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Medicolegal Death Investigator I

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Medicolegal Death Investigator I

Salary

$68,082.87 - $98,720.17 Annually

Location

330 N. 19th Ave • Brighton, CO

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

07313

Department

County Coroner

Division

County Coroner Div

Opening Date

01/06/2026

Closing Date

1/27/2026 4:30 PM Mountain

Our Mission

To responsibly serve the Adams County community with integrity and innovation.

EEO

Adams County is an equal opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Position classification

Onsite -- Job duties and expectations require employee to be regularly scheduled onsite.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

What Success Looks Like In This Job

The Medicolegal Death Investigator /Deputy Coroner is primarily responsible for the investigation of unexpected, unnatural, and/or unexplained deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Office. The Office of the Coroner is governed by state law and is responsible for investigating unexpected, unexplained, and/or unnatural deaths that occur within, or are related to incidents occurring within, Adams and Broomfield Counties. The Office serves a total of ten municipalities and one town, and covers a geographic area of approximately 1,200 square miles. The Office receives approximately 5,000 reported deaths per year. Each death investigator handles approximately 500 reported deaths per year and responds to approximately 300 death scenes per year. The Office's primary responsibilities are to conduct death investigations with the purpose of ascertaining the cause and manner of death of individuals that die under the jurisdiction of the office; establish the identity of the deceased; and notify the decedent's legal next-of-kin that his/her death has occurred. Work is characterized by independent planning and decision making, logical reasoning, and problem solving. Investigator must possess good communication and time management skills, take initiative, exercise good judgment, pay strict attention to detail, be able to multi-task, follow directives, and adhere to policies, procedures, and standards of practice. Investigator must be able to work efficiently independently and collectively, delegate appropriately, work with frequent interruptions, and effectively handle emergency/crisis situations. Work involves a variety of sensitive and confidential material. The ideal candidate is organized, self-motivated, adaptable, detail oriented, mature, dedicated, and able to work under heightened emotional situations and unpleasant conditions. The Investigator is a representative of the Office of the Coroner and is involved in a myriad of interpersonal contacts. Such contacts require a high degree of interpersonal communication skills, professionalism, tact, and etiquette. Environmental Demands: The investigator spends approximately 70% of the time in an office environment and approximately 30% of the time in a field environment with associated conditions and hazards. The job involves exposure to and direct interaction with malodors, decomposed bodies, contagious diseases, vermin, and other hazards, as well as traumatic deaths, such as child and elder abuse/neglect cases, mass fatalities, violent homicides, motor vehicle fatalities, and mutilated and severed remains.

The Coroner’s Office employees are ineligible for flexible work schedules and remote/hybrid work options due to the nature of our work.

Examples of Duties for Success

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The omission of specific duties does not necessarily exclude them from the position requirements. The Chief Coroner reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Working under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief Coroner and Medicolegal Death Investigator Supervisor, the Medicolegal Death Investigator:

+ Gathers, reviews, and/or interprets a variety of written documents, independently or at the direction of executive staff. Documents include, but are not limited to: scene reports, medical/ psychological records, legal documents, police/EMS records, toxicology records, and autopsy reports.

+ Writes comprehensive case reports.

+ Establishes jurisdiction of death cases and responds to death scenes. May pronounce the death, and take custody of the deceased.

+ Conducts thorough death scene investigations, including photographing the death scene and the decedent, and conducting interviews.

+ Determines investigative technique, scope, timing, and direction of investigations.

+ Coordinates with law enforcement agencies in the preservation and collection of evidence, maintenance of chain-of-custody, and processing of the death scene.

+ Identifies the deceased and locates the decedent's primary next-of-kin. Notifies the next-of-kin of the death and interviews the next-of-kin.

+ Acts as a liaison to the bereaved: obtains and relays case information and applicable resources.

+ Interacts with a myriad of agencies and representatives to conduct investigation follow-up.

+ Collects, inventories, and secures the decedent's medications and property.

+ Performs radiographs and external examinations on the deceased.

+ Conducts, obtains, or assists with the intake, collection, maintenance, and/or disposition of: bio-hazardous materials/waste, fingerprints, property, evidence, toxicology, histology, medications, specimens, and the deceased.

+ Maintains and inventories investigative equipment and supplies.

+ Cleans and maintains office, morgue, vehicles, and equipment.

+ Operates and maintains scene, morgue, and autopsy equipment.

+ Operates a variety of office equipment.

+ Answers telephone calls.

+ Assists with autopsies and associated cleaning duties as assigned.

+ May perform additional administrative tasks and case reviews as assigned.

+ May be called upon to testify in court proceedings.

+ May greet public and perform clerical tasks.

+ May instruct and direct interns and volunteers.

+ May represent agency or present at public outreach events and public education functions.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications for Success

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

+ Must be able and willing to work a changing and rotating schedule: days, evenings, graveyard shifts, weekends, and holidays; additionally: on-call, emergent response, upon short notice, and extra shifts as needed.

+ Must be able and willing to work during inclement weather and under stressful circumstances.

+ Must be able and willing to work with the deceased and with the conditions listed in Environmental Demands and Physical Demands.

+ Must be willing to attend training/continuing education, which may include in and out-of-state travel, as assigned.

+ Must be able to type at least 40 words per minute and write in a clear, concise, organized, and professional manner for the intended audience.

+ Must properly use the English language: spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

+ Must have developing knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology.

+ Must have developing knowledge of investigative best practices and techniques.

+ Must have developing knowledge of proper handling and processing of evidentiary material.

+ Must have developing knowledge of state and local laws regarding deaths and human remains.

+ Skill in working with human remains.

+ Skill in digital photography and photography equipment.

+ Skill in interacting with distraught and sometimes hostile bereaved individuals.

+ Skill in typing and operating office equipment.

+ Skill in preparing comprehensive reports.

+ Ability to assist with autopsy procedures.

+ Ability to work independently and collectively.

+ Ability to execute and follow policies, procedures, standards of practice, and oral/written directives.

+ Ability to anticipate and initiate collection of needed follow-up information and case progress.

+ Ability to exercise good judgment, react appropriately in emergency or stressful situations, exercise persuasive and tactful authority.

+ Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, other agencies, and the general public.

More Qualifications for Success

Education and Experience:

A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND at least two years of full-time (1,500+ hours per year), relevant experience in one of the following disciplines: death/crime scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, emergency medical services, nursing, physical anthropology, or organ/tissue procurement, in the last ten years.

~OR~

An Associate's Degree or higher, from an accredited institution, in one of the following

disciplines: human biology, physical anthropology, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services.

~OR~

A Bachelor's Degree or higher, from an accredited institution, in any field, AND satisfactory completion of a one-year (1200+ hours), death investigation/autopsy assistant internship at a Coroner/Medical Examiner Office.

~OR~

A Bachelor's Degree or higher, from an accredited institution, in any field, AND satisfactory completion of the following human science undergraduate courses:

-Biology I (for science majors)

-Biology II (for science majors)

-Anatomy I and II (for science majors)

-Physiology I and II (for science majors)

*Preferred candidate has both relevant education and actual medicolegal death investigation experience. American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Basic or Advanced certification is also preferred.

License or Certificate:

• Must possess a valid unrestricted driver's license and have a Colorado State driver's license prior to start of employment.

• Must obtain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Registry Certification and Colorado Coroners Association Death Investigation Certification within 36 months of employment. (Office funds certification expenses and associated maintenance of certification).

Background Check:

• Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation, motor vehicle record review, education and employment background investigation, character assessment, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical evaluation, drug test, and typing skill test.

• Must have no felony convictions.

• Must have no major driving violations or driving suspensions within the last five years and have no more than three driving violations within the last five year period.

Adams County and the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Clickhere (https://youtu.be/ILAvllPaGb4) to watch our video about why Adams County is an Employer of Choice!

Benefits You Expect:

+ AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance

+ Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance

+ Deferred Compensation Plan

+ Dental/Vision/Medical Plans

+ Generous Vacation/Sick leave

+ Long-Term Disability

+ Retirement Plan

+ Short-Term Disability

Plus some you might not expect:

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ Employee Fitness Center

+ Employee Health Clinics

+ Flexible Work Schedules

+ Recreation Center Discounts

+ Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs

+ Wellness programs

+ Lactation friendly certified workplace

01

Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team. Information provided on the application is used to determine if a candidate meets minimum qualifications. Only information provided at the time of the application being completed will be considered and additional information that is not listed on the application will not be considered when deciding if a candidate meets or does not meet the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details on their application. I understand and agree that only information provided at the time of my application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum requirements for this position.

