Forensic Transport & Dispatch Technician

Position Description

• Responds and drives transport vehicle to identified death scenes, healthcare facilities, and residences throughout Harris County to assist in the investigation and transport human remains to the Department.
• Takes scene photographs. Inventories decedent personal property.
• Picks up scene photos, surveillance, body cam footage, hospital / healthcare records, and other documents when needed
• Checks in decedents upon arrival to morgue.
• Takes digital fingerprints of decedents and follows-up with identification as necessary, ensuring decedents are properly identified upon arrival (including rebanding of decedents when needed).
• Performs inventory of decedent prescription medications obtained from scene, healthcare facility, or residence.
• Performs x-rays on decedents as requested
• Answers main Forensic Investigations Division phone line as needed and triages phone calls and notification of death calls; assists funeral homes with death certificate information; completes death inquests; coordinates with organ procurement agencies

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are requested of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Requirements

• Associate Degree from an accredited college or university

• Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

• Strong communication skills with effective organization and time management skills
• Ability to understand and follow instructions; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office
• Natural ambulation and manual dexterity skills due to the essential physical demands of continually manipulating bodies as part of the investigation process and loading / unloading bodies for transport

Preferences

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Biological Sciences, or related field

• Previous employment within a morgue or investigation setting.

General Information

• Full-Time
• Variable shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Hours may vary based on needs of Department
• Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies

• Office / field / morgue setting
• Routine exposure to deaths of adults and children that resulted from violence, natural disease, environmental hazards, and toxins
• Work involves exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises
• May come into contact with blood and/or bloodborne pathogens

• Heavy work.
• Requires physical strength to lift up to 200 pounds; ability to climb stairs, including industrial and commercial structures; ability to board ships; and spend whatever time necessary on one’s feet to investigate and recover human remains

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.