Forensic Field Investigator – Death Scene (On-Call)

Anoka County; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Advancement/professional development

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Anoka County is seeking a Field Investigator to support forensic pathologists by conducting death scene investigations under applicable laws and policies. You will presumptively identify decedents, notify next of kin, and collect and document scene evidence to aid accurate determinations of death.

The role involves interviews, documentation, and coordination with law enforcement, with on-call requirements and strict confidentiality. A bachelor's degree plus related experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years of job-related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Valid driver's license and vehicle available for business use.

Responsibilities

• Respond to death scenes in a timely manner, often on an on-call basis for a specific area especially for unexpected deaths.
• Perform detailed inspection and appropriate photographs of the body and surrounding area.
• Make presumptive identification and take steps to facilitate positive identification.
• Obtain demographics, and medical and social history by performing interviews of neighbors/friends, family, nursing staff, or primary physician including interview family and providing support in times of grief.
• Make preliminary determination of cause and manner of death at scene, determine if forensic autopsy is warranted, and assumption or declination of jurisdiction and confer with pathologist as needed.
• Assess body position, weapon position, wound types, physical postmortem changes and other pertinent factors; evaluate for consistency with scene and decedent's reported history.
• Ensure decedent's private property is secure prior to vacating death scene.
• Photograph and accurately document scene and circumstances.
• Provide concise and thorough written reports documenting investigation and findings, including photos and sketches as needed.
• Collect, inventory and package property/evidence to be removed from the scene, maintaining strict chain of custody.
• Coordinate and interact with all appropriate law enforcement and other investigative agencies on scene in a professional and courteous manner.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Anoka County is seeking a Field Investigator to support forensic pathologists by conducting death scene investigations under applicable laws and policies. You will presumptively identify decedents, notify next of kin, and collect and document scene evidence to aid accurate determinations of death.

The role involves interviews, documentation, and coordination with law enforcement, with on-call requirements and strict confidentiality. A bachelor's degree plus related experience is required.