Medicolegal Death Investigator I

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Public Health Job Classification Title Medicolegal Death Investigator I (S) Position Number 65034703 Grade MH13 About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Description of Work The Medicolegal Death Investigator I position supports the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) by conducting medicolegal death investigations and assisting with postmortem examinations to determine cause and manner of death. The role involves communicating with law enforcement, hospitals, funeral homes, and families to gather case information and ensure proper evidence handling. Work includes attending death scenes, collecting and documenting evidence, performing radiography and fingerprinting for identification, and submitting biometric samples to appropriate agencies. This position also contributes to training initiatives and may participate in emergency responses, including mass‑fatality events. Key Duties Conduct death scene investigations and collect evidence to support medicolegal determinations. Perform postmortem procedures such as radiographic imaging, fingerprinting, and skeletal analysis to assist with identification. Submit DNA and fingerprint samples to state and federal agencies for processing and comparison. Communicate with law enforcement, medical providers, and other agencies to gather case information and coordinate investigative activities. Receive and document incoming death reports, determine jurisdiction, and enter case data into the medical examiner system. Assist with external examinations through photography, evidence documentation, and collection of toxicology specimens. Support training efforts for interns and professionals in medicolegal death investigation and forensic identification. Manage cold case investigations by researching historical data and applying updated forensic methods. Provide testimony in court regarding investigative findings and evidence handling when required. Participate in mass‑fatality operations, including scene coordination and multi‑agency communication. Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in science (biology, chemistry, nursing, anthropology, forensic sciences, biochemistry, or related sciences field), or criminal justice from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of medicolegal death investigation experience or specialized experience (e.g., unidentified decedent). Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated experience conducting death scene investigations, including evidence collection, detailed documentation, and coordination with law enforcement under established chain‑of‑custody requirements. Proven skill performing postmortem identification tasks such as radiographic imaging, fingerprinting, and skeletal analysis, with consistent application of forensic procedures to support case findings. Intermediate proficiency using electronic case management systems to enter, track, and maintain investigative data in a high‑volume medicolegal environment. Documented experience preparing investigative reports and supporting case determinations through accurate photography, injury documentation, and collection of toxicology and biometric specimens. Demonstrated skill delivering training or guidance in medicolegal investigation topics, including jurisdictional principles, identification techniques, and scene documentation practices. Physical Requirements The duties of this position require periods of sitting, viewing computer monitors, reading, and interpreting hand‑written reports, and repetitive hand and wrist motion entering data. This position responds to active death scenes, must have the ability to withstand and work in all types of weather conditions for a long period of time. Ability to climb, kneel, crawl, reach, walk, stand, push, pull and lift medium to heavy weight. Campus Amenities and Benefits 220,000 square feet state‑of‑the‑art facility Plentiful free parking Easy access to highways (70, 40 and 440), NC Museum of Art, Umstead State Park, healthcare providers, and shopping centers Proximity to globally and nationally ranked universities (NC State, UNC‑Chapel Hill, Duke) Fitness area with exercise equipment, classes, and wellness activities Weekly food trucks Car cleaning and detailing services on‑site bimonthly Annual flu shot clinic for employees and families Monthly and quarterly career development classes, including opportunities for traveling Library of academic journals and materials on‑site Employee engagement and staff development activities NC OCME employee recognition programs State health plan and State of NC employee benefits Compensation and Benefits Salary Grade Range: $55,490.00 – $83,235.00. Recruitment Range: $55,490.00. The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high‑quality, low‑cost benefits on a pre‑tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits. Veterans and National Guard Preference Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD‑214 Member‑4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr North Carolina Judicial Branch