+ Yes, I understand and agree

+ Yes, I understand but disagree.

02

Failure to answer the supplemental questions below, and/or failure to answer the supplemental questions in their entirety and in accordance with the instructions, may result in denial of your application for employment with the Office of the Coroner. Do NOT list "see resume" for any of the supplemental questions. Please review the education and experience requirements for the position, found in the job description. Please answer which requirement you meet and explain HOW you meet this requirement: what your education is in, what your experience is and where it is from, and how many hours you have performed the relevant work.

03

Do you possess previous experience working in a Coroner/Medical Examiner Office?

+ Yes

+ No

04

If you answered "yes" that you have previous experience in a Coroner/Medical Examiner Office, please explain where you worked, what your role/position was, and how many hours you worked there. If you answered "no", please write N/A.

05

Have you, in a professional capacity, ever notified someone that their next-of-kin/loved one has died?

+ Yes

+ No

06

If you answered "yes" that you, in a professional capacity, have notified someone that their next-of-kin/loved one has died, please explain how many death notifications you have done and what your profession/role was at that time. If you answered "no", please explain whether or not this is something that you would be willing to learn and do.

07

Are you certified in death investigation through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators or another certifying entity?

+ Yes

+ No

08

If you answered "yes, you are certified in death investigation through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators or another certifying entity, please explain what is your certification, who is it through, when was it obtained, and when does it expire. If you answered "no", write N/A.

09

Have you worked for or applied for a position with this Office before?

+ Yes

+ No

10

If you have worked for or applied for a position with this Office before, when and for what position? If no, write N/A.

11

Do you have experience investigating crime scenes and/or death scenes?

+ Yes

+ No

12

If "yes", you have experience investigating crime scenes and/or death scenes, please describe your experience and approximately how many scenes you have investigated. If no, write N/A.

13

Do you have experience writing investigative reports?

+ Yes

+ No

14

If you answered "yes" you have experience writing investigative reports, describe your experience and approximately how many investigative reports you have completed. If "no", write N/A.

15

Do you have experience operating a digital single-lens reflex camera?

+ Yes

+ No

16

If you answered "yes" you have experience operating a digital single-lens reflex camera, please describe your experience. If "no", write N/A.

17

Do you believe that you are capable of passing a criminal background and employment investigation?

+ Yes

+ No

18

Is there anything concerning in your criminal and/or employment background that you would like to explain below?

19

Can you operate a computer proficiently and type at least 40 words per minute?

+ Yes

+ No

20

In what computer software applications are you proficient?

21

Have you interacted, in a professional capacity, with individuals grieving the loss of a person?

+ Yes

+ No

22

If "yes", you have you interacted, in a professional capacity, with individuals grieving the loss of a person, please describe your experience. If "no", write N/A.

23

Have you assisted in the performance of an autopsy procedure?

+ Yes

+ No

24

If "yes" you have you assisted in the performance of an autopsy procedure, please describe your experience and approximately how many autopsies in which you assisted. If "no", write N/A.

25

Please review the physical demands of the position, found in the job description. Are you able to meet all physical demands listed?

+ Yes

+ No

26

Are you able and willing to work in emotionally difficult and physically difficult conditions, with exposure to malodors, decomposing remains, contagious diseases, vermin, urine, feces, blood, vomit, and other hazards, as well as, exposure to traumatic deaths, such as child and elder abuse cases, mass fatalities, violent homicides, motor vehicle fatalities, and mutilated and severed remains?

+ Yes

+ No

27

Are you able and willing to work a changing and rotating schedule: days, evenings, graveyard shifts, weekends, and holidays?

+ Yes

+ No

28

Are you able and willing to work overtime, extra shifts, on-call, with short notice, during inclement weather, and during a community emergency?

+ Yes

+ No

29

Are you able and willing to attend continuing education courses and travel out of state, if assigned?

+ Yes

+ No

30

Have you worked in a role in which you have had the responsibility of supervising others, delegating tasks, or leading a group?

+ Yes

+ No

31

If "yes" you have worked in a role in which you have had the responsibility of supervising others, delegating tasks, or leading a group, please describe your experience. If "no", write N/A.

Required Question

Employer

Adams County

Address

4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Suite C4000BBrighton, Colorado, 80601-8213

Website

http://www.adcogov.org/current-career-opportunities

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