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Working In The Morgue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

While working in a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative workplace, you will be part of a team that ... Transport patients to the morgue, as needed * Assist in escorting patients from helicopter pad ...

While working in a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative workplace, you will be part of a team that ... Transport patients to the morgue, as needed * Assist in escorting patients from helicopter pad ...

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Working In The Morgue information

What does working in the morgue involve?

Working in the morgue typically involves handling, examining, and preparing deceased bodies for autopsies, identification, or release to funeral homes. Responsibilities can include assisting pathologists, collecting evidence or samples, maintaining detailed records, and ensuring the morgue is clean and properly sanitized. Staff must follow strict health and safety protocols and often work with law enforcement or medical professionals during investigations. The work requires emotional resilience, attention to detail, and respect for the deceased and their families.

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

Working in the morgue often involves emotionally demanding situations, exposure to biohazards, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Professionals must manage stress and maintain professionalism while handling sensitive cases, sometimes in collaboration with law enforcement or medical staff. Building resilience, following safety guidelines, and seeking support from colleagues or counseling services can help manage these challenges. Regular training and clear communication within the team also contribute to a safer and more supportive work environment.

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

To thrive when working in the morgue, you need knowledge of anatomy, mortuary science, and safety procedures, often supported by a degree or certification in mortuary or forensic sciences. Familiarity with autopsy tools, specimen handling protocols, and data entry systems is typically required. Attention to detail, emotional resilience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for handling sensitive situations and maintaining professionalism. These skills ensure accurate, respectful, and safe management of deceased individuals and support vital forensic and medical investigations.

What is the difference between Working In The Morgue vs Forensic Technician?

AspectWorking In The MorgueForensic Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require mortuary science certificationForensic science degree or related certification
Work EnvironmentMortuary or hospital morgue setting, handling deceased bodiesCrime labs, field sites, or morgues, analyzing evidence
Employer & IndustryHospitals, funeral homes, morguesLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs

Working In The Morgue primarily involves handling deceased bodies in a mortuary setting, focusing on body preparation and care. Forensic Technicians analyze evidence from crime scenes, often working in labs or on-site. While both roles may overlap in death investigation, their core duties, environments, and required credentials differ significantly.

Can I work at a morgue with no experience?

Working in a morgue typically requires some training or certification, such as a funeral service license or embalming certification, but entry-level positions like morgue assistants may accept candidates with minimal experience if they demonstrate reliability and willingness to learn. Prior knowledge of anatomy, sanitation, and handling of human remains can be beneficial, but on-the-job training is often provided. Having relevant skills or certifications can improve job prospects in this field.

Do working in the morgue workers get paid well?

Workers in morgues, such as mortuary assistants or funeral home staff, typically earn wages that are around the national average for similar roles in healthcare support or maintenance. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities, with some positions offering additional benefits or overtime pay.

What qualifications do I need to work in the morgue?

Working in the morgue typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring post-secondary education in mortuary science, biology, or a related field. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the role, and strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to handle sensitive situations are important skills.

What are popular job titles related to Working In The Morgue jobs in Virginia?

For Working In The Morgue jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working In The Morgue jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Working In The Morgue jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Working In The Morgue job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Forensic Autopsy Technician (Tidewater District)

Norfolk, VA • On-site

State of Virginia
Executive Offices and Legislative Bodies • 10K+ employees

$48K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 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

11th of 50 rated states


Job description

Forensic Autopsy Technician (Tidewater District)

Apply now Job no: 5111382
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources

Title: Forensic Autopsy Technician (Tidewater District)

State Role Title: Laboratory & Research Spec I

Hiring Range: $48,700 - $55,400

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-TDWT

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Tidewater (Eastern) District, located in Norfolk Virginia, is seeking a full-time Forensic Autopsy Technician. The Forensic Autopsy Technician will be responsible for assisting the Assistant Chief Medical Examiners (Forensic Pathologists) in the completion of autopsies, including the initial incisions necessary for removing and weighing organs, collecting body fluids and tissues for retention and applicable testing, and collecting and preserving evidence. This position will be responsible for retrieving, admitting, and releasing bodies in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulations. Other characteristic duties include preparing bodies for examination by weighing and photographing bodies and completing x-rays. This position along with other forensic technicians are responsible for cleaning the morgue facility, ensuring morgue equipment and vehicles receive proper maintenance and is required to instruct internal and external personnel on morgue procedures. This position will primarily work day-shifts but may be requested/required to work weekends, evenings, nights and state holidays. Ensures compliance with OSHA regulations. Responsible for responding to mass disaster scenes.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Must have general working knowledge of anatomy, evidence collection, chain of custody, autopsy assistance, morgue operations, and confidentiality through direct experience or equivalent education
Must have experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), database usage and data entry with strong keyboarding skills
Required to push/pull/maneuver weights up to 500+ pounds, with and without assistance, stand for long periods of time, traverse uphill, rocky or otherwise unstable terrain
Must be able to respond to mass disaster scenes and other out-of-district assignments for up to a 2-week rotation
Basic photography skills: to include knowledge of digital photography with a digital camera and the ability to save images on various types of media (CD, USB, digital server)

Additional Considerations

Previous experience with human remains in a hospital, morgue, funeral home or medical examiner's facility.
Relevant training and experience in forensic sciences, health sciences, or related field preferred.
Training as an autopsy technician or medicolegal death investigator is preferred.
Experience with obtaining/maintaining/shipping collected specimens for analyses, consultations, etc.
Training and experience in digital radiography and digital dental radiography preferred.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations for biohazard and chemical work environments preferred.

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 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 apply!

Contact Information

Name: Kourtney Dudley

Phone: (804) 659-6366

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: 02 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 16 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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