Deputy Coroner

Valley County Idaho; McCall (ID); On-site; USD 12,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Valley County Idaho invites applications for a part-time, non-benefitted Deputy Coroner to assist in death investigations under the County Coroner’s Office. The role operates on a flexible schedule and carries the full statutory duties when the elected Coroner is absent.

The deputy serves as a primary field investigator, responds to death scenes, documents scenes, collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and helps with death certificates, cremation authorizations, and notifying next of kin.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old and meet Idaho statutory requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Primary field investigator responding to death scenes across various settings.
• Conduct preliminary scene investigations and document scenes via forensic photography.
• Collect evidence and interview witnesses; secure personal effects of the deceased for return to next of kin.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, medical personnel, pathologists and legal representatives; review medical records and write objective reports for court proceedings.
• Manage respectful removal and transport of human remains; assist with cremation authorizations and death certificates; notify next of kin.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher in Mortuary Science, Criminal Justice, Nursing, or Forensic Science (preferred)

Job description

Summary

Valley County is seeking a qualified, dependable individual to fill the part‑time, non‑benefitted position of Deputy Coroner. Operating on a flexible schedule of no more than 19½ hours per week, the selected candidate will work directly under the elected County Coroner to assist in death investigations falling under the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Office. In accordance with Idaho Code, the Deputy Coroner assumes the full statutory duties, responsibilities, and authority of the elected Coroner whenever the official is absent or unavailable.

Typical Duties & Responsibilities

The successful applicant will serve as a primary field investigator, responding directly to death scenes across a variety of settings — including outdoor locations in severe weather, difficult terrain, and hazardous environments. Key responsibilities include conducting preliminary scene investigations, documenting scenes through forensic photography, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and securing the personal effects of the deceased to return to next of kin.

The Deputy Coroner coordinates directly with law enforcement, medical personnel, pathologists, and legal representatives, while also reviewing medical records and writing comprehensive, objective technical reports suitable for court proceedings. Crucially, this role requires managing the respectful removal and transport of human remains, completing cremation authorizations, assisting with death certificates, and locating and compassionately notifying next of kin.

Typical Qualifications

Candidates must be at least 21 years of age to fulfill the statutory requirements of Idaho Code and hold a high school diploma or equivalent (an associate’s degree or higher in Mortuary Science, Criminal Justice, Nursing, or Forensic Science is preferred). A valid driver’s license and the flexibility to serve on a rotating 24/7 on‑call schedule — including nights, weekends, and holidays with rapid response times — are required.

Applicants must possess the physical stamina to lift and maneuver heavy weights (often exceeding 100 pounds in tandem) in challenging spaces and terrains, along with the resilience to navigate biological hazards and extreme biological odors. Above all, the position demands strong psychological resilience, high cognitive alertness under stress, strict adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality laws, and the utmost tact when interacting with grieving families.

Hiring is done without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, genetics, or protected veteran status. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.