Death Scene Investigator – Forensic Support & Autopsy Aid

Ramsey-County,-Mn; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramsey County in Minnesota is seeking an Investigator for the Medical Examiner's Office. The role involves performing investigational work on reported deaths, assisting forensic pathologists, handling bodies, and managing evidence with strict chain-of-custody procedures.

Responsibilities include scene investigations, body removal, evidence handling, report writing, and coordination with medical examiners. A bachelor's degree in a related field and a valid driver's license are required, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science, mortuary science, criminal justice or related field.
• One year of experience consisting of any combination of investigative experience and medicolegal autopsy experience (or equivalent).
• Valid driver's license for the class of vehicles to be driven.

Responsibilities

• Investigate death scenes by inspecting and photographing bodies and surrounding area; collecting physical, toxicological, and other evidence pertaining to the cause and manner of death; collecting information as to the identity of the decedent (when unknown) and next of kin; taking statements from relevant individuals to obtain information as to the medical, psychological, and immediate history of the decedent; evaluating the scene to determine if other personnel/agencies need to be summoned for immediate involvement.
• Remove bodies from death scenes; collect, inventory, package, and transport evidence and valuables from death scenes; manage the initial disposition of collected valuables and property; following the chain of custody procedures in all operations; and notify the next of kin.
• Analyze body position, weapon position, wound types, physical post‑mortem changes, and other factors to evaluate them for general consistency as well as consistency with the individual's history, lifestyle, and age.
• Prepares written reports of investigative findings including photographs and sketches of death scenes; may recommend whether to perform autopsies to Chief Investigator and Medical Examiner and may propose possible explanations for cause and manner of death, based on initial investigative findings.
• Conducts necessary follow‑up activities/investigations on cases, such as conducting interviews with physicians, medical records personnel, police witnesses, and survivors; circulating photos and descriptions of unidentified bodies to relief agencies, news media, and neighborhood organizations; investigating impending cremations and relaying authorization from the Medical Examiner to cremate.
• Assist forensic pathologists with autopsies performed in the Medical Examiner's Office, including such duties as collecting tissue and body fluid samples and collecting finger and palm prints.
• Attend to the care and disposition of bodies by inventorying and packaging decedent's clothing and valuables; taking height and weight measurements; taking routine fingerprints; gathering toxicology samples; preparing bodies for storage; and completing necessary records and paperwork.
• Clean and maintain office facilities and equipment.

Skills

Investigative work

Forensic evidence handling

Autopsy assistance

Chain of custody

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science, mortuary science, criminal justice or related field

Job description

Ramsey County in Minnesota is seeking an Investigator for the Medical Examiner's Office. The role involves performing investigational work on reported deaths, assisting forensic pathologists, handling bodies, and managing evidence with strict chain-of-custody procedures.

Responsibilities include scene investigations, body removal, evidence handling, report writing, and coordination with medical examiners. A bachelor's degree in a related field and a valid driver's license are required, with