Deputy Coroner

CLOSING DATE: 09/10/2026 @ 5:00pm

ANNUAL SALARY: $$69,552 - $75,662 *Additional salary growth available through regular increases within the classification up to $100,085 and COLA adjustments.

Job Summary

Provide death investigation as an American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certified investigator. Assist Coroner and other deputies with county death investigations and obtaining and evaluating medical records, autopsy results and other information. Respond to queries concerning deaths that have been investigated by the office. Oversee facility, equipment and supplies. General telephone and clerical duties.

Scope of Responsibility

General instructions concerning investigations of deaths and operation of the coroner's office. Then the work is conducted independently with responsibility for all aspects of cases. Further consultation with Coroner is obtained if cases are unusual.

Instructions are given at time of initial hiring and periodically after that as new procedures come up and as evaluation of work might indicate need.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Respond to and investigate reported deaths, including scene visits as needed conduct a complete Medicolegal investigation including:

• Photographing and/or sketching the scene
• Removing the body or bodies from the scene
• Determining date and time of death
• Interviewing witnesses, family members, physicians, employers, friends, professionals and others
• Performing and documenting external examination of body
• Obtaining appropriate specimens, such as blood, urine, and vitreous humor, for toxicological evaluation
• Determining need for an autopsy or further evaluation
• Communicating with and providing information for the state forensic medical examiner

Finalize death investigations, including:

• Compiling data related to the death.
• Coordinating with law enforcement in the preservation and collection of evidence, maintaining a legal chain of custody.
• Arranging transportation for bodies as needed for autopsy.
• Releasing deceased person and any possessions to authorized person when investigation is complete.
• Determining cause and manner of death.
• Signing official death certificate.

Follow-up on details of investigations as needed, including

• Communicating with families, attorneys, insurance companies, workers compensation, and others who require information.
• Providing proper release of information to public through press releases and/or media interviews.
• Providing testimony at depositions and in court.

Assist with operation functioning of Coroners office, including:

• Developing and maintaining a record keeping system.
• Performing data entry and preparation of reports.
• Assuring that the office facilities and equipment are properly cleaned, maintained, and properly stocked.
• Assuring that the facilities and equipment are properly disinfected and that appropriate biohazard control measures are in place and followed.
• Providing training to others in the functioning of the coroner's office and proper death investigation.
• Evaluate, develop and implement technical protocols and procedures for death investigation in the county.
• Assisting the Coroner and other deputies with obtaining medical records and other information to assist in evaluation of deaths being investigated.
• Responding to requests for information concerning any deaths being investigated by the coroner's office.
• Performing clerical duties and greeting the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or Equivalent Experience.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Experience with bereaved families.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

• Basic anatomy and medical terminology.

• Investigation and interviewing techniques and procedures.

• Ability to work independently and to make professional judgments.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Stand, walk, hand dexterity, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, lift, drag, push, squat.

Frequently lift up to 100 lbs. and occasionally more than 100 lbs.

Varies from office setting to climbing ladders and working outdoors in all weather conditions, uneven terrain, crawl spaces and lofts.

Potential exposure to biohazards.

Tools, Equipment, Vehicles, and Machines

Computer software, word processing, spreadsheets and pre-existing databases, printers, fax machines, scanners, tape recorders, cameras, communication equipment, forceps, scalpel, syringes and large gauge needles.

Review of Work

Receive general supervision from the coroner. Specific unusual cases are reviewed in more detail.

The purpose of work review is to assist with difficult cases and as an evaluation of the overall functioning of the office.

Laws, Ordinances, or Regulations

Federal and state laws, rules and regulations, including specifically North Dakota Century Code 11-19.1, 23-01-05, 44-04-18.18

Personal Contacts

Variety of agencies, including law enforcement, states attorney, state forensic medical examiner, forensic pathologists, toxicologists, judicial system, funeral homes, health workers, organ and tissue transplant organizations, fire departments, EMS, OSHA, FBI, DEA, hospitals, school districts, insurance agencies, families, and general public.

The purpose of these contacts is for the preservation and collection of evidence, maintenance of chain-of custody and processing of the death scene, help detect and prevent further crimes and protect public safety.

Licenses or Certificates

Identity licenses/certification required.

American Board Medicolegal Death Investigators (preferred but not required).

Cass County Government is an Equal Opportunity and At Will Employer