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 effectively 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 is composed of skilled, multi-disciplinary staff with 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.

For additional job details please see:

• Whatcom County Medical Examiner
• Recruitment Brochure
• Salary: $29,104 per month

• Lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager, and temporary staff; collaborate with law enforcement, legal, and public health agencies.
• Provide forensic pathology services, determine causes of death, and provide expert testimony in legal cases.
• Perform death scene investigations, autopsies, and related duties; interpret toxicology results and identify decedents.
• Sign death certificates for jurisdictional deaths, review disposition authorizations, maintain records, and ensure chain of custody and safeguarding of decedent property.
• Coordinate with partners on opinions for archeologically significant remains and assist with repatriation/reinternment when applicable.
• Ensure 24/7 availability of Medical Examiner services and proper management of staff and resources.

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and eligible for or currently holding Washington 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.
• Ideal candidate possesses leadership skills, accurate and well-organized documentation and testimony, effective communication, and ability to build relationships with a broad network of stakeholders while navigating a political landscape.
• Creative problem solver with ability to advocate for and implement improvements in a resource-constrained environment; dedication to public service and improving quality of life for Whatcom County residents.