Summary Statement

The incumbent reports to the Chief Medical Examiner (CME) and is responsible for performing forensic autopsies and external body examinations of decedents to determine the cause and manner of death statewide. The work includes determining the existence of criminal acts, homicides, suicides, accidents, as well as natural causes or other forms of death. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sights, sounds, and potentially hazardous body fluids and diseases is also a significant aspect of the work. A class incumbent may assume complete responsibility for the office in the absence of the CME when assigned.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Performs forensic autopsies and external body examinations on bodies brought to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in order to determine the cause and manner of death.
• Reviews reports of death received from hospitals, police agencies, and private physicians in order to determine jurisdiction of cases.
• Communicates with family, friends, and / or associates of decedents as necessary in order to clarify unclear points and obtain appropriate background information.
• Conducts on-site investigations at the death scene to gather appropriate data and information surrounding the case.
• Conducts a preliminary examination of the body to determine if a complete autopsy is required.
• Directs the activities of forensic investigators in photographing and removing of the decedent and the work of autopsy room support personnel during the examination.
• Conducts microscopic examinations of specimens, tissues, organs, fluid, blood, etc. to determine irregular conditions which might have contributed to death.
• Prepares through dictation, autopsy and external body examination reports and findings and furnishes same to law enforcement officials to include evidence of a medical / scientific nature which might be needed for criminal involvement uses.
• Works with hospitals, health care agencies, law enforcement and criminal justice agencies and private physicians.
• Reviews current literature in the area of forensic pathology and investigative research and examines prior case histories for background information.
• Prepares certificate of death and determines the release of bodies and cremation. Testifies in courts of law as required.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Assistant Medical Examiner

Applicants must have education, training and / or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas :