Medicolegal Death Investigator - Temporary

This temporary position is not eligible for County benefits. This is an on‑site position and does not have remote work options. This position will be up to 40 hours per week for up to 5 months of employment. Why It's a Great Opportunity This is a rare opportunity to work as a Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI) temporary (Extra‑Hire) in the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office (PCMEO). You may be responsible for receiving reports of death, determining statutory jurisdiction, and performing scene investigations. You will be assisting MDI staff with phone calls, follow‑up, taking reports of death, and gathering information to conduct thorough, consistent, and impartial medicolegal death investigations. Why It's a Great Department We serve the living through professional death investigations and forensic postmortem examinations, up to and including autopsy. We work together both within and across teams to provide forensic pathology and death investigation services that are timely, accurate, thorough, and independent from outside influences. PCMEO is a stand‑alone, secure forensic autopsy facility accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME). The office currently has a Lodox™ full‑body radiography machine and is undergoing a facility improvement to incorporate advanced imaging computed tomography (CT) into the daily workflow. PCMEO is a modern, moderate‑volume, well‑equipped four‑autopsy station facility with four full‑time forensic pathologists, including the Chief Medical Examiner. The office is at the forefront of applying advanced imaging technology and electronic case management systems to streamline workflows and optimize efficiency. How to be Successful in the Role We are looking for individuals with forensic science knowledge and experience in medicolegal death investigations who are motivated, detail‑oriented, and bring a positive approach. Successful candidates will uphold professionalism, discretion, and respect for our mission. You should be able to prioritize tasks, collaborate effectively, manage stress, and demonstrate compassion within a death investigation setting. Strong communication skills are vital for interacting with law enforcement, medical professionals, families, and others. Your Future in this Role You will be trained by and will be helping a team of skilled and knowledgeable medicolegal death investigators. You will be given a great deal of responsibility for managing the caseload and making independent decisions. Core Daily Responsibilities Answer telephones to receive reports of deaths. Perform case follow‑up and search for next‑of‑kin. Analyze information to make preliminary determinations concerning medical examiner jurisdiction in accordance with RCW 68.50.010. If assigned, examine death scenes and decedents and confer with appropriate parties, which include witnesses, family, friends, co‑workers, law enforcement officials, and medical/health care personnel to gather information about deaths and ascertain circumstances, medical history, and probable cause of death. If assigned, take photographs, prepare diagrams, and describe death scenes. If assigned, transport human remains and associated physical evidence. Write complete and comprehensive statements/reports of investigation and other reports to support the establishment of cause and manner of death. Qualifications Experience and education may substitute for the recruiting requirements. Education and/or training equivalent to two years of college, community college, university, law enforcement, or military in the fields of nursing, natural science, forensic science, paramedical, or criminal justice. Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license is required. Preferred Qualifications Experience in death investigation. A four‑year degree in a natural sciences discipline or a death investigation or health sciences‑related field (e.g., nursing, forensic science, or criminal justice) is highly desirable. Special Requirements Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and follow State driving laws. An employee in this position is subject to 24‑hour availability and must be willing to work non‑standard hours, as required. As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case‑by‑case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration. At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home? #J-18808-Ljbffr Piercecountywa