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Local Morgue Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

... the morgue and may assist with other duties, such as organizing toxicology specimens and supplies, assisting local medical examiners with external examinations, etc. Surveillance of refrigeration ...

... morgue Minimum Requirements: * Prior work experience involving dealing with customers ... Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required ...

... morgue Minimum Requirements: * Prior work experience involving dealing with customers ... Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required ...

... morgue Minimum Requirements: * Prior work experience involving dealing with customers ... Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required ...

... morgue Minimum Requirements: * Prior work experience involving dealing with customers ... Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required ...

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Local Morgue information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$20

$31

How much do local morgue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for local morgue in Washington, DC is $20.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a mortuary assistant?

To become a mortuary assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to handle sensitive situations; some employers may require certification in bloodborne pathogens or funeral service practices. On-the-job training is common, and a clean background check is often necessary.

What is a morgue job called?

A morgue job is typically called a mortuary technician, morgue attendant, or forensic technician. These roles involve handling deceased bodies, preparing them for autopsy or burial, and maintaining the morgue environment, often requiring knowledge of anatomy and proper safety procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a local morgue, and how can they be managed?

Working in a local morgue can present unique challenges, such as dealing with emotional stress from frequent exposure to death and grieving families, and maintaining precise attention to detail in handling evidence and documentation. Staff often need to follow strict protocols to ensure safety and legal compliance, especially regarding the handling of remains and potential biohazards. Open communication with team members, ongoing training, and access to support resources are essential for managing these challenges and maintaining a healthy work environment.

Can I work at a morgue with no experience?

Working as a morgue technician or assistant typically requires some training or certification, but entry-level positions may be available to those without prior experience. On-the-job training is common, and skills such as attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive situations are important. Certifications in health and safety or anatomy can improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Morgue Attendant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Morgue Attendant, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring additional training in mortuary science. Familiarity with autopsy equipment, body handling procedures, and safety protocols such as OSHA regulations is usually expected. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and emotional resilience are essential soft skills in this sensitive environment. These qualifications ensure respectful handling of remains, adherence to legal protocols, and support for forensic and medical investigations.

What is a local morgue and what do people do there?

A local morgue is a facility where deceased individuals are taken for temporary storage, identification, and in some cases, autopsy or forensic examination. Staff at a morgue may include pathologists, morgue attendants, and medical examiners who are responsible for determining the cause of death, preparing bodies for burial or cremation, and maintaining proper records. Morgues play a vital role in both public health and the legal system by ensuring that deaths are properly investigated and documented.

What is the difference between Local Morgue vs Medical Examiner?

AspectLocal MorgueMedical Examiner
CredentialsTypically requires mortuary science license or certificationMedical degree (MD or DO) and forensic pathology certification
Work EnvironmentMortuary or morgue facilities, handling deceased bodiesHospitals, forensic labs, crime scenes, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryLocal government, funeral homes, hospitalsGovernment agencies, medical institutions, forensic departments
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Local Morgue and a Medical Examiner lies in their qualifications and roles. Local Morgues typically handle body storage and basic post-mortem procedures, requiring mortuary science credentials. Medical Examiners are licensed physicians specializing in forensic pathology, conducting detailed autopsies and investigations. Both roles are essential in death investigations but differ significantly in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

Is a morgue job a good career?

A morgue job involves handling deceased individuals and requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and adherence to safety protocols. It can offer stable employment in healthcare or forensic settings, but it may involve emotional challenges and irregular hours. Career advancement often depends on additional training or certifications in mortuary science or related fields.
What are the most commonly searched types of Morgue jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Morgue jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Morgue jobs in Washington, DC? For Local Morgue jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Local Morgue jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Local Morgue jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Local Morgue job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,056 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Forensic Support Assistant

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Forensic Support Assistant

Apply now Job no: 5108098
Work type: Wage (Hourly)
Location: Manassas Park, Virginia, Manassas, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources

Title: Forensic Support Assistant

State Role Title: Laboratory and Research Tech

Hiring Range: $18.50 - $23.50

Pay Band: 2

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-NO

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Forensic Support Assistant is responsible for processing the receipt and release of bodies at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which includes physical moving of dead bodies, processing the evidence/personal belongings, and ensuring the integrity of the evidence recovered and stored at the Medical Examiner's office in accordance with policies and procedures. This position provides support to the forensic autopsy technicians in the morgue, including after hours, on weekends and holidays. This position is responsible for the cleanliness of the morgue areas while on duty, laundering and organization of linens in the morgue and may assist with other duties, such as organizing toxicology specimens and supplies, assisting local medical examiners with external examinations, etc. Surveillance of refrigeration systems of body storage areas. Monitors access and admittance of all individuals entering the morgue areas while on duty, including law enforcement, funeral home/transport personnel, and organ procurement organizations. Reports unusual or emergency conditions to appropriate personnel and authorities.
Wage employees are subject to the following conditions of employment:
Wage employees serve at the will and pleasure of the appointing authority.
Continuing employment is based on available funding and business need.
Wage employees are not covered by the provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act. Therefore, they are not eligible for benefits which are provided to salaried employees, such as leave credits, holiday pay, insurance, access to the grievance procedure, etc.
Wage employees are paid only for the hours they actually work.
Virginia state law currently requires that agencies not permit wage employees to work in excess of 29 hours per week on average over the course of a year. Wage employees may not work for VDH beyond 1,500 hours during the period of May 1 - April 30 of the following year (the Standard Measurement Period).
Once a wage employee works the maximum of 1,500 hours during the Standard Measurement Period, the employee may be rehired as a wage employee of VDH only after the next Standard Measurement Period has begun.
Wage employees are eligible to apply for all classified positions for which recruitment has been initiated, including those limited to State Employees Only.
If a wage employee becomes employed in a classified position, he/she will be eligible to purchase retirement credit for the time worked as a wage employee.
Continuing employment is based on available funding and business need.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Virginians. VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 33 local health districts.
Join a team of professionals committed to protecting public health!

Minimum Qualifications

Experience performing administrative duties including faxing, filing, and photocopying.
Experience communicating effectively in a professional environment both written and verbally.
Experience following office policies and procedures without direct supervision.
Experience with OSHA safety and security procedures.
Experience properly completing chain of custody documents and reading of surveillance thermometers.
Ability to push/pull 100 to 500lbs and lift with assistance.

Additional Considerations

Experience with human remains in a hospital, morgue, funeral home or medical examiner's facility.
Experience/training with handling evidence.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other nancial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Contact Information

Name: Kourtney Dudley

Phone:

Email: kourtney.dudley@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 21 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 07 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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