Medicolegal Death Investigator PTNB

Medicolegal Death Investigator PTNB

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Medicolegal Death Investigator PTNB

Salary

$29.85 - $40.12 Hourly

Location

Lincoln County, OR

Job Type

Part-Time No Benefits

Job Number

26-28 (727)

Department

Health and Human Services

Division

ADMINISTRATION

Opening Date

08/17/2026

• Description

• Benefits

Position Summary

Lincoln County is seeking a part-time Medicolegal Death Investigator. This position conducts objective and thorough death investigations—a critical function in determining the cause and manner of death for cases under the jurisdiction of the Lincoln County Medical Examiner. Medicolegal Death Investigators work closely with the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator, County Medical Examiner(s), the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, and local law enforcement. Duties include investigating death scenes, examining decedents and evidence, and preparing detailed reports.

$29.85 - $40.12 per hour* **

*Lincoln County follows Oregon Pay Equity laws in reviewing education and experience for wage offer.

**This is a part-time, non-benefitted position. On call hours are a regular part of this position's schedule.

Lincoln City, Oregon

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education Level

Associate’s degree

Preferred fields: Biology, health sciences, nursing, or criminal justice.

Minimum Experience Level:

One year or more of experience in medicolegal death investigation, nursing, law enforcement, paramedicine, investigatory procedures, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Substitution Note: Combination of education (high school/GED) and 2 years of experience conducting death investigations may be used in lieu of minimum education requirement.

Required Certifications:

Oregon Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator (OCMDI) certification (must obtain within one year of hire)

Valid Oregon Driver’s License (must obtain within 30 days of hire) with an acceptable driving record.

Desirable Qualifications:

Strong technical writing skills, including the ability to understand and apply complex medical and legal terminology

Critical thinking, analytical ability, and strong attention to detail

Effective communication with law enforcement, grieving families, and medical professionals

Bilingual and/or bicultural competencies (Spanish/Latino community preferred)

Knowledge of:

• Human anatomy

• Medical terminology

• Advanced coursework in biology, physiology, or chemistry

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong writing skills and the ability to produce detailed, accurate reports

• Ability to draw biological specimens for investigative purposes

• Ability to accurately describe remains both verbally and in writing

• Ability to examine decedents, including mutilated, decomposed, or partial remains

• Effective communication with county and state medical examiners and ability to relay concerns from families, law enforcement, or medical providers

• Ability to explain policies, medical information, and state statutes in emotionally charged situations

• Ability to testify in grand jury proceedings, inquests, and court hearings

• Ability to represent or act on behalf of the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator when needed

• Proficient use of computers and technology (word processing, email, spreadsheets, case management systems)

• Ability to maintain positive and professional relationships with coworkers and community partners

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines, adhere to procedures, and manage time effectively

Yaquina Bay Bridge

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities

Death Investigation Job Functions:

• Conduct and complete investigations of all manner of deaths that fall under Oregon Revised Statures (ORS) 146.090

• Receive and respond to phone calls from law enforcement, hospitals, and care facilities about deaths occurring under those jurisdictions

• Obtain medical and social history; interview family members, law enforcement, and healthcare providers; review medical records

• Respond to death scenes to document the scene, take photographs of the deceased, the scene of the death and/or injury location, and any evidence that is believed to be involved with the death (e.g., weapons, instruments, vehicles, or premises). Assist with preserving any evidence that may be related to the cause and manner of death

• Conduct forensic examinations and confirm identification of decedents

• Obtain blood or other biological samples for toxicology

• Prepare and mail toxicology specimens to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office

• Transport decedents to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office when required

• Take custody of the body and personal effects; coordinate with law enforcement and funeral homes

• Complete state-mandated reports in the MDI Log, including demographic and death certificate information

• Complete special projects assigned by supervisory staff

• Participate in ongoing training and continuing education related to death investigations

Criminal Case Functions:

• Prepare documentation and provide expert witness testimony in criminal and civil proceedings

• Consult on criminal cases and provide examinations and testimony as needed

Other Functions:

• Represent the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator when assigned

• Follow all safety protocols and procedures

• Perform related duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Medicolegal Death Investigator is an on-call 24/7 position, including weekends and holidays. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Duties may require strenuous physical activity, extensive driving, and significant computer use. The position involves exposure to biological hazards, unpleasant or traumatic scenes, and interactions with grieving or distressed individuals.

Based in Newport, OR with required response capability throughout Lincoln County.

Frequent local travel for investigations and meetings; occasional travel outside the area for training or conferences. Transporting decedents to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office when required.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Lincoln County is committed to providing accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description reflects the general scope and essential functions of the position and does not list every task that may be required.

Lincoln County, OR | Official Website (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/)

Health & Human Services | Lincoln County, OR

Medical Examiner’s Office - Lincoln County Health and Human Services | Lincoln County, OR (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/1281/Medical-Examiners-Office---Lincoln-Count)

For more information or to obtain the full job description, please reach out to [email protected]

Apply now by clicking the link above!

On-call, temporary, and certain grant-funded positions are not eligible for employee benefits unless specified otherwise at the time of hire. Part-time positions working 0 - 19 hours per week are also not eligible for employee benefits.

Employer

Lincoln County

Address

210 SW Second St. Newport, Oregon, 97365

Phone

541-265-4157 541-265-0375

Website

http://www.co.lincoln.or.us