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- Position Summary
Lincoln County is seeking a part-time Medicolegal Death Investigator. This position conducts objective and thorough death investigations—a critical function in determining the cause and manner of death for cases under the jurisdiction of the Lincoln County Medical Examiner. Medicolegal Death Investigators work closely with the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator, County Medical Examiner(s), the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, and local law enforcement. Duties include investigating death scenes, examining decedents and evidence, and preparing detailed reports.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education Level
Associate’s degree
Preferred fields: Biology, health sciences, nursing, or criminal justice.
Minimum Experience Level:
One year or more of experience in medicolegal death investigation, nursing, law enforcement, paramedicine, investigatory procedures, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Substitution Note: Any combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position will be considered.
Required Certifications:
Oregon Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator (OCMDI) certification (must obtain within one year of hire)
Valid Oregon Driver’s License (must obtain within 30 days of hire) with an acceptable driving record.
Desirable Qualifications:
Strong technical writing skills, including the ability to understand and apply complex medical and legal terminology
Critical thinking, analytical ability, and strong attention to detail
Effective communication with law enforcement, grieving families, and medical professionals
Bilingual and/or bicultural competencies (Spanish/Latino community preferred)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Human anatomy
- Medical terminology
- Advanced coursework in biology, physiology, or chemistry
Skills and Abilities:
- Strong writing skills and the ability to produce detailed, accurate reports
- Ability to draw biological specimens for investigative purposes
- Ability to accurately describe remains both verbally and in writing
- Ability to examine decedents, including mutilated, decomposed, or partial remains
- Effective communication with county and state medical examiners and ability to relay concerns from families, law enforcement, or medical providers
- Ability to explain policies, medical information, and state statutes in emotionally charged situations
- Ability to testify in grand jury proceedings, inquests, and court hearings
- Ability to represent or act on behalf of the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator when needed
- Proficient use of computers and technology (word processing, email, spreadsheets, case management systems)
- Ability to maintain positive and professional relationships with coworkers and community partners
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines, adhere to procedures, and manage time effectively
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities
Death Investigation Job Functions:
- Conduct and complete investigations of all manner of deaths that fall under Oregon Revised Statures (ORS) 146.090
- Receive and respond to phone calls from law enforcement, hospitals, and care facilities about deaths occurring under those jurisdictions
- Obtain medical and social history; interview family members, law enforcement, and healthcare providers; review medical records
- Respond to death scenes to document the scene, take photographs of the deceased, the scene of the death and/or injury location, and any evidence that is believed to be involved with the death (e.g., weapons, instruments, vehicles, or premises). Assist with preserving any evidence that may be related to the cause and manner of death
- Conduct forensic examinations and confirm identification of decedents
- Obtain blood or other biological samples for toxicology
- Prepare and mail toxicology specimens to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office
- Transport decedents to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office when required
- Take custody of the body and personal effects; coordinate with law enforcement and funeral homes
- Complete state-mandated reports in the MDI Log, including demographic and death certificate information
- Complete special projects assigned by supervisory staff
- Participate in ongoing training and continuing education related to death investigations
Criminal Case Functions:
- Prepare documentation and provide expert witness testimony in criminal and civil proceedings
- Consult on criminal cases and provide examinations and testimony as needed
Other Functions:
- Represent the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator when assigned
- Follow all safety protocols and procedures
- Perform related duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has little to no supervisory responsibility.
WORKING CONDITIONSThe Medicolegal Death Investigator is an on-call 24/7 position, including weekends and holidays. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Duties may require strenuous physical activity, extensive driving, and significant computer use. The position involves exposure to biological hazards, unpleasant or traumatic scenes, and interactions with grieving or distressed individuals.
Work Location:
Based in Newport, OR with required response capability throughout Lincoln County.
Travel:
Frequent local travel for investigations and meetings; occasional travel outside the area for training or conferences. Transporting decedents to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office when required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands are typical of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to manage physically demanding tasks and complex interpersonal interactions
Physical Ability: Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort in light to heavy work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate to heavy weight (50-200 pounds).
Sensory Requirements: Adequate visual, auditory, and verbal abilities to perform essential functions.
Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Lincoln County is committed to providing accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description reflects the general scope and essential functions of the position and does not list every task that may be required.
- $28.84 - $38.76/hour
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