Deputy Medical Examiner

Kenosha County, Wisconsin; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wisconsin Retirement System

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Kenosha County is seeking a full-time Deputy Medical Examiner to serve on the second shift. The mission of the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office is to ensure that death investigations are conducted in an efficient, thorough, and professional manner while providing the highest level of sensitivity and compassion to surviving loved ones during their time of grief.

The primary functions include investigating medically relevant death circumstances, preparing comprehensive reports, and

Qualifications

• Associate degree in criminal justice, nursing, or a closely related field from a two‑year college, university, or technical school. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in law enforcement; as a first responder (e.g., firefighter, EMT); or as a licensed or certified nurse or medical care provider.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Responsibilities

• Respond to reported death scenes and conduct thorough, skilled investigations
• Determine whether a death falls under the Medical Examiner’s jurisdiction in accordance with WI Statutes Chapter 979
• Maintain availability by telephone during designated on‑call hours
• Prepare human remains for safe and respectful transport from the scene
• Communicate effectively with emergency personnel and law enforcement to obtain accurate and comprehensive information regarding death circumstances
• Communicate compassionately and professionally with the decedent’s loved ones and other witnesses
• Obtain the decedent’s medical and social history from physicians, medical records, emergency personnel, relatives, witnesses, police, and other involved individuals
• Communicate effectively with funeral directors and funeral home personnel
• Maintain a professional appearance and communicate clearly in both verbal and written form
• Document death investigations by submitting clear, accurate, objective, and timely reports in the designated web‑based records management system
• Ensure that next‑of‑kin are notified of the death in a timely and appropriate manner
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through continuing education, training programs, and relevant coursework
• Perform and document post‑mortem examinations under the direction of the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Deputy Medical Examiner
• Maintain the electronic death investigation record by entering all available scene and case information and uploading documents, postmortem examination results, digital photographs, and other relevant documentation into the Medical Examiner database
• Coordinate forensic autopsies by arranging for contracted providers, decedent transport, and tissue donation when appropriate
• Comply with all policies and procedures established by the Office of the Medical Examiner and Kenosha County
• Maintain ongoing communication with Medical Examiner staff to ensure continuity and accuracy of case information
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Deputy Medical Examiner

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Investigative practices

Respectful searches

Organization

Education

Associate degree in criminal justice, nursing, or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Kenosha County is seeking a full-time Deputy Medical Examiner to serve on the second shift. The mission of the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office is to ensure that death investigations are conducted in an efficient, thorough, and professional manner while providing the highest level of sensitivity and compassion to surviving loved ones during their time of grief.

The primary functions of this position are to investigate the medically relevant circumstances surrounding deaths reported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Kenosha County and to prepare comprehensive written reports documenting investigative findings. This position reports to the Medical Examiner and the Chief Deputy Medical Examiner.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Overtime and/or on-call hours may be assigned based on operational needs. An on-site response within 60 minutes of notification is required during on-call periods.

2026 Hiring Range: $27.54 – $31.29 per hour

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to reported death scenes and conduct thorough, skilled investigations
• Determine whether a death falls under the Medical Examiner’s jurisdiction in accordance with WI Statutes Chapter 979
• Maintain availability by telephone during designated on‑call hours
• Prepare human remains for safe and respectful transport from the scene
• Communicate effectively with emergency personnel and law enforcement to obtain accurate and comprehensive information regarding death circumstances
• Communicate compassionately and professionally with the decedent’s loved ones and other witnesses
• Obtain the decedent’s medical and social history from physicians, medical records, emergency personnel, relatives, witnesses, police, and other involved individuals
• Communicate effectively with funeral directors and funeral home personnel
• Maintain a professional appearance and communicate clearly in both verbal and written form
• Document death investigations by submitting clear, accurate, objective, and timely reports in the designated web‑based records management system
• Ensure that next‑of‑kin are notified of the death in a timely and appropriate manner
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through continuing education, training programs, and relevant coursework
• Perform and document post‑mortem examinations under the direction of the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Deputy Medical Examiner
• Maintain the electronic death investigation record by entering all available scene and case information and uploading documents, postmortem examination results, digital photographs, and other relevant documentation into the Medical Examiner database
• Coordinate forensic autopsies by arranging for contracted providers, decedent transport, and tissue donation when appropriate
• Comply with all policies and procedures established by the Office of the Medical Examiner and Kenosha County
• Maintain ongoing communication with Medical Examiner staff to ensure continuity and accuracy of case information
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Deputy Medical Examiner

Success Factors

• Knowledge – Demonstrates familiarity with Kenosha County geography; principles and practices of public administration; and applicable laws, codes, and regulations related to public health and medical examiner operations.
• Skills – Exhibits strong interpersonal communication skills to interact courteously and effectively with employees, partner agencies, and the public; shows proficiency in organization and investigative practices, including utilizing multiple resources to locate next of kin and conducting respectful, lawful searches of a decedent’s residence for relevant information.
• Abilities – Upholds the integrity of public service and acts as a trusted guardian of community well‑being; applies modern medical examiner principles, procedures, and techniques effectively; communicates clearly and professionally with individuals and groups, both verbally and in writing; maintains strict confidentiality and exercises sound judgment; efficiently utilizes available resources and technology, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; works independently, manages time well, and adapts to varying situations; contributes positively to a respectful, diverse, and inclusive work environment.

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in criminal justice, nursing, or a closely related field from a two‑year college, university, or technical school. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in law enforcement; as a first responder (e.g., firefighter, EMT); or as a licensed or certified nurse or medical care provider.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses or Certifications

• Must obtain ABMDI certification within three to five years of service if the applicant does not already meet ABMDI application requirements at the time of hire.
• Must maintain certification throughout employment.

Other Job Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license with no record of suspension or revocation in any state; must have a safe driving record and be insurable.
• Must have reliable transportation and internet access to respond to the Medical Examiner’s Office to retrieve the response vehicle when required.
• Must surrender any active Law Enforcement Certification, if applicable, to maintain eligibility for the position.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment, with opportunities to reduce premium contributions through participation in the County’s wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, which includes County‑paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

This position involves significant physical effort, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently.

• May be required to climb or balance; reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk and hear; and use hands to handle or feel.
• Will frequently work in outdoor environments with exposure to weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, wind, and other elements.
• May be exposed to extreme cold (not weather‑related), criminal suspects, or incarcerated individuals.
• May occasionally be required to lift or move more than 60 pounds.

Work Environment/Conditions

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Employees in this position will frequently be exposed to individuals who may be rude or irate; communicable diseases; bodily fluids (such as blood and urine); and infectious waste. There will be occasional exposure to individuals with known violent backgrounds, outdoor environments, street environments, clinical healthcare settings, funeral homes, morgue/embalming rooms, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals or substances.

Selection Process

• Application Review - Qualifying
• Oral Interview - Qualifying
• Background Check - Qualifying
• Physical Examination/Drug Screen - Qualifying

If you require an accommodation at any point during the selection process due to a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.

The pay grade for this position is NE10 (Min. $27.54 – Max. $35.05 per hour).

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, October 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Amer Board Med Death Inv

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.