Deputy Coroner

Will County Coroner; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

comprehensive medical coverage

dental and vision coverage

short/long term disability

sick/personal days

parental leave

holidays

defined pension plan

deferred compensation plan

vacation

tuition reimbursement program

Job summary

Will County Coroner’s Office seeks a Deputy Coroner to conduct death-scene investigations, interview families, notify next of kin, and coordinate the transport of decedents. The role supports autopsies, inquests, and related analyses in collaboration with medical and law enforcement partners.

The position requires an associate’s degree or two years of equivalent experience, ability to pass a background check, a valid IL driver’s license, and the capacity to work regular 24-hour shifts with

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in nursing, fire science/EMS, law enforcement/criminal justice, mortuary science or related field required, or two years of equivalent experience and training that provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in place of the educational requirement.

Responsibilities

• Investigates deaths within Will County under supervision and handles related duties.
• Conducts death-scene investigations, interviews families and medical providers, notifies next of kin, and coordinates removal and transport of decedents.
• Assists with inquests, autopsies, and other analyses; works with medical and law enforcement agencies; may testify at hearings or trials.
• Manages unclaimed decedents; prepares permanent records; participates in 24-hour shifts and back-up availability; performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Criminal justice knowledge

Documentation

Shift work

Education

Associate’s degree or two years equivalent experience

Job description

VACANCY NOTICE

DATE: October 26, 2026

JOB TITLE: Deputy Coroner (TBD, 1 with potential for additional openings)

DUTIES ANDREQUIREMENTS:

The Deputy Coroner investigates deaths occurring within Will County, under supervision, and handles related duties as needed. This role conducts death‑scene investigations, interviews families and medical providers, notifies next of kin, and coordinates the removal and transport of decedents. The position also assists with inquests, autopsies, and other analyses, works closely with medical and law enforcement agencies, and may testify at hearings or trials. Additional responsibilities include managing unclaimed decedents, creating and preparing permanent records, participating in 24-hour shifts and back-up availability and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires working in various environmental conditions, including indoor and outdoor settings, exposure to biohazards, and potentially stressful or sensitive situations involving deceased individuals and grieving families.

Associate’s degree in nursing, fire science/EMS, law enforcement/criminal justice, mortuary science or related field required, or two years of equivalent experience and training that provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in place of the educational requirement. Must be able to successfully pass a criminal fingerprint background check prior to employment. Valid State of Illinois Driver’s License and minimum automobile insurance as required by law. This position involves operating county vehicles to travel to death scenes and transport decedents as part of official investigative duties. Ability to work regular 24-hour shifts (subject to change), and back‑up availability, during personnel shortages. Lift up to 100 pounds. Must successfully complete and pass a required lift assessment prior to employment.

DEPARTMENT: Will County Coroner’s Office

SALARY RANGE: $26.7012/Hr. (Starting Compensation) – $42.2745/Hr. (Top of the range) (Steps 1-10) https://willcounty.gov/Open-and-Participatory-Government

BENEFITS:

• comprehensive medical coverage
• dental and vision coverage
• short/long term disability
• sick/personal days
• parental leave
• holidays
• defined pension plan from the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (regular and SLEP)
• deferred compensation plan
• vacation
• tuition reimbursement program

https://willcounty.gov/County-Offices/Administration/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits-and-Compensations