Required Education and Experience

• Two years of related experience in a medical related discipline or related scientific related field, to include one or more years' experience assisting with autopsies and/or laboratory work; OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the work.
• Note: Relevant secondary education from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in biology, physiology, forensic studies and anatomy may substitute to up to one year of required experience.

• Six months experience working a Forensic Pathologist performing autopsy's for Coroners, Medical Examiners, or Law Enforcement.

Driving Requirements
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as

Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements

Please note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

• Pass a criminal background check through law enforcement agencies.
• Pass a medical/physical and psychological evaluation.
• Submit a copy of their State employment driving record to verify their eligibility to drive for Kitsap County.
• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.

• Possess a current Washington State First Aid/CPR certification

• Possess National Death Investigators Certification through ABMDI (American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigators).

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Autopsy procedures and practices, and human anatomy
• Equipment and supplies necessary to maintain and operate a morgue facility
• Pathology laboratory practices and procedures
• The use of and operation of photograph and x-ray equipment
• State and local laws regarding deaths and human remains
• Methods, techniques, equipment and practices of handling deceased individuals
• Approved methods and procedures for evidence collection and processing
• Standard safety procedures
• Standard office practices and chain of custody procedures
• Appear for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Communicate Effectively, orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, the citizens and representatives of other agencies.
• Physically perform assigned duties and essential functions of the position. Work various shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
• Ability to successful complete all required background investigations.
• Ability to travel to death locations, if needed.
• This position is required to take calls from home after regular office hours.This position is required to serve "on call" on a rotational basis outside regular office hours and on weekends and, when on call, must be able to report for duty to the Coroner's Office within 30 minutes of the call.
• Maintain detailed reports, records, and storing of evidence information
• Order and maintain supplies and related inventory
• Work under stressful environment and hazardous working conditions
• Participate in various training programs as required
• Work as a member of a team including, maintain teamwork with other employees, and assisting other employees in times of overload or high priority
• Make independent judgments and initiate appropriate action while operating under broad supervisory guidelines
• Prepare clear and comprehensive written reports
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public
• Establish and maintain effective, productive and cooperative working relationships both inter- and intra-departmental and with other agencies and jurisdictions
• Effectively manage time and work independently with minimal supervision
• Communicate effectively and persuasively both verbally and in writing, to audiences of various social, education and economic backgrounds
• Testify accurately and with professional demeanor in Court
• Learn assigned tasks readily and adhere to prescribed routines
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion on sensitive and confidential matters
• Effectively coordinate, perform, and complete multiple duties and assignments concurrently and in a timely manner
• Meet the travel requirements of the position and safely drive Coroner's Office vehicles.
• Ability to make independent judgments and initiate appropriate action.
• Work holidays, during inclement weather conditions, weekends, over 40 hours in a work week, and all shifts as needed.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Work performed in a variety of settings office and field.
• Sitting (when driving) or standing.
• Bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, handling and grasping various items while conducting investigations.
• Walking, balancing sometimes over rough, uneven or undeveloped terrain.
• Visual acuity sufficient to drive, read written materials and road signs, see detail of maps, gauges, etc.,
• Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately when conveying or receiving information or instruction.
• Exertion of force of 100 pounds with or without assistance occasionally, and/or 35 pounds frequently to lift/carry/move objects, files, and other materials.

• Exposed to unfavorable working conditions such as in inclement weather, accident scenes, infectious disease, or blood-borne pathogens.
• Exposed to hazards while driving.
• Subject to 24-hour availability and must be willing to work non-standard hours, including long shifts, rotating shifts, holidays and week-ends, as required.

• Prepare body for autopsy; weigh and measure human remains; incise body; dissect and remove organs; take tissue and fluids samples from the body and forward related information and samples to laboratories for further analysis; restore organs to body; and suture and clean body. Assist forensic pathology in the collecting and handling of trace, physical, and biological evidence and finger and palm prints. Ensure proper handling, transfers, labeling, and storing of histological specimens (tissue, blocks, slides).
• Ensure proper handling, transfers, labeling, and storing of histological specimens (tissue, blocks, slides); Perform computer data entry and retrieval; Prepare and file medicolegal evidence forms; and maintain records and data of work performed; Clean and maintain work areas.Do laundry and related activities.Implement safety and biohazard control measures and recordkeeping.
• Mix, handle, store, and dispose of chemicals. Operate x-ray equipment; take photographs of human remains; coordinate handling, storage, and transfer of film and photographs; and maintain all related records and files. Maintain inventory of morgue supplies, equipment, tools, instruments, and other replacement supplies.
• Transport human remains from hospitals, nursing homes, and other locations.
• Release bodies to funeral homes and other organizations. Document and transfer personal property and evidence and keep records. Assist in the removal, handling, and reconstruction of skeletal remains. Provide testimony in court or other legal proceeding as needed.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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 (Download PDF reader).

• 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

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 3 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.