Forensic Technician 1(A)-(B)-2 (2 positions)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service investigates deaths of persons who die from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent good health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility, or in any suspicious or unusual manner.

Our service is also responsible for approving cremations.

The Medical Examiner Service serves the people of Nova Scotia by providing impartial, professional, and accurate medicolegal death investigation.

Further, we serve Nova Scotians by providing a compassionate service that meets the highest standards of science. We are committed to educating the next generation of forensic scientists.

We collaborate with our partners in health care and health surveillance to prevent deaths.

The Medical Examiner Service is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in circumstances that are defined in the Fatality Investigations Act, but broadly includes all deaths that are violent, unexpected or unexplained.

The cause of death is the underlying disease or injury responsible for death. The manner reflects the circumstances surrounding the death.

If the death is due only to natural disease, then the manner is natural. If injury contributes in any way, then the death is not natural.

The group of deaths that are not natural are divided into homicide, suicide, or accidental. If there is insufficient information available, the manner of death may be ruled undetermined.

About Our Opportunity

As the Forensic Technician, you are responsible for all forensic morgue activities of the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service, where decedents have a post-mortem examination (autopsy) to determine the cause and manner of death or the identity of a decedent.

You will be assisting the Medical Examiner in performing autopsies as well as other duties such as : receiving the decedent, documenting all personal belongings and evidence, taking x-ray and dental x-rays, packaging and shipping or transporting specimens, communicating with funeral homes and body removal contractors, cleaning of autopsy stations between cases as well as terminal cleaning of the morgue, in-house laundry, ordering and maintaining autopsy and scene supplies, routine environmental controls, audits, and participating in quality improvement initiatives.

You will be required to learn to do forensic photography and may be required to assist in on-scene evidence collection and management protocols including assisting investigative staff in the recovery of bodies from unusual locations or situations.

You will be responsible for training new Forensic Technician staff on all duties and assisting in training residents and medical students on autopsy techniques and procedures.

In addition, you will educate interdisciplinary visitors, such as nursing students, police and police cadets on autopsy procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you have a , Graduate Technologist, or a Funeral and Allied Health Services Diploma.

Your knowledge of and experience in : the principles, methods, practices, equipment, and materials of modern forensic autopsy, including a detailed knowledge of human anatomy is required.

You will have a working knowledge of the principles of forensic science, including chain of custody and preservation of evidence, morgue operations, histology, forensic imaging and radiographic processes.

You will be required to maintain confidentiality at all times, which is crucial to the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.

Your attention to detail and judgement skills will be important in this role, as well as strong interpersonal and adaptability skills.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools : written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here : Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

Two (2) opportunities are available :

• One (1) permanent
• One (1) term with an anticipated end date of November 30, 2025. The appointment status ( term’, temporary’ or casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

The successful candidate requires a valid driver’s license and will be asked to provide a driver abstract as driving is required.

You will also need to have a Hepatitis B vaccination or provide proof of vaccination upon hire.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.

Pay Grade : HSB 13 - HSB 17 Salary Range : $2,;- $2,;Bi-Weekly