Senior ME Investigator - Overnights

Mecklenburg County • Charlotte, NC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior ME Investigator performs work in the Medical Examiner’s Office and at death scenes, collecting and providing information for medico-legal death investigations. Under minimal supervision, the investigator also arranges transportation to and release of decedents from the Medical Examiner’s Office. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office provides county morgue and medical examiner/forensic pathology services, works with law enforcement agencies on death investigations, and provides consultation and forensic pathology services to Cleveland County.

This is an onsite position at the Medical Examiner’s Office, 3440 Reno Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina. The overnight schedule is 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM, consisting of 10-hour shifts for four days per week, with a three-week rotation cycle.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in forensic investigations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Criminal Justice/Police Science, Forensic Science, or a related field; a combination of relevant education and experience is accepted.
• Current ABMDI certification is required for appointment and must be maintained while employed.
• Current appointment as a Medical Examiner for Mecklenburg County by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, or obtain appointment within one year of hire or transfer to the GS-11 role, subject to state appointment availability.
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license.
• County driving privileges and annual Motor Vehicle Record check.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements for vital statistics recordation, laboratory operations, public records laws, and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of death scene investigation procedures and laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures governing the receipt, storage, and release of bodies.
• Knowledge of microscopy, toxicology, ballistics, and investigative techniques related to forensic medicine, and rules of evidence for preserving post-mortem examination specimens.
• Skills in basic death scene investigation, use of applicable forensic tools, safety and exposure procedures, morgue and laboratory procedures, and death case documentation.
• Ability to communicate clearly, assimilate and apply job-related information, make decisions, maintain performance under stress, and address the needs of clients and their families.
• Intermediate computer skills in various applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Current appointment as a Medical Examiner for Mecklenburg County by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
• Prior experience performing external, non-invasive examinations of decedents.
• Knowledge of North Carolina state systems, including MEIS and Forensic Advantage (FA).

Responsibilities

• Investigate deaths involving criminal violence, suicide, mechanical, environmental or industrial accidents, poisoning, deaths in correctional facilities, sudden deaths unattended by a physician, and deaths occurring in an unnatural or suspicious manner.
• Prepare written reports documenting investigative steps; obtain medical records or hospital specimens related to investigations; and conduct follow-up investigations for Forensic Pathologists or Medical Examiners as requested.
• Interview witnesses, respond to death scenes, prepare detailed scene descriptions, examine and take possession of decedents, obtain or coordinate positive identification through approved means, and supervise decedent transportation to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Provide information to family members and other authorized individuals about cause and manner of death, offering counseling, support, understanding, and education as warranted; provide court testimony when required.
• Conduct external examinations of decedents under Medical Examiner jurisdiction; document case details, identification, and injuries; draw toxicology samples; complete required reports; and complete a Death Certificate for each assigned case.
• Arrange transportation to and release of decedents from the Medical Examiner’s Office.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior