Reallocation of Forensic Morgue Technician from the Competitive Division to the Non- Competitive Division of the Career Service, CSC Docket No. 2022-1619

BackgroundThe Division of Agency Services (Agency Services) recommends the reallocation of the title of Forensic Morgue Technician to the noncompetitive division of the career service in accordance with N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.2, effective February 12, 2022.

By way of background, the instant request originated with the Department of Health (DOH). In support of the DOH’s request, Agency Services explains that competitive testing is not practicable due to the knowledge, skills and abilities associated with this position. In particular, Agency Services notes that the title does not have any education or experience requirements and that its primary function is to prepare dead bodies and anatomical material for post mortem.

Appointment types for existing employees in this title as of the effective date will be handled in accordance with N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.2(f):

1. Permanent employees in those titles as of the effective date shall retain their permanent status in the noncompetitive division.

2. Probationary employees in those titles as of the effective date shall continue serving their working test periods and, upon successful completion, attain permanent status in the noncompetitive division.

3. Provisional employees who remain in those titles as of the effective date shall receive regular appointments and begin serving their working test periods on the effective date.

It is noted that since the Forensic Morgue Technician title is, by law, a confidential title, no notification is required to applicable collective negotiations representatives.

Agency Services requests that the changes specified in this title reallocation become effective at the beginning of the first pay period following the Civil Service Commission’s (Commission) approval of these actions.

CONCLUSION

RuleN.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.2 provides, in part, that the Commission may reallocate titles from the competitive to the non-competitive division when competitive testing is not practicable due to the nature of the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the job or when certification procedures based on ranked eligible lists have not or are not likely to meet the needs of appointing authorities due to such factors as salary, geographic location, recruitment problems and working conditions.

AnalysisBased upon the foregoing, ample reasons exist for the reallocation of the Forensic Morgue Technician title to the non-competitive division of the career service. In particular, there are no education or experience requirements for the title. Therefore, competitive testing is not practical for this title.

ORDER

Based on all of the above, it is ordered that the title of Forensic Morgue Technician be reallocated to the non-competitive division of the career service. It is further ordered that such action be effective February 12, 2022.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.