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Morgue Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

May also include patient escort, patient watch, provide safety escort, assist and/or transport deceased to morgue Minimum Requirements: * Prior work experience involving dealing with customers ...

May also include patient escort, patient watch, provide safety escort, assist and/or transport deceased to morgue Minimum Requirements: * Prior work experience involving dealing with customers ...

May also include patient escort, patient watch, provide safety escort, assist and/or transport deceased to morgue Minimum Requirements: * Prior work experience involving dealing with customers ...

Transport patients to the morgue, as needed * Assist in escorting patients from helicopter pad (high elevation) to the emergency room * Assist with evacuations during fires, medical emergencies, and ...

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Morgue Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$39

How much do morgue assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for morgue assistant in Virginia is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.73 and $23.61 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Morgue jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Morgue Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Morgue Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Morgue Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,896 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Forensic Support Assistant - Tidewater District - MEX11

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

826th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Forensic Support Assistant - Tidewater District - MEX11
Job no: 5096781
Work type: Wage (Hourly)
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services
Title: Forensic Support Assistant - Tidewater District - MEX11
State Role Title: Laboratory and Research Tech
Hiring Range: $18.00 - $21.50
Pay Band: 2
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-TDWT
Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Health's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is seeking a
dedicated and detail-oriented Forensic Support Assistant to join our Tidewater District Office located in Norfolk, Virginia. This is a wage position averaging up to 29 hours per week (not to exceed 1,500 hours annually) and is not eligible for benefits. The role requires flexibility to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and during office closures.
As a Forensic Support Assistant, you will play a vital role in the receipt and release of decedents, including the physical transfer of remains, processing of evidence and personal effects, and maintaining the integrity of all materials in accordance with OCME protocols. You will support forensic autopsy operations, ensure cleanliness and organization of morgue facilities, monitor refrigeration systems, and control access to secure areas. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with specimen management, external examinations, and administrative tasks such as answering calls, data entry, filing, and printing photographs.
This position is based in Norfolk, Virginia, a vibrant coastal city in the heart of the Hampton Roads
region. Known for its rich naval history, Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base and offers a dynamic mix of cultural attractions, including the Chrysler Museum of Art, lush parks, waterfront views, and a thriving downtown. To learn more about the area, visit www.norfolk.gov
Minimum Qualifications
• Experience performing administrative duties including faxing, filing and photocopying
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally,
• Ability to follow office policies and procedures without direct supervision,
• Knowledge of OSHA and safety, security procedures,
• Must be able to work days, evenings, nights, weekends and state holidays,
• Reading and writing ability to properly complete chain of evidence documents and reading of surveillance thermometers,
• Must have experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) with strong keyboarding and data-entry skills,
• Ability to push/pull 100 to 500lbs and lift with assistance.
Additional Considerations
• Previous experience with human remains in a hospital, morgue, funeral home or medical examiner's facility,
• Experience/training on the chain of custody and with the handling of evidence and/or personal effects,
• Knowledge of digital photography and the ability to save images on various types of media (CD, USB, external hard drive, servers).
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé 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 qualifications 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 financial, 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 ap
Contact Information
Name: Daniel Baker
Phone: 804.629.3618
Email: daniel.baker@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: 14 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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