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Weekend Forensic Pathologist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This position will assist the forensic pathologist with moving and evisceration of bodies for ... Will be required to work occasional weekends. Benefits Working for the State of Iowa comes with its ...

Weekend Forensic Pathologist information

What is a weekend forensic pathologist?

Weekend forensic pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in determining the cause of death by examining deceased individuals, typically through autopsies and medical investigations, and who specifically work during weekends. Their role often involves responding to deaths that occur outside regular business hours, ensuring timely and thorough forensic examinations. They collaborate with law enforcement, legal entities, and families to provide expert insights into sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. This work is crucial for criminal investigations, public health, and providing closure to families.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a weekend forensic pathologist?

To thrive as a Weekend Forensic Pathologist, you need a medical degree, board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, digital imaging tools, and autopsy protocols is standard, often supplemented by relevant certifications. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication with law enforcement and legal professionals set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate cause-of-death determinations, uphold legal standards, and support the integrity of the justice system.

What challenges do weekend forensic pathologists face, and how can they be managed?

Weekend Forensic Pathologists often handle a high volume of cases within tight timeframes, as they provide critical services when regular staff may be unavailable. They may also encounter unique cases requiring rapid decision-making and close coordination with law enforcement, medical examiners, and mortuary staff. Managing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, adaptability, and clear communication with multidisciplinary teams to ensure accurate reporting and effective case management. Continuous professional development and seeking peer support can help address complex or unusual scenarios.

What is the difference between Weekend Forensic Pathologist vs Forensic Medical Examiner?

AspectWeekend Forensic PathologistForensic Medical Examiner
CredentialsMedical degree, pathology certification, forensic pathology trainingMedical degree, forensic pathology certification, often licensed as a medical examiner
Work EnvironmentHospitals, morgues, crime labs, often on-call during weekendsMedical examiner offices, morgues, courtrooms, with scheduled or on-call shifts
Employer & IndustryHospitals, law enforcement agencies, forensic labsGovernment agencies, medical examiner offices, law enforcement

Weekend Forensic Pathologists and Forensic Medical Examiners both perform autopsies and investigate deaths, often working in similar environments. The main difference lies in their employment settings and specific job roles, with forensic medical examiners typically holding government positions and overseeing death investigations, while weekend forensic pathologists may work in hospitals or labs on a part-time basis during weekends.

Do weekend forensic pathologists work night shifts?

Weekend forensic pathologists typically work during daytime hours on weekends, but they may be required to work night shifts or on-call duties depending on case urgency and department policies. Flexibility is often necessary to respond to sudden cases or autopsies outside regular hours.

How many hours a day does a weekend forensic pathologist work?

A weekend forensic pathologist typically works around 8 to 12 hours per shift, often during overnight or weekend hours to conduct autopsies and investigations. The schedule can vary depending on case volume and department needs, but weekend shifts are usually longer and may include on-call responsibilities.

Is there a shortage of weekend forensic pathologists?

There is a growing demand for forensic pathologists to work weekend shifts due to the 24/7 nature of death investigations. While shortages exist in some regions, the availability of weekend positions depends on local staffing needs and hospital or forensic facility policies.

What are popular job titles related to Weekend Forensic Pathologist jobs in Iowa?

For Weekend Forensic Pathologist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Weekend Forensic Pathologist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Forensic Autopsy Technician

Des Moines, IA • On-site


State of Iowa
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents


$41K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Description The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Public Health, Bureau of Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner is seeking a Forensic Autopsy Technician to join our team. This position will assist the forensic pathologist with moving and evisceration of bodies for autopsies, completing the forensic autopsy and restoring the body following examination by replacing organs, packing cavities and suturing the body closed including washing, disinfecting and shrouding the remains. Photography will be required.

This position also includes ordering of testing and completion of paperwork. Responsibilities: Assists the forensic pathologist with autopsies, completing paperwork and taking photographs before and during autopsy. Evisceration of organs and removal of skull-cap.

Restoring the body by replacing organs, packing cavities, suturing the body closed and cleaning of the body. Keeps chain of custody when receiving, storing, or transferring/releasing of bodies, evidence, toxicology and specimens. Maintains the autopsy suite, associated areas and equipment by ensuring they are kept clean and stocked with supplies.

Observes and records facts clearly, accurately and legibly. Requirements: Must be able to move/roll heavy objects (bodies ~300 pounds or more) by oneself or with the assistance of another employee. Must be able to work 6-8 hours at a time while standing.

Tolerates and works with unpleasant sights, sounds, and odors in a sometimes-stressful environment. Will be required to work occasional weekends. Benefits Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks.

In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth: Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage. Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year). Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month)

Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses. Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind. Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. For additional information on benefits click here. Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov. All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited area college with an Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or any other healthcare profession; OR experience equal to one year of full-time work in hospital and/or emergency medical services; OR experience equal to one year of full-time work as a phlebotomist; OR any combination of the above

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939


What State Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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