Deputy Medical Examiner Part-Time On-Call

Douglas County•Douglas County Superior, WI

About The Position

The Deputy Medical Examiner conducts and reports on medical investigations of known or suspected violent, accidental, unusual, or medically unattended deaths. The position performs duties under the cited Wisconsin statutes and administrative code. When on call, the Deputy Medical Examiner must be available 24 hours per day unless a qualified replacement is available. Fieldwork wages are based on actual hours worked. Listed pay amounts are $25 for weekend on-call pay, $125 for death investigations, $125 for jurisdiction reports, $50 for permission to cremate, $75 for body removal, and $150 for transport to autopsy. The posting remains open until adequate applicants are received. The role involves significant interaction with funeral directors, hospitals, nursing homes, law enforcement, pathologists, families of deceased individuals, and the general public. Work may occur under unsafe or uncomfortable conditions, including temperature or noise extremes, traffic hazards, toxic agents or chemicals, and disease exposure. The position requires both sedentary and non-sedentary work, including walking on variable surfaces, climbing stairs, standing and sitting for variable periods, twisting, squatting, and lifting or carrying specified weights. After-hours and weekend availability is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance are required.
Two years of medical investigative experience, or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Must be available 24 hours per day when on call unless a qualified replacement is available.
Must be available for after-hours and weekend work.
Must have visual and auditory acuity to accurately and safely perform job functions.
Ability to perform sedentary and non-sedentary work, including walking variable distances over variable surfaces, climbing stairs, standing and sitting for variable times, twisting, squatting, carrying up to 50 pounds, and occasionally safely lifting 50–100 pounds.
Demonstrated knowledge and compliance with statutes governing the Deputy Medical Examiner role and applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA policies and procedures.
Ability to apply pathological medicine principles, practices, and procedures to assess causes of death and conduct death investigations.
Ability to use death-scene investigative methods to assess circumstances, gather evidence, analyze data, and draw conclusions.
Ability to prepare accurate, detailed reports and maintain records in compliance with regulations and professional standards.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and handle sensitive interpersonal situations with professionalism, tact, and empathy.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, the public, and law enforcement agencies.
Clear, concise, and effective written and oral communication skills.
Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties; the selection process may include a structured interview, references, and/or a background investigation.

Nice To Haves

An associate’s degree in nursing, medical technology, chemistry, biology, medicine, pre-med, paramedic, EMT, forensic science, criminal justice, or a closely related field is preferred.
One year of supervisory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond to death calls and document death scenes.
Examine deceased individuals and the circumstances of death.
Conduct thorough and independent death scene investigations.
Take photographs and collect toxicology samples and other forensic evidence from the body as needed.
Collect and preserve physical evidence in accordance with chain-of-custody procedures.
Perform physical examinations and tests incidental to criminal matters when requested by the Courts or District Attorney.
Assist with removals and transport bodies from scenes to appropriate facilities as necessary.
Arrange pathological or mediological examinations and other tests, including autopsies, as circumstances warrant; accompany bodies to and observe autopsies when appropriate.
Assist in identifying the decedent.
Notify next of kin personally or in conjunction with law enforcement or judicial agencies.
Prepare and provide cremation authorizations, permission to embalm, disinterment permits, and death certificates as required.
Prepare and submit reports, documentation, and correspondence.
Provide court testimony as needed.
Maintain complete files on case reports for the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Maintain current knowledge of appropriate methods and procedures related to Deputy Medical Examiner duties.
Perform other duties as required.