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Morgue Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FORENSIC ATTENDANT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Cleans autopsy room and sterilizes instruments and equipment; delivers soiled linen to laundry; returns clean linen to morgue and storage room. Assist the Medical Examiner Investigators in physical ...

TRANSPORTATION ASST

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.40 - $22.38/hr

Summary The transportation assistant will provide quality customer service and transport patients ... Transports deceased patients to the morgue. * Transports specimens from clinics to the lab ...

TRANSPORTATION ASST

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16 - $21.83/hr

Summary The transportation assistant will provide quality customer service and transport patients ... Transports deceased patients to the morgue. * Transports specimens from clinics to the lab ...

TRANSPORTATION ASST

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$44K - $53K/yr

Summary The transportation assistant will provide quality customer service and transport patients ... Transports deceased patients to the morgue. * Transports specimens from clinics to the lab ...

Transportation Asst

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$44K - $53K/yr

Summary The transportation assistant will provide quality customer service and transport patients ... Transports deceased patients to the morgue. * Transports specimens from clinics to the lab ...

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Morgue Assistant information

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How much do morgue assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for morgue assistant in California is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $23.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a morgue assistant?

A Morgue Assistant, also known as a Morgue Attendant or Autopsy Assistant, is responsible for assisting pathologists and medical examiners in handling deceased individuals. Their duties may include preparing bodies for autopsy, maintaining morgue cleanliness, documenting case details, and ensuring proper storage of remains. They may also assist in collecting biological samples and providing support during examinations. This role requires attention to detail, discretion, and knowledge of medical and legal protocols.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a morgue assistant?

Morgue Assistants are responsible for preparing bodies for examination or release, assisting pathologists during autopsies, maintaining cleanliness and orderliness of the morgue, and accurately documenting records and chain-of-custody information. They may also handle specimen collection, transport bodies between facilities, and ensure all required safety and legal protocols are met. This role frequently interacts with doctors, technicians, and law enforcement, making teamwork and professionalism essential. While the work can be physically and emotionally demanding, it plays an important part in supporting forensic and medical operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the morgue assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Morgue Assistant, you need a solid understanding of mortuary procedures, infection control, and attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with autopsy instruments, body handling protocols, and data entry systems is typically required, and some employers may require certification in biohazard safety. Strong communication, discretion, and emotional resilience help you work respectfully with both the deceased and medical staff. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, dignity, and efficiency in a sensitive and regulated environment.

Can I work at a morgue assistant with no experience?

Morgue assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. However, candidates should have strong attention to detail, the ability to handle sensitive situations, and may need to pass background checks or obtain relevant certifications. Entry-level roles focus on supporting tasks such as cleaning, preparing bodies, and maintaining the facility.

How do you become a morgue assistant?

To become a morgue assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue post-secondary training in mortuary science or related fields. Prior experience in healthcare or laboratory settings can be beneficial, and familiarity with handling biological materials and maintaining a sterile environment is important. Certification is not always required but can improve job prospects.

Is it hard to become a morgue assistant?

Becoming a morgue assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may prefer or require post-secondary training in mortuary science or related fields. The job involves handling sensitive situations and working in a clinical environment, often with irregular hours, but it generally does not require extensive formal education or certification beyond basic training and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Morgue jobs in California?

The most popular types of Morgue jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Morgue Assistant jobs in California?

For Morgue Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Morgue Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Morgue Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Morgue Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Morgue Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Morgue Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 50% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,192 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

FORENSIC ATTENDANT

County of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


County Of Los Angeles rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

388th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position/Program Information EXAM NUMBER: P4884A-EA TYPE OF RECRUITMENT: OPEN COMPETITIVE - EMERGENCY REPOSTING INFORMATION: THIS ANNOUCEMENT IS A REPOSTING TO REOPEN THE FILING PERIOD Original filing date: Monday, July 1, 2024 FIRST DAY OF FILING TUESDAY, November 12, 2024 8:00AM, Pacific Time (PT) Applications will be accepted from November 12, 2024, at 8:00am PT and will remain open until the needs of the Department are met. The LA County Board of Supervisors recently declared a local state of emergency for homelessness, and the County is working to revise and expand our response to help all who are affected. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of addressing issues like housing, mental health, and substance use.

If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you. The Department of Medical Examiner is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Forensic Attendant vacancies related to the homelessness crisis. Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment.

Before the end of your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%. Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Forensic Attendant.

Essential Job Functions Drives a County vehicle to locations throughout the County to recover and transport bodies, specimens, or records from hospitals, nursing home, or other death scenes to the Medical Examiner's facility. Maintains vehicles in operational condition. Keeps vehicle stocked with gurneys, stretchers, straps, sheets, and necessary supplies.

