Weight 100%):
Candidates deemed to meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a written examination designed to measure their relative knowledge, skills and abilities in job-related areas, which may include, but not be limited to: Knowledge of procedures and protocols for assisting a physician in autopsies; general microbiology theory and human anatomy; universal biohazard standards and bloodborne biohazard precautions; proper use, care and maintenance of surgical and autopsy equipment, including equipment for cleaning and sterilization; techniques for aseptic and antiseptic cleaning and disinfecting; procedures and precautions for using potentially toxic disinfectants and chemical preservatives; ability to effectively assist in forensic autopsies; safely move and lift to chest height bodies weighing 125 pounds; learn and apply procedures for handling and preparing evidence for chain of custody control; properly maintain facilities, equipment and supplies; work reliably and effectively as a member of a multi-faceted professional team; deal courteously and effectively with staff, co-workers, funeral directors and members of the public; read and fully understand department procedures, protocols, detailed sequential instructions, labels, identification, and other work-related materials, including Material Safety Data Sheets; understand work-related verbal instructions from departmental staff; listen effectively and ask appropriate clarifying questions; speak clearly and effectively in order to communicate work-related information; write clearly and maintain accurate records according to department policies and procedures.

A passing score must be achieved on the written examination in order to be ranked on the eligible list.

What else should I know?

What else should I know?

Eligible List/Score Report:
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be 6 months and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

To find Departments which use this classification, please see https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/Forms-Documents/Position-Counts-by-Job-Codes-and-Department-FY-2022-23.pdf.

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov.

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 111A.35.1. The standard for the review of such appeals is ‘abuse of discretion’ or ‘no rational basis’ for establishing the position description, the minimum qualifications and/or the certification rule. Appeals must include a written statement of the item(s) being contested and the specific reason(s) why the cited item(s) constitute(s) abuse of discretion by the Human Resources Director. Appeals must be submitted directly to the Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission within five business days of the announcement issuance date.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams [CPE ONLY]
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit https://careers.sf.gov and begin the application process.

• Select the “Apply Now” button or I’m Interested” button and follow instructions on the screen

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu, @smartalerts.info, and @smartrecruiters.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Exam Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst at  Gina.Lapez@sfgov.org -PBT-2523-120201 [Entrance].

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.