Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator
About The Position
Washington County Health and Human Services Department is currently hiring for a Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator position at Medical Examiner’s Office within Public Health Division. The Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator plans, organizes, supervises, and coordinates the work of Medicolegal Death Investigators and assigned program and administrative staff. This position also conducts and supervises death investigations occurring under violent, questionable, or unexplained circumstances (as described in ORS Chapter 146); prepares detailed reports related to the deceased person; and coordinates death-related activities with appropriate medical and law enforcement personnel. The Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator serves as the lead ABMDI‑certified investigator for the Medical Examiner’s Office, providing expert-level casework, team leadership, and program oversight. This role requires exceptional investigative skills, professionalism, and consistent, positive engagement with staff, partner agencies, and the community.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's Degree closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical; AND three (3) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff
- An Associate Degree closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical; AND five (5) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff
- HS Diploma or equivalent; AND seven (7) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff.
- A Certification closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical from an accredited college/university may substitute one (1) year of experience.
- Must be registered as a Diplomate level by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) at the time of appointment and maintain certification.
- Must be able to perform moderately strenuous physical activity and withstand exposure to unpleasant elements at death scenes.
- Must be able to safely lift 100 pounds from the floor to the waist level.
- Must pass the respiratory mask fit test.
- Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.
- Must successfully complete a criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules, to include a national fingerprint records check.
- Must be willing to work unscheduled 16-hour shifts.
- Requires on-call availability beyond assigned shifts.
- Must successfully complete basic incident management courses and participate in emergency response trainings as requested.
- Must adhere to Federal and State OSHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.
Nice To Haves
- 5 years of experience as an American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certified Chief MDI is highly desired.
Responsibilities
- Perform full-duty medicolegal death investigations and set the standard for investigative excellence.
- Lead with enthusiasm, professionalism, and consistency to build trust and confidence within the team.
- Establish clear expectations, communicate effectively, and assign tasks based on staff strengths.
- Maintain accountability for team performance, program operations, and the quality of all case investigations.
- Provide training, mentoring, and skills development for new and current investigators to ensure advanced competency.
- Complete performance reviews on time and uphold all Medical Examiner’s Office and county policies.
- Manage employee disciplinary discussions in accordance with county procedures.
- Be available for consultation during assigned work hours and assist with MEO phone coverage.
- Respond to inquiries timely and be engaged to all inquiries and meetings during scheduled shifts.
- Conduct monthly in-person meetings with direct reports, including agendas and documented notes.
- Review all investigations for completeness and accuracy and deliver constructive feedback.
- Ensure staff remain engaged and productive throughout each shift.
- Represent the Medical Examiner’s Office at regional and national meetings, task forces, and department workgroups.
- Maintain clear, timely communication with the supervisor and staff regarding all significant issues and important updates.
- Maintain strong visibility and collaborative relationships with partner agencies, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch centers.
- Promote recognition of the MDI team within the department and support positive, solutions‑focused change.
Benefits
- award-winning benefits and wellness program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
