Medicolegal Death Investigator Supervisor

State of North Carolina•Wake County, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medicolegal Death Investigator Supervisor oversees the Medicolegal Death Investigations Unit within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). This position manages daily operations, personnel, and program development to ensure 24/7 statewide coverage for medicolegal death investigations. Responsibilities include directing investigative activities, implementing policies and procedures, and coordinating with law enforcement, public health, and other agencies. The role also supports training initiatives and ensures compliance with statutory and forensic standards. Work is performed as part of the OCME management team to maintain operational efficiency and investigative integrity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science (biology, chemistry, nursing, anthropology, forensic sciences, biochemistry, or related sciences field), or criminal justice from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of medicolegal death investigation experience or specialized (e.g., unidentified decedent, etc.) experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Expert proficiency conducting death scene investigations using structured evidence‑collection techniques, including documenting findings, securing physical evidence, and supporting legally defensible case records.
Advanced skill in managing medicolegal case information by gathering agency reports, evaluating facts, and determining jurisdictional authority and case disposition through established investigative workflows.
Intermediate proficiency interpreting medical and forensic terminology, applying evidentiary rules, and maintaining uninterrupted chain‑of‑custody processes during case handling.
Demonstrated experience performing decedent identification, assisting with postmortem examinations, and coordinating body transportation logistics during routine and emergency response situations.
Strong capability conducting investigative interviews and preparing clear, defendable communication for law enforcement partners, external agencies, and courtroom testimony when required.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage daily operations of the Medicolegal Death Investigations Unit to ensure continuous statewide coverage.
Supervise and evaluate staff performance, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and disciplinary actions.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols for medicolegal death investigations.
Coordinate and plan staff schedules to maintain 24/7 operational readiness, including holidays and weekends.
Direct and monitor investigative activities, including jurisdiction determination, scene documentation, and evidence handling.
Manage program budgets, inventory, and procurement of supplies and equipment for the unit.
Facilitate communication and collaboration with law enforcement, attorneys, funeral homes, and other external partners.
Oversee the unclaimed remains process, including approval of cremations and compliance with state regulations.
Design and deliver training programs for staff and external stakeholders on medicolegal death investigation practices.
Assist with postmortem examinations and identification procedures, including photography, radiography, and evidence collection.