Deputy Coroner

Columbia; North Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-call pay

Cell allowance

Job summary

Columbia County Coroner’s Office is seeking a Deputy Coroner to respond to death scenes, conduct investigations, collect evidence, and coordinate body transports. The role requires reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and supporting autopsy arrangements.

Candidates must complete the Basic Coroner’s Course after hire and uphold strict confidentiality. The position involves on-call rotations, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with fee-based compensation and related

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED and coursework in criminal justice, forensic science, or medical fields.
• Ability to interpret medical records and professional reports.
• Completion of Basic Coroner’s Course within designated training sessions after hire date.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to death scenes within Columbia County and surrounding medical facilities.
• Conduct preliminary investigations and determine jurisdiction.
• Examine decedents and collect relevant evidence.
• Interview witnesses, family members, and healthcare providers.
• Coordinate transportation of bodies to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) or morgue.
• Assist Coroner with policy development and procedures.
• Assist with autopsy arrangements and documentation.
• Prepare detailed case reports and maintain records.
• Testify in legal proceedings when required.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Participate in on-call rotation, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Investigative techniques

Criminal & related investigations

Evidence collection & scene integrity

Death scene photography

Identify bodies

Interpreting medical records

Interagency relationships

Basic Coroner’s Course

Education

High school diploma or GED

Criminal justice/forensic science coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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The Deputy Coroner serves as a vital member of the Columbia County Coroner’s Office, assisting in the investigation of deaths that fall under county jurisdiction. This role involves determining the cause and manner of death, responding to death scenes, coordinating with law enforcement and medical personnel, and ensuring compliance with Georgia state laws and county protocols.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Respond promptly to death scenes within Columbia County and surrounding medical facilities
• Conduct preliminary investigations and determine jurisdiction
• Examine decedents and collect relevant evidence
• Interview witnesses, family members, and healthcare providers
• Coordinate transportation of bodies to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) or designated morgue
• Assists Coroner with developing and implementing policy and procedures
• Assist with autopsy arrangements and documentation
• Prepare detailed case reports, capture scene photographs, and maintain accurate records
• Testify in legal proceedings when required
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
• Participate in on-call rotation, including nights, weekends, and holidays, while being subjected to extended periods without sleep

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of investigative techniques and skills.
• Knowledge of Criminal, Civil and Motor Vehicle Investigations.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence and crime/death scene preservation, to include evidence collection.
• Knowledge and ability to collect crime/death scene photos.
• Knowledge and skills in the methods used to identify bodies, otherwise unrecognizable or decomposed.
• Must have the ability to interpret medical records, accident and incident reports, and other professional documents.
• Must have the ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, law enforcement agencies, county employees, fire and rescue personnel, emergency medical personnel, and any other office that aids the office of Coroner.
• Must complete the Basic Coroner’s Course during the next training sessions after hire date and maintain the minimum 24 hours of annual continued education.

DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in criminal justice, forensic science, or medical fields preferred
• Prior experience in law enforcement, emergency medical services, or death investigation strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license from state of residency with a clean driving record and submit to an MVR every other year.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and handle emotionally challenging situations
• Familiarity with Georgia death investigation statutes and Columbia County Coroner’s Office procedures
• Must have a basic knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn other programs and software used in the office of Coroner.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Exposure to biohazards, adverse weather, and emotionally distressing environments
• Possible exposure to violent and dysfunctional environments, to include individuals under duress which may cause employees to be subject to verbal and physical confrontations.
• Physical demands include lifting and transporting deceased individuals, regular pulling, pushing and dragging, and frequently lifting over 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be available for irregular hours and emergency callouts

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Salary range: [Salary is fee based. On call fee of $35 per shift, $250 per call, $100 for each local transport, and $250 for each out of the CSRA transport.]
• Benefits may include health insurance, training through the Georgia Coroners Training Council, and Columbia County Coroner’s Office.
• A combination of education and/or work experience may be substituted for minimum requirements.

Job ID #2527 Category Coroner's Office Status Open Part-Time/ Grade E/C Salary Fee-Based/Vehicle Allowance, $7,150.00 Annually/Cell Allowance, $1,440.00 Annually Posted October 7, 2026 10:30 AM Closing Open Until Filled