Deputy Medical Examiner

Kenosha County • Kenosha, WI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Kenosha County is hiring a full-time Deputy Medical Examiner to investigate the medically relevant circumstances of deaths reported to the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office and prepare comprehensive written reports of investigative findings. The role supports the office’s mission to conduct efficient, thorough, and professional death investigations while treating surviving loved ones with sensitivity and compassion. The position reports to the Medical Examiner and the Chief Deputy Medical Examiner.

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Overtime and on-call hours may be assigned based on operational needs. During on-call periods, the employee must be available by telephone and able to respond on site within 60 minutes of notification. The 2026 hiring range is $27.54–$31.29 per hour; the pay grade range is $27.54–$35.05 per hour.

The position requires an associate degree in criminal justice, nursing, or a closely related field, and at least three years of qualifying experience in law enforcement, as a first responder, or as a licensed or certified nurse or medical care provider, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Employees who do not meet ABMDI application requirements at hire must obtain ABMDI certification within three to five years of service and maintain certification throughout employment.

The work includes frequent outdoor response and exposure to weather, as well as contact with people who may be rude or irate, communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and infectious waste. Occasional exposures include individuals with violent backgrounds, street and clinical healthcare environments, funeral homes, morgue or embalming rooms, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic substances. The role involves significant physical effort, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently.

Requirements

• Associate degree in criminal justice, nursing, or a closely related field from a two-year college, university, or technical school.
• At least three years of experience in law enforcement, as a first responder (such as a firefighter or EMT), or as a licensed or certified nurse or medical care provider; an equivalent combination of education and experience may qualify.
• Must obtain ABMDI certification within three to five years of service if the applicant does not meet ABMDI application requirements at hire, and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Valid driver’s license with no suspension or revocation in any state, a safe driving record, and ability to be insured.
• Reliable transportation and internet access to respond to the Medical Examiner’s Office to retrieve the response vehicle when required.
• Must surrender any active Law Enforcement Certification, if applicable, to maintain eligibility.
• Knowledge of Kenosha County geography, public administration principles and practices, and applicable laws, codes, and regulations related to public health and medical examiner operations.
• Strong interpersonal communication, organization, and investigative skills, including the ability to use multiple resources to locate next of kin and conduct respectful, lawful searches of a decedent’s residence for relevant information.
• Ability to apply medical examiner principles, procedures, and techniques; communicate professionally verbally and in writing; maintain strict confidentiality; and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to use available resources and technology, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; work independently; manage time; adapt to varying situations; and contribute to a respectful, diverse, and inclusive work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Respond to reported death scenes and conduct thorough, skilled investigations.
• Determine whether a death falls under the Medical Examiner’s jurisdiction under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 979.
• Remain available by telephone during designated on-call hours and respond on site within 60 minutes of notification when on call.
• Prepare human remains for safe and respectful transport from the scene.
• Communicate with emergency personnel, law enforcement, funeral directors, funeral home personnel, loved ones, witnesses, and other involved individuals to obtain and convey information about death circumstances.
• Obtain the decedent’s medical and social history from physicians, medical records, emergency personnel, relatives, witnesses, police, and other involved individuals.
• Ensure next of kin are notified of the death in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Prepare clear, accurate, objective, and timely investigation reports in the designated web-based records management system.
• Maintain the electronic death investigation record by entering case and scene information and uploading documents, postmortem examination results, digital photographs, and other relevant materials into the Medical Examiner database.
• Perform and document post-mortem examinations under the direction of the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Deputy Medical Examiner.
• Coordinate forensic autopsies by arranging contracted providers, decedent transport, and tissue donation when appropriate.
• Maintain a professional appearance and communicate clearly in verbal and written form.
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through continuing education, training programs, and relevant coursework.
• Comply with policies and procedures established by the Office of the Medical Examiner and Kenosha County.
• Maintain ongoing communication with Medical Examiner staff to support continuity and accuracy of case information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Deputy Medical Examiner.

Benefits

• Health insurance, effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment, with opportunities to reduce premium contributions through participation in the County’s wellness program.
• Dental insurance, effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Vision insurance, effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off, including Volunteer Time Off.
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, including County-paid life insurance; employee contribution is required.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree