Medicolegal Death Investigator, Lead

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is an on-site position and does not have remote work options. This is a rare opportunity to work as the Lead Medicolegal Death Investigator (Lead MDI) in the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office (PCMEO). The Lead MDI classification is distinguished from the MDI by exercising a greater degree of independent action and judgment and the requirement to perform “lead” functions, as outlined below. The MDI team works a schedule that provides 24/7 coverage of Pierce County, which has a population of nearly 1,000,000 and encompasses a diverse array of environments, including urban, rural, remote, mountainous, and marine. You will make important and skilled observations while performing thorough, consistent, impartial, and independent medicolegal death investigations which are critical for the office in carrying out its public service mission to the residents of Pierce County. 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. You will assist this close-knit staff that performs a critical role for Pierce County. 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. A facility renovation project is underway and designed with an eye toward future growth. Your office is fully equipped with modern technology and furnishings. Parking is secure, free, and on-site.

Requirements

Two or more years of college in a medical/legal discipline or related field
Three or more years of experience in death investigation
Registry Certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) is required within two years of employment.
Must maintain certification while employed in the classification
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Washington State Driver's License
Background check authorization and completion

Nice To Haves

Leadership experience in a team setting is highly desirable
Experience with scheduling is highly desirable
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

Responsibilities

Assign work to a specific work unit and ensure tasks are completed correctly and timely.
Approve leave requests and create work schedules.
Train investigators.
As appropriate, 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.
Transport human remains and associated physical evidence.
Write complete and comprehensive statements/reports of investigation and other reports to support establishment of cause and manner of death.