Medicolegal Death Investigator (Part-Time)

About the Role

Performs medico/legal death investigations for the County Coroner’s Office. Work involves investigating and reporting on deaths from unknown natural causes, homicide, accident, or suicide. Employees proceed independently to complete investigations, developing information and following up on matters on their own, using judgment to deal with most problems encountered in the work. Supervision and case direction are provided by the Chief Deputy Coroner Investigator.

Shifts for this role will be for weekend coverage only: Friday-Saturday OR Sunday-Monday.

Responsibilities

• Responds to death scene assignments.
• Secures the death scene; makes physical examination of deceased; photographs and performs evaluation of the scene.
• Identifies the deceased.
• Interviews witnesses, family members, physicians, employers, friends, professionals, and others associated with the deceased; compiles statements, documents, related factual evidence, medical records, and other records that may be related to the death.
• Facilitates body removals; assists when needed.
• Notifies next of kin of deceased.
• Schedules, coordinates, and attends autopsies with pathologist, law enforcement agencies, and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Assists pathologist as needed.
• Writes and compiles reports using obtained information to assist the Coroner in determining cause of death.
• Ensures proper release of information to the public through press releases and/or media interviews.
• Provides training and education in the field of forensic death investigation to other law enforcement, health agencies, schools, community service agencies, and the general public.
• Acts as a liaison with law enforcement personnel, the District Attorney’s Office, funeral directors, hospitals, next of kin, and news media.
• Locates, collects, and preserves evidence; arranges for technical analysis of evidence as appropriate.
• Works with Public Administrator to protect property.
• Writes comprehensive reports of investigations and confers with the Coroner and attorneys regarding cases.
• Assists at Coroner’s inquests; testifies in court; serves subpoenas; advises prosecuting attorneys of facts likely to be presented in testimony.
• Performs basic vehicle maintenance; picks up supplies.
• Performs related work as required.
• Performs other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

Requirements

Education/Experience Options:

• Option #1: Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in a human science field* required. Two years or more of combined related experience (such as death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required.
• Option #2: Associate’s degree with a concentration in a human science field* required. Three years or more of combined related experience (such as death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required.
• Option #3: High School Diploma or GED equivalency required. Four years or more of combined related experience (such as death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required.

*Human science field such as Biology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Forensic Anthropology, Anatomy and Physiology, or related field.

Licenses/Certificates

• Valid driver’s license at the time of application and a valid Colorado driver’s license at time of hire required.
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (A.B.M.D.I.) preferred.
• Colorado Coroner’s Association (CCA) as a Colorado Death Investigator preferred.

Must successfully pass a background check. The department may set special training and education requirements in medico/legal death investigation to meet A.B.M.D.I. requirements.

For preferred qualifications, the substitution of any combination of relevant and related education, training, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability may be considered, including specific experience or skill-based qualifications that may substitute for certain educational requirements, or a combination of relevant education and experience, including supervisory experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Remote and hybrid working opportunities.
• County retirement program.
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership.
• Truly inclusive and diverse environment.
• Fitness center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building).
• May be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave benefits (full-time employees).