Embalmer - Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine

The Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Embalmer.

About the Opportunity

The overall responsibility of this position is to embalm all cadavers received and place them in the storage area for preservation and to assist the Senior Program Coordinator, Sr., in maintaining adequate cadaver inventory for all WVU supported courses and the maintenance of cadaver usage within the Department of Pathology, Anatomy, & Laboratory Medicine (PALM) - Division of Anatomy sanctioned through the Human Gift Registry (HGR) Program. This includes receiving, embalming, using, and disposal of cadavers, maintaining adequate inventory of cadavers through both data entry skills and physical abilities. Assists in cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining stringent antiseptic conditions in various locations (examples: gross labs, morgue area, and storage area).

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Embalm donors for use in the Gross Anatomy Labs and other designated areas and place them in storage area for preserving, assist with set-up of Gross Anatomy Labs, set-up of Embalming room and medical service personnel in postmortem examinations. Draw blood from donors for testing, embalm donors, and remove specified organs (liver/brain) as needed. Placing bodies in compartment trays of refrigerator or on autopsy or embalming tables, using portable hoist and stretcher. Pack, ship, and prepare cadavers for cremation and placement in the Memorial Vault. Lays out surgical instruments and laboratory supplies for postmortem examinations. Wash tables, storage trays, and instruments, wash and replace soiled linens. Assists with receiving cadavers and preparing transport of cadavers to other locations (morgue, gross labs, freezers, other universities, etc.). Prepares preserving solutions (Mixing Chemicals) according to formulas.
• Maintain accurate cadaver identification and information by data entry, signing donors into the State Anatomical Board book (SAB), and scanning into Human Gift Registry (HGR) database, equipment inventory, transfers of cadavers, and/or storage. Provides back-up phone coverage for HGR donor processes. Helps maintain proper and legal records required by State Statutes and by the West Virginia Anatomical Board, including death certificates and donor paperwork. Prepare reports to make PowerPoint presentation for HGR Annual Meeting. Assists with storage, inventory, and the disposal of chemicals following established policies and procedures. Scheduling Crematory pick-ups and answers calls from removal teams about donors when needed.
• Maintains clear work surfaces (lab benches, equipment, floor, etc.). Clean and sterilize instruments and/or the materials using specific sterile technique procedures. Assists in maintaining stringent antiseptic conditions in the Department Morgue. Collect and dispose of lab waste and its decontamination as required by Federal and State regulations. Assist with inventory and maintain supplies for teaching labs and morgues in a manner that will keep the labs functioning as planned.
• Provide support for labs offered by the Department Anatomy, such as but not limited to: HCOP, HSTA, and other programs that may be associated with the Department. Make recommendation to the supervisor regarding set-ups, equipment, policy, and procedures. Maintain a healthy work environment in the morgue and gross anatomy labs, phone coverage, future donor communications, and complete paperwork.
• Perform other duties as directed and assigned by the supervisor

• Associate's degree in relative field or 12-month Mortuary Science Training program.
• A minimum of one (1) year of directly related experience in embalming.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate and understand policies related to cadaver usage and conduct in related teaching areas
• Ability to perform inventories/audits and maintain records
• Ability to properly dispose of human anatomical remains and other materials
• Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, staff, students, and bereaved family members
• Ability to deal with stress, varied personalities, and co-workers in a calm and congenial fashion
• Ability to meet deadlines without prompting
• Ability to be self-starter and a team player
• Ability to learn and interpret new tasks, policies and procedures; and prioritize assignments
• Basic knowledge of human anatomy
• Understanding of State and WVU Statutes regarding human remains
• Physical ability to move and transport heavy objects up to 300 pounds
• Knowledge of computers to include word processing and database experience

• WV Embalmer and Funeral Directors license

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.