Autopsy Technician I

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
05/31/26
Division:
Coroner Division
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
29
Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

Jefferson County is seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Forensic Autopsy Technician to join the Coroner's Office. This entry-level role offers a unique opportunity to support medicolegal death investigations while gaining hands-on experience in forensic practices. Working under the guidance of the Senior Autopsy Technician and the leadership of the Chief Deputy Coroner and Coroner, this position assists the forensic pathologist with both autopsy and non-autopsy procedures, including examinations, evisceration, and toxicology specimen collection. The ideal candidate will be committed to learning established protocols, maintaining strict adherence to state and federal regulations, and contributing to the office's mission of delivering accurate, respectful, and legally sound death investigations.


SCHEDULE :


This position is in-person at the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.


COMPENSATION :


Hiring Range: $30.00-35.00 USD Hourly


Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills.


BENEFITS :


Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires ; retirement matching; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement; flexible schedules; and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.


About Jefferson County Coroner:


Many citizens don't realize that the Coroner's responsibilities extend far beyond the scene of death and the autopsy suite. We review thousands of pages of medical records each week. We work closely with hospice care professionals, law enforcement agencies and first responders, area funeral directors and physicians.


Most important, we work closely and compassionately with more than a thousand families each year as they cope with the loss of a loved one. Often, our relationship with family members and friends may continue for months.


Find out more at:


ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• General responsibility is to assist the contracted forensic pathologist with autopsies in accordance with the established department policies and procedures, safety, environmental, and infection standards. Other responsibilities may include other Technician Assistance requests.
  
  
• Assist forensic pathologist during autopsy. Prepare and set up for autopsy. Ensure autopsy instruments, fixtures, and overall suite are clean and organized. Assist with physical examination to include cleaning and preparing the body for evisceration, evidence collection, histology collection, toxicology draws, and cleaning and closing the body for release. Document autopsy with photographs. Document, package, and store all evidence, toxicology specimens, and personal property collected during the autopsy. Collect and package any specific requests by other agencies such as fingerprint cards, buccal swabs, DNA cards. Ensure pathologist is aware and gives permission for collection and release. Label cassettes for histology and package and send them to the appropriate agency. Take X-rays if needed.
  
  
• Update COHERO with autopsy information; preliminary findings, toxicology specimens, autopsy photographs, any other relevant documentation.
  
  
• Review the Cohero Status Board and Home Page for any Tech Assist requests. Tech Assist requests may include drawing toxicology and doing clean up photos on non-autopsy cases.
  
  
• Prepare and package toxicology for dissemination to other agencies. Delivers packages to FedEx.
  
  
• Follow appropriate destruction/disposition methods for medications, toxicology, and specimens. Assists with packaging and destruction process of medications. Packages and destroys toxicology, specimens, and medical devices and tools.
  
  
• Clean autopsy suite to include cleaning of supplies/tools and autopsy table along with surrounding area, mop floor, and start and finish laundry if needed.
  
  
• Ensure supplies stay organized.
  
  
• Follow up on any tasks for the day to ensure they are completed.
  
  
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS :


Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click "apply" for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.


MinimumQualifications:


Experience : High School Diploma or GED


Education : A minimum of one year or more of proven and documented experience with autopsies or toxicology lab. Requires knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology , and forensic pathology.


Preferred Qualifications:

• License / Certifications : Certification (D-ABMDI) with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators is required within one year of hire.
  
  
• Some college in biology or physical science;Associate's or Bachelor's degree in related field highly preferred.
  
  
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
  
  

Knowledge, skills, and attributes that would be beneficial and lead to success in this role include:

• Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  
  
• Capability to work with individuals, groups, and staff.
  
  
• Work effectively on a team and in an independent environment.
  
  
• Dedicated, committed, and reliable professional.
  
  
• Strong attention to detail.
  
  
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines.
  
  
• Collaboration with investigators and pathologists
  
  
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
  
  
• Self-motivated, displays proactivity, and takes initiative.
  
  
• Have a positive, can-do attitude with great problem-solving skills.
  
  

Additional Job Information:

• A valid Colorado driver's license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
  
  
• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references for all positions.
  
  

Accommodations Statement : We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact View email address on click.appcast.io. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.


APPLICATION:


Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.


All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities

• A resume and cover letter submitted with your application is encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application.
  
  

• Current Jefferson County employees must apply through their employee profile in Workday.
  
  

• In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
  
  

Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal.


For more details on the recruitment process, please visit:


Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io


Education:
Associate's Degree
Experience:
Work Experience: Minimum one year

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Enforcement & Protective Services