Purpose of Job
The purpose of the position is to assist the Medical Examiner / Pathologist in preparing human remains for examination and autopsy. Duties include but not limited to; accepting, processing, and releasing decedents; maintaining facilities and equipment in a sanitized, disinfected manner; maintaining forensic records; and performing other duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Examiner, Autopsy Technician Manager, and Sr. Director Regional Forensic Center.
This is a safety-sensitive position subject to a drug screen.
Essential Functions
The Morgue Attendant essential functions include the following:
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Perform intake of decedent bodies by ensuring identify of the decedent, maintaining chain of custody of the decedent, receive any paperwork/other information from livery service, and document appropriate actions in the electronic case management system (ECMS)
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Perform x-rays of appropriate decedent cases and maintain x-ray log, prepare copies of radiology images for upload to ECMS
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Prepare decedents for examination/autopsy by photography, inventory of personal effects, preparation of pathologist paperwork (height/weight/medical therapy), prepare toxicology/histology supplies
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Assist in handling storage and inventory of decedents in coolers
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Ordering of toxicology, including proper labeling of specimens, submission of ECMS requisition, proper packaging of specimens, proper documentation, and packaging of hospital specimens
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Maintaining chain of custody for receipt and release of evidence with documentation in the ECMS
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Perform release of decedents to funeral homes/other facilities with proper documentation of NOK permission, communicate with facilities for corrections to documentation and to notify of release status, assure chain of custody for decedent and any property in the ECMS
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Assure body receiving, intake area, coolers, suites, equipment, and x-ray area are properly stocked, set up, cleaned, and maintained in working order, disposal of biohazard waste
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Prepares soiled linen for laundry; does laundry and places clean linen in appropriate cabinets
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Assure proper inventory and management of decedent personal effects and evidence
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Maintain a clean, organized, and cataloged tissue storage room, specimen freezer, and stock room; use established procedure and documentation for retention and disposal of specimens
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Maintains temperature logs of all refrigerated and freezer storage
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Testify in court cases when subpoenaed
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Uphold established standard operating procedures, quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards
Additional Job Functions
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Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hours
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Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local regional or central office supervisors as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office.
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Perform other duties as required
Minimum Training & Qualifications
Minimum training and qualifications of the position include the following:
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Minimum of an associate degree preferred.
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Combination of education and experience in medical field (nursing, surgical technology, mortuary, anthropology, emergency medical services, or other experience working with cadavers)
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Basic knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology
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Must pass a drug test prior to executing any of the duties of the position
Competencies
The Morgue Attendant must possess the following competencies:
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Ability to perform duties of a position of moderate complexity.
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Ability to solve somewhat difficult problems under time constraints.
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Ability to engage in substantial communication with other Knox County Government employees, outside agencies, and the public.
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Ability to take and read x-rays.
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Ability to prepare biological specimens for shipping.
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Ability to take photographs with a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and endoscopic camera.
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Demonstratable knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and medical instrumentation
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Demonstrate knowledge of OSHA standards and infection control
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Ability to use typical office equipment including a multiline phone, photocopier, calculator, and fax machine.
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Ability to use a desktop computer, laptop computer, scanner, and digital signature pad.
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Ability to use Microsoft Office software programs, including Word and Excel
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Ability to use the MUNIS software program, internet browsing software, medical examiner ECMS, x-ray software, and various lab ordering portals.
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Ability to work weekends, holidays, and hours outside of normal business hours, as needed.
The incumbent will regularly use the following tools, machines, and equipment:
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X-ray machine
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Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera
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Electronic scale
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Various surgical instruments
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Power and pneumatic saws
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Specimen collection tools
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Movable electric fork truck for moving bodies on trays.
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Movable ladder for taking photographs of bodies.
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Laundry machine and dryer
The Morgue Attendant works a 40-hour work week. No regular overtime work is anticipated, but is required to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. The incumbent must report immediately for on-call duty.
Physical Requirements
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Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials for extended periods of time. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for active work to lift, carry or transfer bodies to and from gurneys at
weight up to approximately 300 pounds with assistance.
Occupational Hazards
Potential hazards of the position include the following:
Risk of injury from lifting up to fifteen dead bodies per day weighing anywhere from five to 600 pounds
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Exposure to disease from working with dead bodies in various stages of decomposition; taking blood from dead bodies; taking tissue, bone, and other samples from dead bodies; taking x-rays of decedent bodies; and daily cleaning of surgical instruments, autopsy suite, and equipment
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Risk of injury from falling from a ladder while taking photographs of bodies
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Risk of illness or injury from exposure to chemicals, drugs, animals, contaminated syringes, and other hazardous items and materials
Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Location : MEDICAL EXAMINER
Posting Start : 05/22/2026
Posting End : 06/05/2026
MINIMUM HOURLY RATE: $22.53
