Autopsy Technician II

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Autopsy Technician II (S)

Position Number

60041143

Grade

MH11

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Autopsy Technician II supports the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner by performing advanced technical tasks associated with medicolegal autopsies and maintaining a safe, compliant autopsy environment. This position conducts detailed anatomical procedures, prepares and obtains specimens, photographs and radiographs decedents, and manages records within the Medical Examiner Information System. It also handles the receipt, release, and transport of bodies, maintains facility cleanliness and equipment readiness, and preserves the chain of custody for evidence.

The technician coordinates with law enforcement and public health agencies as needed, including during suspected bioterrorism events or mass fatalities. The role functions as a senior-level technician and provides guidance and training to entry-level staff.


Key Duties Include:
- Assist with medicolegal autopsies by performing eviscerations, gross dissections, and specimen collection for microscopic examination.

- Maintain compliance with OSHA and OCME safety requirements, including proper handling of infectious materials and disposal of medical waste.

- Photograph decedents and perform radiographic procedures to support forensic documentation.

- Manage body receipt, release, transportation, and storage in accordance with established procedures.

- Clean and disinfect autopsy facilities and equipment following approved protocols to maintain a safe working environment.

- Handle and document evidence while preserving chain-of-custody requirements.

- Enter and update case information in the Medical Examiner Information System (MEIS) and maintain accurate autopsy records.

- Coordinate with law enforcement and public health agencies during investigations and in response to potential bioterrorism or mass fatality events.

- Oversee inventory of autopsy supplies and equipment to ensure operational readiness.

- Provide technical guidance, instruction, and support to Autopsy Technician I staff.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Range: $50,331.00 - $75,497.00

Recruitment Range: $50,331.00 - $53,209.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. 
 
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: 

• Demonstrated experience performing eviscerations, gross anatomical dissections, and specimen collection with intermediate to expert proficiency in medicolegal autopsy procedures.

• Proven skill operating and maintaining digital photography and radiography equipment to document decedent condition and support forensic casework.

• Strong proficiency managing case information in electronic systems, including accurate data entry, record logging, and documentation tracking for autopsy and investigative activities.

• Demonstrated experience following strict safety protocols, including handling infectious materials, performing decontamination procedures, and managing medical waste in compliance with OSHA and facility standards.

• Effective collaboration experience working with medical examiners, law enforcement, and public health personnel during investigations, including supporting evidence handling and maintaining chain‑of‑custody requirements.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH):
The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME):

The North Carolina Medical Examiner System is a network of medical doctors and allied health professionals throughout North Carolina who voluntarily devote their time, energy, and medical expertise to see that deaths of a suspicious, unusual or unnatural nature are adequately investigated. The OCME investigates all deaths in North Carolina due to injury or violence, as well as natural deaths that are suspicious, unusual, or unattended by a medical professional.

Please visit our website for more info:  https://www.ocme.dhhs.nc.gov/

Campus Amenities and Benefits at the OCME

We are located in Raleigh, NC. According to Forbes, we are ranked as one of the top 20 best places to retire and the 2nd most educated city in the country. US News & World ranks Raleigh among the top 15 places to live in the U.S.

• 220,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility

• Plentiful Free Parking

• Easy access to highways (70, 40 and 440), NC Museum of Art, Umstead State Park, healthcare providers, and shopping centers

• Proximity to globally and nationally ranked universities (NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke)

• Fitness area with exercise equipment, classes, and wellness activities

• Weekly Food Trucks

• Car Cleaning and Detailing Services On-site bimonthly

• Annual Flu Shot Clinic for Employees and Families

• Monthly and quarterly career development classes, including opportunities for traveling

• Library of academic journals and materials on-site

• Employee Engagement and Staff Development Activities

• NC OCME Employee Recognition Programs

• State Health Plan and State of NC Employee Benefits

Compensation and Benefits: 

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits.

Supplemental Contact Information: 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS:  https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. 

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. 

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. 

               

Application Process 

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. 

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. 

• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. 

• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. 

• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. 

• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. 

• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

Degree/College Credit Verification 

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. 

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference 

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. 

• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.  

• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate Degree in the biological/anatomical, forensic, mortuary/funeral, or criminal justice sciences from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in the field of pathology, forensic pathology or decedent care

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Tresha Walker

Email:

talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov