Purpose of Job

The purpose of this classification is to perform forensic medical evaluations and analysis involved with determining the cause, manner and circumstances of death and injuries sustained by deceased persons. Duties include, but are not limited to: performing autopsies and postmortem examinations; performing all dissections of internal organs; interpreting all laboratory, ancillary and consultative reports; developing forensic evidence for use in legal proceedings; testifying and serving as an expert witness in criminal court; rendering the Final Autopsy Report, determining cause and manner of death; advising out of county medical examiners; coordinating work of staff in the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner and Deputy Chief Medical Examiner; and performing additional duties as assigned by the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner and/or Chief Medical Examiner. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to a drug screen.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Performs autopsies and postmortem examinations.
• Interprets all laboratory, ancillary and consultative reports.
• Determines needs for special dissections or additional testing.
• Renders the Final Autopsy Report and determines cause and manner of death and advises out of county medical examiners.
• Investigates, approves and signs cremation requests.
• Presents interpretations and facts pertaining to evidence as an expert in the field of forensic medicine.
• Interprets and testifies in court with respect to scene reconstruction, medical evidence interpretation, mechanisms of injuries, toxicology and microscopic reports.
• Confers with law enforcement, Offices of the District Attorney and Public Defender; as well as other investigators regarding the interpretation and significance of findings.
• Collects, packages, labels, and preserves all evidentiary items.
• Documents chain of custody of all evidentiary items; releases body.
• Working with out of county medical examiners as applicable.
• Participates and provides input in quarterly meetings of the Child Death Review Committee and other meetings as necessary.
• Under the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner, assists with monitoring and evaluating National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation ensuring compliance with performance standards.
• Investigates deaths deemed to be public interest-serving the criminal justice, civil justice and public health systems as charged by statue.
• To protect the public safety and health and determine the cause and manner of death, this position investigates all deaths due to violence; known or suspected non-natural deaths; known or suspected overdose deaths; unexpected or unexplained deaths when in apparent good health; unexpected or unexplained deaths of infants and children; death occurring under unusual or suspicious circumstances; deaths of persons in custody; deaths known or suspected to be caused by diseases constituting a threat to public health; deaths of persons not under the care of a physician.
• Responds to and reports immediately if called upon by local regional or central office supervisors, as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Training & Qualifications

• Certified Forensic Pathologist from the American Board of Pathology in the State of Tennessee must be obtained within one (1) year of hire
• Licensed Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O)
• Must obtain continuing education and training, as available, and as directed in order to maintain high standards in learning and implementing new investigative methods.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License. Applicants who are offered this job MUST take a drug test. Passing the drug test is required in order to start the job.

Competencies/Physical Requirements

Competencies for the position include;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machines such as computer, phone, fax machine, calculator, overhead projector, PC projector, printer, scanner, and laptop computer.
• Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials.
• Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for work. Occasional bending, stooping, pushing, or pulling is required for this job.
• Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of minimum of fifty pounds or more with assistance.
• May require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
• Requires the ability to deal with people (i.e. staff, supervisors, general public, and elected officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions such as interpreting departmental policies and procedures. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with an emergency. Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words) (hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Occupational Hazards

Potential hazards of the position include the following:

• Exposure to disease from working with dead bodies on-scene and in autopsy suite at various times of day or night and with multiple agencies, family members, and on-lookers moving within or near the scene of death
• Risk of illness or injury from exposure to chemicals, drugs, animals, contaminated syringes, and other hazardous items and materials
• Risk of injury when interacting with emotional family members
• Risks associated with driving to and from scenes in a variety of weather conditions and at various times of day or night and in all types of terrain

Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.