Medical Examiner

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. Currently, the office performs an average of 20 autopsies per month.

• Lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager, and temporary extra-help staff.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, legal, and public health agencies to meet the work, mission, goals and vision of the County.
• Investigate deaths to determine jurisdiction and establish cause and manner of death for persons dying of unnatural circumstances in Whatcom County.
• Provide 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.
• Secure chain of custody, safeguard personal property found with decedents, and manage disposition of remains of unclaimed indigent persons.
• Serve 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including signing death certificates for jurisdictional deaths and reviewing disposition authorizations.

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and be eligible for or currently hold WA State license.
• 3 years of forensic pathology and supervisory/management experience.
• Certification as a forensic pathologist by the American Board of Pathology or preferred WA State licensure.
• Dynamic blend of effective leadership skills and a record of providing medically and scientifically accurate, well-organized documentation and testimony.
• Effective communication, stakeholder relationship building, and navigation of a political landscape.
• Creative problem solver with ability to advocate for and implement improvements in a resource-constrained environment.
• Dedication to public service and desire to improve quality of life for Whatcom County residents.

Salary: $29,104 per month.