Recovers, lifts, and transports bodies to Department of Medical Examiner or other facilities. Receives and processes bodies into Department of Medical Examiner facilities; places bodies on autopsy tables; prepares bodies for release; and releases bodies subsequent to post mortem examination. Collects and preserves physical and medical evidence.

Performs case related data entry to Medical Examiner's computer system; keeps a log on morgue activities; writes receipts for bodies, clothing, personal property, and evidence; fingerprints bodies in accordance with departmental standards. Cleans autopsy room and sterilizes instruments and equipment; delivers soiled linen to laundry; returns clean linen to morgue and storage room. Assist the Medical Examiner Investigators in physical recovery and lifting of decedents bodies, as needed Assist in autopsy procedures, as needed.

Perform other related duties, as needed. Requirements SELECTION REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma -AND- One (1) year of experience in a hospital, morgue or ambulance service moving or transporting patients or decedents. LICENSE: A valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job-related essential functions.

Successful applicants for positions that require driving must obtain and present a copy of his/her driving record from the California State Department of Motor Vehicles before final appointment. Applicants should not present a copy of their driving history until asked to do so by the hiring department. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether an applicant's driving history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job.

License must not be currently suspended, restricted, or revoked. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: One year of experience as an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professional, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Mortuary Removal Specialist. An Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree or higher, preferably in the following areas: Administration of Justice Health / Physical Sciences Nursing PHYSICAL CLASS: 4 - Arduous

Positions within this class involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working on irregular surfaces; and occasionally requires extraordinary physical activity. APPOINTEE MUST BE WILLING TO: Perform a variety of physically demanding activities, such as frequent lifting and moving of decedents and heavy equipment, climbing down rocky cliffs, carrying a piece of equipment up steep hills, or removing corpses from the ocean. Work ANY shift, including nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Work overtime in order to meet the legal requirements and/or departmental needs associated with death investigations. Drive 75-100 miles one-way using a County vehicle or personal vehicle to various death scenes throughout the County of Los Angeles (mileage reimbursement is provided by the County). Assist in the physical recovery, packaging, lifting, and moving of decedents' bodies including infants, children and bodies that may be fragmented, burned and/or in advanced stages of decomposition.

Work in highly stressful situations. Develop and apply effective coping and self-care skills that maintain physical, mental, emotional well-being, a healthy perspective, and a clear and appropriate set of boundaries. Work in death scenes that present a variety of difficult environmental challenges, such as strong odors, extreme temperatures, dilapidated living conditions, and/or rugged terrain.

Candidates selected for appointment will be extended an offer of employment that is conditional upon the results of a background investigation, physical ability test, psychological evaluation, and medical screening. The physical ability test will consist of a body drag, gurney lift and stair climb with weights. EXAM CONTENT Before the end of your initial work assignment, the appointing department will evaluate your performance.

Those who achieve a passing score on this evaluation will be considered for permanent appointment. Additional Information APPLICATION & FILING INFORMATION: Applications must be filed online only. Many important notifications will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address.

Please add cmartinez@me.lacounty.gov as well as noreply@governmentjobs.com, and info@governmentjobs.com to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. You have the ability to opt out of emails from LA County. If you unsubscribe, you will not receive any email notification for any examination for which you apply with Los Angeles County

Regardless of whether you choose to unsubscribe, you can always check for notifications by logging into governmentjobs.com and viewing your profile inbox, which saves a copy of all emailed notices. Plan to submit your online application well in advance of the [time & date] deadline as you may be required to verify your email address. This only needs to be done once per email address, and if you already have a job seeker account on www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty, you can verify at any time by logging in and following the prompts

This is to enhance the security of your online application and to ensure you do not enter an incorrect email address. Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number.

Computer and Internet Access at Public Libraries: For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s).

If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI): The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. The Department of Human Resources is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race.

We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices. Department Contact Name: Christian Martinez Department Contact Phone: (323) 343-0710 Department Contact Email: cmartinez@me.lacounty.gov Teletype Number: (800) 899-4099 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES Employment Information Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below. This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles

Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting. Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement: The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit: https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/

Testing Accommodations for Applicants: The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting.

For more information on accommodations, please visit: https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/. Fair Chance: The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment

The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov.

Code Section 12952). Employment Eligibility: Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States

Career PathFinder: Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at http://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov. Veteran's Credit: Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions

For more information on veteran's credit, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205102_PPG_115.pdf Revised September 2025


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