This is technical forensic and supervisory work directing the activities of lower level technicians in the processing and dissection of bodies for post mortem examination in the Medical Examiner's Office. An employee in this class is responsible for developing procedures to be followed by lower level technicians, preparing work schedules, ensuring adequate coverage at all times and procuring necessary equipment and supplies. Contact with vendors and departmental officials is a significant aspect of the work. Work involves moderate physical effort and some disagreeable aspects in that the employee is exposed to contaminated and decomposed cadavers. Work is performed under the general supervision of a medical superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS:
(The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

• The position must located in the City's Medical Examiner's Office.
• The position must supervise a staff of subordinate forensic technicians.
• The position must be responsible for ensuring working efficiency in the pick-up, receipt and dissection of bodies.

• Establishes procedures to govern the activities of a staff of technicians engaged in the dissection of cadavers in preparation for post mortem examination by a pathologist; modifies procedures as needed; participates in the budget process by representing staffing and equipment needs; monitors and reviews daily operations of the autopsy area; consults with pathologists regarding performance of technicians.
• Prepares work and vacation schedules for a group of lower level techniques; ensures that continuous coverage is available during all shifts; handles disciplinary cases as needed; ensures the adequate training of subordinates and the continuous updating of new techniques in the field.
• Selects equipment and supplies to be utilized in the autopsy area through research, and evaluation of items based on the area's needs; conducts cost comparison studies in the selection of supplies; prepares specifications and requisitions; makes recommendations on vendor selection; submits bid invitations to vendors for price quotations on equipment and services at or below $2,000 in value; recommends awarding of requirements contracts to the lowest responsible bidder; ensures that a sufficient amount of supplies are on hand at all times.
• Oversees the maintenance of specimens and specimen bottles; ensures the maintenance and care of the work area and equipment; supervises the disposal of specimens and waste matter; researches supplies needed as protection from infectious disease cases; develops sanitary practices and ensures that such practices are adhered to.
• Performs photography duties in the absence of the department's medical photographer, taking photographs of cadavers in the autopsy area and also at the scene of death; takes x-rays of bodies to aid in the location of bullets or other foreign objects; sends camera and x-ray film out for development by outside agencies; presents photographs as evidence in court and provides court testimony; conducts seminars before medical students; processes and dissects cadavers on an as-needed basis.
• Supervises pick-up and transportation of cadavers.
• Utilizes computer program applications to enter data, maintain records and reports and related functions.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• gross human anatomy and of the characteristic appearance of normal and abnormal human organs.
• the methods, practices and procedures used in the dissection of bodies.
• the clerical and related procedures involved in receiving and releasing bodies.
• surgical instruments and related equipment needed to dissect cadavers and remove organs.
• administrative principles, practices, and techniques for an autopsy area.

SKILL IN:

• the use and care of surgical and related equipment used to dissect cadavers and remove organs.

ABILITY TO:

• plan, organize and coordinate the autopsy activities in support of pathologists engaged in post mortem examinations.
• supervise employees engaged in processing bodies and related tasks.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates and superiors.
• maintain records and prepare reports.
• work with decomposed and contaminated bodies.
• lift and move bodies.
• understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• utilize computer applications.

EDUCATION:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

• One year of experience under professional supervision in the dissection of human bodies.

• Three years of the above mentioned experience at the full performance level in a forensic pathology laboratory or Medical Examiner's Office.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Forensic Technician Supervisor if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE: 15
Class Established: 4/1985

Latest Spec. Revision: 6/1991

RJ/vp/sb