Field Investigator (Paid on-call) - Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County, MN

Anoka County•Kansas City, MO

12d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Field Investigator, you assist forensic pathologists by performing death scene investigations utilizing IAW Minnesota Stat.§ 390, U.S. Department of Justice Guidelines, and Medical Examiner policies/procedures. The Field Investigator presumptively identifies decedents, compassionately notifies the next of kin, and collects and documents death scene evidence so that the forensic pathologist can accurately determine the manner and cause of death. The Field Investigator performs work under general supervision. The Field Investigator possesses a solid working knowledge of subject matter, handles moderately complex issues and problems associated with the human resources function and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff. This is a part-time, temporary, on-call position and is located within Roseau County or Lake of the Woods, County, Minnesota.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of job-related experience. In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Valid driver’s license and vehicle available for business use.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Physical or Social Sciences or Criminal Justice or related field.
Demonstrated ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality.
Demonstrated skill and ability to investigate, collect, interpret and report information regarding: death scenes (interviews, photographic documentation, specimen procurement devices); medical history (diagnoses, diagnostics, intervention, therapeutic accidents, prognoses, medical reference materials).
Demonstrated skill and ability to effectively communicate and respond to; grieving/highly distraught individuals, medical community, law enforcement, public safety agencies, funeral homes, community.
Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple activities while maintaining a high degree of precision.
Knowledge of pharmacological and medical terminology and disease processes helpful.

Responsibilities

Respond to death scenes in a timely manner, often on an on-call basis for a specific area especially for unexpected deaths.
Perform detailed inspection and appropriate photographs of the body and surrounding area.
Make presumptive identification and take steps to facilitate positive identification.
Obtain demographics, and medical and social history by performing interviews of neighbors/friends, family, nursing staff, or primary physician including interview family and providing support in times of grief.
Make preliminary determination of cause and manner of death at scene, determine if forensic autopsy is warranted, and assumption or declination of jurisdiction and confer with pathologist as needed.
Assess body position, weapon position, wound types, physical postmortem changes and other pertinent factors; evaluate for consistency with scene and decedent’s reported history.
Ensure decedent’s private property is secure prior to vacating death scene.
Photograph and accurately document scene and circumstances.
Provide concise and thorough written reports documenting investigation and findings, including photos and sketches as needed.
Collect, inventory and package property/evidence to be removed from the scene, maintaining strict chain of custody.
Coordinate and interact with all appropriate law enforcement and other investigative agencies on scene in a professional and courteous manner.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group as assigned.