Medical Examiner

Overview

Whatcom County seeks an experienced and proven leader to serve as Medical Examiner
, providing forensic pathology services, determining causes of death, and providing expert testimony in legal cases. The office performs an average of 20 autopsies per month.

The Medical Examiner will lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager, and temporary extra-help staff. They will collaborate with law enforcement, legal, and public health agencies to meet the work, mission, goals and vision of the County. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office investigates deaths to determine jurisdiction and establish cause and manner of death for persons dying of unnatural circumstances in Whatcom County.

The Medical Examiner’s Office team includes a Medical Examiner, Operations Manager, Autopsy Technician, three Medicolegal Death Investigators, and additional part-time staff.

Medical Examiner services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include death scene investigation, removal, locating and notifying next of kin, performing autopsies, interpreting toxicology results, identification of decedents, consulting with partners to determine opinions for archeologically significant remains and assisting the Washington State Archeologist to coordinate repatriation and reinternment, determination of nonhuman remains, necropsies, and providing consultative services to law enforcement agencies and to the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

The Office is responsible for signing death certificates for jurisdictional deaths, reviewing disposition authorizations, maintaining appropriate records, evidence collection, chain of custody, and safeguarding the personal property found with decedents. The Office also maintains responsibility for the disposition of the remains of unclaimed indigent persons who have died in Whatcom County.

If you are interested in working in our beautiful corner of the country, we'd love to hear from you! This position is open until filled but first priority review will be given to applications received by February 27, 2026.

• Whatcom County Medical Examiner
• Recruitment Brochure

Salary: $29,104 per month

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and be eligible for or currently hold WA State license. Current WA state licensure preferred.
• 3 years of forensic pathology and supervisory/management experience
• Certification as a forensic pathologist by the American Board of Pathology

The ideal candidate should possess a dynamic blend of effective leadership skills and a record of providing medically and scientifically accurate, well-organized documentation and testimony. Effective communication and the ability to establish relationships with and across a broad network of stakeholders and partners while navigating a political landscape. A creative problem solver, ability to advocate for and implement improvements in a resource-constrained environment.

Must have an overarching dedication and commitment to public service and desire to improve the quality of life for Whatcom County residents.

Please upload cover letter and resume with your application.

• Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment Year Accrual - Month Accrual - Year

1st – 4th year 18.00 hours 5.4 Weeks

5th – 9th year 21.33 hours 6.4 Weeks

10th + year 24.67 hours 7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (approx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).