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Forensic Anthropology

Jobs in this family apply scientific analysis in analyzing human remains for law enforcement agencies to help with the recovery of human remains; contributing information leading to the identifying of unidentified human remains; interpreting evidence of traumatic injury; and contributing information leading to the cause and manner of death at the Forensics Laboratory headquarters and/or the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Jobs and Descriptions

Forensic Anthropologist

Professional work accountable for providing assistance in examining human skeletal remains and autopsy cases; assisting with death scene incidents to document, recover, and identify human/non-human remains; and detailing findings and preparing reports. Employees examine bones to determine the kind and extent of injuries sustained; document events and evidence using photographic or audiovisual equipment; record research or operational data; assist with the preparation of unbiased reports on anthropological casework; respond to locations for the recovery of human remains; and assist in the identification of individuals using scientific methods. In addition, work involves developing a biological profiles for human remains using standard physical anthropology techniques; assessing remains for the presence of pathological conditions and traumatic injury; testifying in a court of law regarding the anthropological findings; and working with other investigative agencies to draw conclusions contributing to the cause/manner of death.

Typically requires a Master’s degree in Forensic or Physical Anthropology, 0-1 year of experience.

OCCU: 9635
Pay Grade: MS10

Forensic Anthropology Team Lead

Supervisory and advanced professional level work that requires exercising a high degree of independent judgment in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of applicable policies, procedures, and standards as it relates to anthropological casework. The employee is responsible for all technical aspects of anthropology laboratory assignments, daily casework, and routine division operations; supervises others in examining skeletal remains; oversees the preparation of unbiased reports on all anthropological work; testifies as an expert witness in the field of forensic anthropology before grand juries and courts of civil and criminal jurisdictions; educates and trains fellow State Medical Examiner's Office staff, judicial, law enforcement, and other investigating agencies in topics within the field of forensic anthropology; responds to death scenes to document, recover, and identify human/non-human remains; oversees the excavation of human remains; ensures the examination of bones to determine the kind and extent of injuries sustained to the body; and maintains and reviews unidentified decedent case files; assist in developing, implementing, and revising policies and procedures regarding the scientific and administrative operation of the anthropology laboratory.

Typically requires a Doctorate degree in Forensic or Physical Anthropology, 2-3 years of experience or Master’s degree and 5-6 years of experience.

OCCU: 9636
Pay Grade: MS16

Forensic Anthropology Supervisor

Advanced administrative and professional level work responsible for overseeing the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of applicable policies, procedures, and standards as it relates to anthropological casework. The employee is responsible for directing all technical aspects of anthropology laboratory assignments, daily casework, and routine division operations; supervises others in examining skeletal remains; oversees the preparation of unbiased reports on all anthropological work; testifies as an expert witness in the field of forensic anthropology before grand juries and courts of civil and criminal jurisdictions; educates and trains fellow State Medical Examiner's Office staff, judicial, law enforcement, and other investigating agencies in topics within the field of forensic anthropology; responds to death scenes to document, recover, and identify human/non-human remains; oversees the excavation of human remains; ensures the examination of bones to determine the kind and extent of injuries sustained to the body; ensures the examination of bones to determine the kind and extent of injuries sustained to the body; maintains and reviews unidentified decedent case files; and assist in developing, implementing, and revising policies and procedures regarding the scientific and administrative operation of the anthropology laboratories.

Typically requires a Doctorate degree in Forensic or Physical Anthropology, 4-6 years of experience.

OCCU: 9637
Pay Grade: MS18