Deputy Coroner – Part Time

overview

the deputy coroner (sometimes referred to as medical legal death investigator), under the direction of the coroner and chief deputy coroner, represents an essential component of the multidisciplinary investigation of sudden and unexpected deaths. The deputy coroner is expected to investigate all jurisdictional and referred deaths which occur within the geographic boundaries of northampton county.

part-time deputy coroner employees must work a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours per calendar month to maintain employment status. Employees who fail to maintain minimum monthly hours will be separated from county employment.

Final date to receive applications is february 12, 2026 at 5:00 pm est. Applicants will not be contacted until after this date. Internal applicants will be considered before external applicants.

the attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected. Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume.

please note – the attachment of a cover letter is a requirement for this position. If you have any difficulties uploading this document please reach out to human resources (schristman) before the posting close date.

• essential duties of the position – travels to the scene of unattended deaths which occur within the geographic boundaries of northampton county which can include homicides, suicides, accidental, questionable, and/or unattended deaths as required, on behalf of the office of the coroner, in accordance with established call schedule.
• conducts a systematic scene investigation to assist with determining the cause and manner of death. Understands the difference between jurisdictional and referral case death investigations and the responsibilities that each requires.
• takes custody of the remains in accordance with the prescribed protocol and procedure. Performs initial on scene examination of the remains, takes photographs, and collects information relevant or related to the cause and manner of death. Conducts external examination of bodies and collects biological specimens for the purposes of toxicology testing as may be required in individual cases.
• conducts joint investigations with law enforcement agencies and in conjunction with county, state, and federal agencies to assist in determining the cause and manner of death. Collects data and prepares reports on death investigations in accordance with pre-established policies and procedures ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
• conducts follow up investigations that may be assigned. Practices appropriate safety, environmental, and infectious control methods. Establishes the identity of the deceased individual and notifies the legal next of kin in accordance with established policies and procedures. Oversees and assists with the removal of remains to the attending funeral director and/or forensic facility for the purposes of additional testing or forensic examination.
• may be required to provide testimony facts at criminal or civil hearings in individual cases.
• as part of a death investigation, it may be necessary to communicate with the primary care physician or other attending physician(s) to obtain medical history and/or determine whether the physician will certify the death.

• education & experience – completion of a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biological science, anthropology, nursing/medicine, or chemistry; or
• completion of an associate’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biological science, nursing/medicine, anthropology, psychology, or chemistry; and
• at least two (2) years of professional work experience in medicolegal death investigation, nursing, investigative police work, emergency management, funeral services, or diagnostic laboratory; or
• possession of a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• at least four (4) years of professional work experience in medicolegal death investigation, nursing, investigative police work, emergency management, funeral services, or…