Forensic Technician at Lake County in Waukegan, IL

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefits package, and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

Forensic technicians are responsible, under general direction of the Coroner, Chief Deputy, Pathologist or Forensic Laboratory Manager, for the duties involved with all aspects of performing the autopsy, maintaining the respective areas where the decedents are stored, and examinations are performed. When there are no direct autopsy responsibilities, the technician will assist the Forensic Lab Manager in the duties of the toxicology Lab. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Depending on the assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties, and perform related duties as assigned:

• Preparation of autopsy suite prior to the autopsy assuring necessary equipment and supplies are clean, sterilized and readily accessible for use.

• Under supervision of the examining pathologist, places body on autopsy tray, assists with taking radiographs and photographs of decedent.

• Assists with autopsies as directed under supervision of the examining pathologist. May be required to perform the evisceration of the entire body and/or the head. Assist in the recovery of evidence from the body, weigh and record organs, place organs in viscera bag and returning to the body cavity. Closing body by sewing incisions.

• Assists in obtaining specimens for toxicological and bacteriologic studies. Prepares specimens for storage and/or medical consultants (i.e. stock tissue, brain, heart). Receives, inventories and stores paraffin blocks per protocol.

• Required to dispose of waste, biological and otherwise, and remove it to the respective disposal areas.

• The autopsy suite will be swept, mopped, and washed down. Additionally, all tools and other machines used to complete the examination will be properly cleaned.

• May, on occasion, be required to assist with fingerprinting of the deceased, release of decedent to funeral home, and other various morgue duties.

• Responsible for maintaining inventory of supplies used in autopsy suite.

• Responsible for acceptance of deliveries and organization of the supplies related to duties, respectively.

• Assists the Forensic Laboratory Manager with day-to-day operations of the laboratory including, but not limited to, receiving samples from outside agencies, maintaining drug statistics spreadsheet, preparing samples to send to reference laboratories, utilizing instrumentation, and preparing and disseminating toxicology reports.

• Assist with various tasks in the front office including, but not limited to “Scantofile” documents and hardcopy filing.

• Working knowledge of modem office, lab and autopsy practices

• Good communication skills

• Possess the ability to effectively problem solve

• Ability to work both individually and in a team atmosphere.

EDUCATION AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED) equivalent required.
• Some College education in a relevant field of study strongly preferred.
• Required to attend and successfully complete approved Evidence Technician training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND FACTORS OF THE POSITION:

• Ability to perform duties both outside and inside in varying conditions including extreme heat, extreme cold and wet and/or humid, etc; work in high precarious places, small, confined spaces, etc.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, bodily fluids, etc.
• Ability to withstand odors associated with bodies in varying stages of decomposition.
• Regularly required to lift human bodies more than 100 pounds; finger, handle, feel, reach, pull, push, grasp, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl, kneel, etc.
• The position requires specific visual acuity and field of vision to include color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus; and the ability to hear and speak to understand, respond to and build relationships with a diverse clientele.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).