Definition
Treat donated bodies with antiseptic and preservative substances for dissection and cremation. Maintain records regarding the donation and disposition of remains in accordance with state regulations and statutes.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Under general supervision, treat donated bodies with antiseptic and preservative substances for dissection and cremation.
Typical Work
Preserve, disinfect, and store human remains using the anatomical method of embalming;
Prepare materials for laboratory use;
Operate crematory, perfusion apparatus, bandsaw, steam spray cleaning equipment, forklift machine and miscellaneous hand instruments; provide basic operational and cleaning maintenance and log of operation;
Maintain inventories of chemicals and supplies and order replacements as needed; apply principles of sterile techniques with respect to biohazards;
Maintain storage and inventories of models and skeletal materials;
Maintain legal records regarding donations of human remains to the medical school, including death certificates, computer and paper records of utilization, storage, transfer, cremation and disposition;
Assist faculty in teaching and research activities occurring in the morgue and teaching laboratories;
Prepare cremated remains for burial or disposition according to instructions of next-of-kin and applicable statutes and regulations;
Assist in determining acceptability of potential donor remains per established program guidelines;
Maintain monthly log of activities requiring billing, and submit monthly summary to Director for preparation of billing vouchers;
Perform related duties as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
Current license to practice as an embalmer in the State of Washington.
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Associates Degree in Mortuary Science
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
Revise MQ: 7-2-90
Revise Class: 9-14-2001
Revised new class code: (formerly 6360) effective July 1, 2007
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.