Field Investigator/Lab Assistant

Field Investigator/Lab Assistant

Salary

$32,960.07 Annually

Location

200 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

02026

Department

Coroner

Opening Date

04/24/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits

Description

THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN POSTED UNTIL FILLED

The Field Investigator will be assigned specific areas of the community where they will serve as the first call Deputy. In addition they will be assigned specific duties as the on call deputy serving local Hospitals. He or she will also assist other Deputy Coroners when assigned by supervisors. The field investigator will be required to travel throughout the County to respond to a Coroner call when no other Deputy is available. The person holding this position will attend autopsies when requested and assist in maintaining the Morgue and Autopsy room in an organized and clean manner. This position requires a nontraditional, unpredictable schedule, both in terms of hours and days of the week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless specifically allowed by the Coroner to be absent.
• Reside in Luzerne County or be within a twenty five minute drive to the population center of the Wyoming Valley.
• Obtain blood and urine samples from deceased, complete necessary paperwork and submit the sample to appropriate testing facility.
• Respond to death scene when required and determine the scope of the investigation and coordinate with the necessary investigative agencies.
• Must be able to physically assist with the transportation of deceased.
• Notify the next of kin.
• Complete and file all reports on a timely basis in order to avoid delays to other interested parties and undue embarrassment to the Coroner Office.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• An aptitude for dealing with people who have been affected by the death of a loved one.
• Ability to establish a working relationship with associates, County, Court, and State Agencies.
• The Field Investigator must obtain, within one year of employment, certification from the Pennsylvania Coroner Education Board.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of an Associate Degree from an accredited college or University.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in death investigations and/or handling of dead bodies.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that provided the knowledge and skills listed above.
• The successful candidate must possess the physical ability to remove a deceased from the place of death.

The County of Luzerne is an EEO/ADA employer

I. Medical Insurance

The coverage begins for the employee the on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plan varies by the coverage selection and the number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining agreement. The employee may also elect to opt out of the Countys medical insurance if proof of coverage is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual opt out payment.

II. Vision and Prescription

The coverage begins for the employee on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Contributions may vary, subject to collective bargaining agreement.

III. Dental Coverage

The coverage begins for the employee on the first of the month following the first full 30 days of full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Contributions may vary, subject to collective bargaining agreement.

IV. Life Insurance

A $50,000 life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement.

V. Retirement

All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1,000 hours per year qualify for Luzerne County retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and may choose to add to an additional voluntary contribution, not to exceed an additional 10%.

Employer Luzerne County

Address Penn Place Building, Suite 225

20 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 18702

Phone 570-826-8801

Website http://www.luzernecounty.org