MEDICOLEGAL DEATH INVESTIGATOR (Part-time and Full-time)

OVERVIEW

The Kitsap County Medical Examiner's Office is seeking a dedicated Death Investigator to join our essential team of professionals who provide answers to families, support law enforcement investigations, and contribute to public health and safety.

Why This Role is Unique

As a Death Investigator, you'll be at the intersection of science, law enforcement, and compassionate service. This isn't just a job-it's a calling that combines investigative expertise with empathetic support to the community. Every day, you'll:

• Conduct comprehensive death scene investigations that provide critical answers to families and the legal system
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies on cases requiring meticulous attention to detail and investigative precision
• Interview witnesses and families with sensitivity and professionalism during their most difficult moments
• Collect and preserve vital evidence including physical, biological, and photographic documentation that may be crucial to legal proceedings
• Determine cause and manner of death through methodical analysis of scene evidence and circumstances
• Assist at autopsies and work alongside forensic pathologists to gather comprehensive findings
• Identify and notify next-of-kin with compassion and dignity during tragic circumstances
• Maintain chain of custody for evidence that could impact criminal investigations and civil cases

This role offers unparalleled hands-on experience in death investigation, direct collaboration with medical and legal professionals, and the satisfaction of knowing your work provides closure to families and justice to communities.

What You Bring to Our Team

• Minimum Qualifications: Two years of paid or volunteer experience in law enforcement (Commissioned Officer), firefighter/EMS, military investigation, or medical field (EMT/Nursing LPN or RN).
• Education Substitution: Related education demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for up to one year of experience.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Completion of courses in biology, physiology, forensic studies, and anatomy from an accredited institution
  • Six months of experience conducting death investigations for Coroners, Medical Examiners, or Law Enforcement
  • National Death Investigators Certification through American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigation (ABMDI)
• Certification Requirements: Must obtain Washington State First Aid/CPR certification within six months of employment and National Death Investigators Certification through ABMDI within three years

Essential Requirements

• Must meet Kitsap County driving requirements (Category 1 Driver for County vehicles) and have a valid Washington State Driver's License required before hire and maintain satisfactory driving record per County policy
• Current driving record review required prior to employment, background check, medical/physical and psychological evaluation prior to hire
• Official transcripts required if education is used to meet minimum qualifications

Availability & Commitment:

• 24-hour availability for emergency response
• Willingness to work non-standard hours, including long shifts, rotating schedules, holidays, and weekends
• Physical ability to work in various conditions including inclement weather, accident scenes, and exposure to infectious diseases
• Dedication to maintaining composure in difficult situations while showing empathy to grieving families

Why Choose the Kitsap County Medical Examiner's Office?

• Professional Growth: Work directly with experienced professionals and expand your expertise in death investigation
• Meaningful Work: Every case you handle makes a difference to families seeking answers and communities seeking justice
• Stable Employment: Join a well-established office with comprehensive benefits and job security
• Diverse Experience: No two days are alike-experience a wide variety of cases and learn continuously
• Team Environment: Work with dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence, compassion, and service to the community

For the complete job description: HRTMS Job Description Management

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OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Covered under a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME 1308. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• Work hours may vary; but will include weekends, evenings and holidays. Flexible hours are available, as approved by management.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.
• This recruitment is being used to fill an existing open position, part-time and full-time positions, and may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
MetLife Long Term Disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year, 1 additional floating holiday after 10 years of service.

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 2 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated***

Additional compensation that you may be eligible for:
Shift differential
Overtime
Stand by pay
Call-back pay

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership
This position is covered under AFSCME Local 1308 Courthouse Employees collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

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• KITSAP COUNTY

• 360.337.7185

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