Forensic Medicolegal Death Investigator

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office (KCME) is a unique and challenging place to work. We investigate all sudden, unexpected, and unnatural deaths in the county. As the largest medical examiner’s office in Washington State, KCME manages a high and varied caseload that demands professionalism and resilience from staff. We approach this work with dedication and a strong, supportive team culture.

The Investigations Section is known for its longevity—about half of the team has been here ten or more years, and three members have served for more than twenty. At the same time, we are continually welcoming new staff who bring fresh perspectives and energy.

Forensic Medicolegal Death Investigators investigate all sudden, unexpected, and suspicious deaths that take place in King County. They go to the scene of the death, conduct interviews, take photographs, assess postmortem changes, collect evidence and property, and transport decedents back to the Medical Examiner’s Office. They also confirm decedent identity, find next of kin, and conduct death notifications. They write investigative reports and gather additional information and records used by Forensic Pathologists in determining cause and manner of death.

Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) positions are "at-will" positions but are eligible for benefits. This TLT is currently anticipated to last one (1) year. However, funding sources for this work remain uncertain and dependent upon decisions actively being made at both the federal and local levels. As a result, the end date of this position may be adjusted based on those decisions. The County and the Department continue to work to secure long term funding sources.

This vacancy can also be filled as a Special Duty opportunity. For Special Duty Assignment interest, you must be a Career Service, Career Service Exempt or other regular (non-temporary) employee in King County who has completed their initial County probation. You must have supervisor approval prior to taking a Special Duty Assignment.

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

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• Respond to and investigate death scenes; photograph, collect, and document evidence
• Lift and transport human remains by yourself, weighing an average of 175 lbs, in various stages of mutilation and decomposition
• Adhere to county mandated protocols regarding control and documentation of personal property
• Document chain of evidence, and adhere to KCMEO process and protocols pertaining to collection and security of evidence
• Effectively interview family members, witnesses, and notify next of kin of a death
• Effectively gather and interpret medical records
• Conduct investigations—typically by phone and computer—to locate next of kin and arrange disposition of remains
• Conduct computer investigations to gain additional pertinent information
• Complete detailed investigative reports
• Use KCMEO-specific software
• Work closely with law…