Deputy Coroner

Valley County; McCall (ID); On-site; USD 34,440,000 - 48,216,000; Part time

Job summary

Valley County is seeking a qualified, dependable individual to fill the part-time, non-benefitted Deputy Coroner role. The position involves a flexible schedule of up to 19½ hours per week under the elected County Coroner to assist in death investigations within the Coroner’s Office.

The Deputy Coroner acts with full statutory duties when the Coroner is absent, serving as a primary field investigator—responding to death scenes, collecting evidence, and coordinating with law enforcement, medical

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• On-call 24/7 rotation including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to lift heavy objects (>100 lbs).
• Strong resilience to psychological stress and sensitivity with grieving families.
• HIPAA and confidentiality adherence.

Responsibilities

• Respond to death scenes as the primary field investigator.
• Document scenes with forensic photography and collect evidence.
• Interview witnesses and secure personal effects of the deceased.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, medical personnel, pathologists, and legal representatives.
• Assist with cremation authorizations, death certificates, and notify next of kin.

Skills

Field investigation

Forensic photography

Witness interviews

HIPAA compliance

On-call availability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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

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.