Morgue Operations Manager

Morgue Operations Manager

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $35.00 - $46.96 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Ashlee Adams | ashleeadams@utah.gov | 385-538-4235
Application Deadline – 10/12/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The Morgue Operations Manager oversees all operational, administrative, facility, and equipment functions within the Office of the Medical Examiner. Serving as the primary operational leader, this role maintains overall accountability for daily morgue activities, staff management, compliance, purchasing, and inter-agency coordination. While specific task execution is delegated across a structured supervisory team (including Autopsy Assistant, Morgue Clerk, and technical delegates), the Morgue Operations Manager retains ultimate responsibility for operational efficiency, NAME accreditation alignment, workplace safety, and service quality.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Administrative Leadership

• Operational Strategy & Quality: Develop and execute annual operational strategic plans focusing on Workplace Experience, Quality, Fiscal Management, and Sustainability (RBA Plan / Clear Impact framework).
• Policy & SOP Oversight: Lead the creation, updating, and enforcement of department SOPs across Autopsy Procedures, Morgue Operations, and General Office Practices (managed via PowerDMS).
• Stakeholder Coordination: Maintain strategic and daily working relationships with external partners, including Donor Connect, Utah Lion’s Eye Bank, Utah Funeral Directors Association, VA Medical Center, University of Utah researchers, and outside law enforcement/investigative agencies.
• Mass Fatality & Preparedness: Serve as the primary morgue representative at DHHS Preparedness Coordination meetings to oversee mass fatality planning, safety risk management, and continuity of operations.
• Accreditation & Compliance: Ensure facility alignment with NAME accreditation standards, IRB approvals, MOUs, and state/department administrative rules.

2. Staff Supervision & Departmental Oversight

• Supervisory Leadership: Direct and support the Autopsy Assistant Supervisor and Morgue Clerk Supervisor in managing scheduling, performance evaluations, 1-on-1s, recruitment, and onboarding for direct and indirect reports.
• Delegation Accountability: Select, assign, and oversee delegates for specialized administrative and technical duties; serve as the default operational backstop to assume duties during staff vacancies or transitions.
• Labor & Grievance Relations: Partner with direct supervisors and the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) to manage employee grievances, disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, and terminations.
• Professional Development: Oversee monthly morgue leadership meetings, staff learning objectives, and incentive program distributions.

3. Facility, Safety, & Waste Management

• Facility Maintenance: Oversee facility security, environmental cleanliness, body cooler management, and indigent cremation processes in coordination with the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) and DHHS Administrative Services.
• Safety & Infection Control: Lead workplace safety initiatives, Workers’ Compensation claim processes, and annual mandatory safety training programs (Bloodborne Pathogens, Respiratory Protection/Fit Testing, Exposure Control, Chemical Hygiene).
• Biohazard & Waste Disposal: Direct the safe collection, storage, and removal of biohazard materials, medical waste, and regulated chemical waste.

4. Equipment, IT, & Technical Asset Management

• Specialized Equipment Maintenance: Oversee service agreements, regular maintenance, and statutory inspections/registrations for autopsy saws, Lodox x-ray systems, body forklifts, scales/balances,, centrifuges, and autoclaves.
• Radiation Safety & Image Storage: Monitor staff dosimetry badge exposure reports; maintain DTS/AWS digital image storage networks (WinSCP/DICOM) for archival autopsy photography and radiographs.
• IT & Asset Management: Oversee departmental IT assets (networks, phones, computers), manage state surplus policy compliance, and ensure specialized Histology lab equipment maintenance.

5. Purchasing, Budget, & Financial Compliance

• Budget Oversight: Participate in monthly budget meetings, track operational and administrative spending, and evaluate long-term supply needs.
• Procurement Management: Supervise vendor selection, state purchasing, contract drafting, and adherence to state contract guidelines.

6. Technical Autopsy & Technical Support Oversight

• Direct and monitor high-level autopsy and histology processes, including evidence collection, DNA/sample retention, SAKT/sexual assault evidence entry, organ/brain cutting conferences, and specialized research study sample collection (e.g., suicide studies, SDY, InVitae).
• Key Requirements & Delegated Structure
  Emergency Availability: Must be reachable 24/7 via mobile phone for emergency escalations and operational continuity.
• Supervisory Framework: Direct supervision of functional supervisors (Autopsy Assistant Supervisor, Morgue Clerk
• Supervisor) and direct/indirect collaboration with designated safety officers, internship coordinators, and technical specialists.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with state software tools (PowerDMS, Concur, AWS S3 / WinSCP, DTS systems) and deep familiarity with autopsy suite machinery, radiological safety, and evidence handling regulation

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field or at least 4 years of work experience in a related field
• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, injury or disease recognition
• Knowledge of x-ray equipment use, photography skills, evidence collection, and sterile technique
• Adequate physical strength for moving bodies

About the Role

Location –
4451 South 2700 West
Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
United States
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
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EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.