Medicolegal Death Investigator

Closing Date: July 29th, 2026 or upon receipt of 50 applicant submissions. Office: Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office (MCMEO). Hourly pay range: $33.92 – $50.88. The MCMEO investigates sudden, unexpected, and violent deaths and determines the cause and manner of death. This position will assist the Medical Examiner by providing high‑quality, timely medicolegal death investigations. The Office will relocate to the new Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility at 9400 West Doyne Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a modern campus featuring specialized laboratories, state‑of‑the‑art autopsy suites, expanded investigative workspaces, enhanced evidence handling, upgraded security, and improved environmental controls. The move‑in date is mid‑September 2026. Job Summary The Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) reports information discovered during thorough investigations, including medical and forensic evidence of the body and the personal/medical history of decedents. The MDI responds to active death scenes to determine the preliminary cause and manner of death based on evidence observed and collected, interviews with witnesses/families, and preliminary examination of the body. Responsibilities also include locating the decedent’s family to notify them of the death, investigating requests for cremation, certifying cremation permits, and obtaining pertinent records. The MDI is exposed to all aspects of death, including grieving individuals, hostile situations, and traumatic or violent causes of death at all ages. The position is considered essential at the MCMEO and is required to report for all scheduled shifts, regardless of inclement weather, even if the County closes operations. Job Responsibilities Perform medicolegal death investigations, including making death pronouncements, undressing and examining bodies, and recording detailed external appearance with specific medical and forensic terminology. Interview police, first responders, fire personnel, witnesses, funeral directors, medical personnel, and families. Document findings with photographs and descriptive written reports. Recover all biological human remains from death scenes not attached to the body. Draw specimens from bodies (blood, urine, vitreous humor, etc.) and request antemortem specimens from hospitals or medical facilities. Package, label, and secure specimens for transport to the Toxicology Laboratory, maintaining documented chain of custody. Enter specimens and related data into the MCMEO case management system. Lift, turn, and move bodies in possibly odd positions or locations for thorough examination, documenting anomalies with specific terminology. Admit and secure decedents during the investigation while maintaining integrity, identification, and chain of custody. Release decedents to funeral homes or other agencies, ensuring proper licensure and documenting chain of custody. Identify decedents using scientific methods (fingerprints, dental records, radiographs, DNA). Obtain fingerprints and detailed postmortem dental x‑rays for forensic comparison. Conduct in‑person and phone interviews with witnesses, family members, physicians, legal representatives, and health care providers about the decedent’s medical history and death circumstances. Document all information in a professional written format. Communicate with relevant authorities and refer family members in crisis to appropriate agencies. Inform families of preliminary findings and final cause and manner of death. Inventory and safeguard personal property and evidence, facilitating release while maintaining chain of custody. Investigate cremation requests, conduct external examinations, photograph, and fingerprint the decedent. Issue cremation permits after reviewing death certificates, cause and manner of death, medical records, and/or interviews. Testify at inquests or in court regarding investigative findings and reports. Perform all other duties as assigned and attend irregular, unpredictable, or prolonged hours, including overtime, double shifts, and mandatory assignments. Minimum Qualifications Current resident of Wisconsin. Valid Wisconsin driver’s license. American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation certification required within 1 year of hire; must maintain certification and participate in continuing education throughout employment. Bachelor’s degree in medical, forensic science, criminal justice, or closely related field. At least 1 year of experience performing medical, criminal, or civil investigation and investigative report writing. Advanced experience using Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).Ability to lift and carry up to 100lb; push and pull up to 150lb regularly. Criminal background check; felony and some misdemeanor convictions would be a barrier to employment. Preferred Qualifications Advanced knowledge of Forensic Advantage or other Medical Examiner case management systems. Knowledge of National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs), TransUnion TLOxp, Hyland Utility Client – OnBase, Ancestry.com, Consolidated Court Automation Programs. Intermediate knowledge of State Vital Records Information System (SVRIS), Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), ImageTrend, DEXIS – Digital Dental X‑ray Management System. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Criminal or civil investigative procedures, human anatomy and physiology, medical, legal, and forensic terminology. Basic photography methods and use of word processing, interviewing, and report writing. Oral and written communication, ability to handle cadavers, pronounce death, lift and transfer bodies, perform safely in physically demanding environments. Ability to work in environments with unpleasant sights, sounds, and smells, and to communicate with law enforcement, fire, health care, families, funeral directors, news media, and the public. Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others. Application Notes The original application is open to qualified residents of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates must submit a full account of their training and experience via resume or complete application; additional written or performance tests may be required during selection. Applicants must possess minimum qualifications at the time of filing the application. #J-18808-Ljbffr