Associate Medical Examiner-Medical Examiner's Office

Associate Medical Examiner

Conducts death investigations to determine the cause and manner of death. Investigations include the performance of autopsies, external examinations, determining/verifying decedent identity, review of decedent history, interpretation of various tests and histologic slides, provide expert testimony and participate as part of public health committees as primary work duties allow. The Associate Medical Examiner may serve as the acting clinical department head in the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner. This recruitment will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We encourage interested parties to apply ASAP.

Qualifications

Must possess a Washington MD/DO license, is currently or has been certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic pathology. Must be either certified by the American Board of Pathology in forensic pathology or eligible to sit for the boards in forensic pathology and obtain certification within three years of appointment. Must maintain certification by the American Board of Pathology in forensic pathology. Maintain a valid driver license in state of residency.

Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a death investigation center; pathology and forensic pathology procedures; methods, practices, equipment and procedures of handling deceased individuals; report writing principles and techniques.

Ability to: Prepare detailed technical reports; solve complex investigations of death; use strong interpersonal skills, including ability to interact and cooperate with co-workers and to deal effectively with law enforcement personnel, attorneys, court personnel, county commissioners, and the general public.

Examples of Duties

The Associate Medical Examiner reports directly to the Chief Medical Examiner. The Associate Medical Examiner is not responsible for the development or ongoing management of Medical Examiner Office policies and procedures; however, the Associate Medical Examiner may provide input and recommendations for policy and procedure revisions during periods of regularly scheduled review. This position has broad responsibility and considerable latitude for independent judgment and works autonomously in the performance of daily forensic pathology and operational activities. All work is subject to review by the Chief Medical Examiner.

Key or typical tasks and responsibilities:

• Performs duties in compliance with department policies and procedures.
• Performs timely postmortem examinations, retaining samples, specimens, and tissues necessary for analysis, examination, and documentation as prescribed by existing practices of forensic pathology.
• Prepares written autopsy reports using appropriate reporting form and convention.
• Issues preliminary reports in writing, of the cause of death where such determination is not dependent upon further investigation.
• Keeps and maintains appropriate records, reports, and other documentation regarding investigations as well as physical evidence transferred from other investigative agencies.
• Confers with law enforcement officials on cases performed and occasionally on other cases.
• Provides expert testimony as required by the Prosecuting Attorney.
• Visits the scene of death, or discovery of remains to provide professional assistance as appropriate.
• Takes documentary digital images.
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives and assists with establishing schedules and methods for providing forensic pathology services.
• Other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner.

Salary Grade

M2.505

Salary Range

$18,803.00 - $27,263.00 per month

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at

Employee Benefits and Additional Compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF). Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here:

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io; Relay View phone number on click.appcast.io.