Forensic Medicolegal Investigator

Polk County, Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County is seeking a Medicolegal Death Investigator to conduct high‑level investigations under the County Medical Examiner or Deputy. The role requires gathering scene information, interviewing witnesses, documenting medical histories, and preparing comprehensive case reports for review.

Responsibilities include collaboration with law enforcement and medical staff, participation in training, and maintaining strict adherence to departmental procedures in a hazardous, ever-changing environment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing, medicine, other health related field or criminal justice.
• Two years' experience as a licensed or certified nurse, medical care provider or medicolegal death investigator, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conducts preliminary investigations of deaths affecting public interest and documents circumstances.
• Prepares detailed reports for Medical Examiner review with objective, evidence-supported conclusions.
• Interacts with family members, law enforcement and medical personnel as part of investigations.
• Attends professional training and conferences as directed and reviews cases and procedures.

Skills

Medical knowledge

Forensic death investigation

Documentation

Interviewing

Physical ability

Outdoor work

Education

Bachelor-level health/criminal justice background

Job description

Polk County is seeking a Medicolegal Death Investigator to conduct high‑level investigations under the County Medical Examiner or Deputy. The role requires gathering scene information, interviewing witnesses, documenting medical histories, and preparing comprehensive case reports for review.

Responsibilities include collaboration with law enforcement and medical staff, participation in training, and maintaining strict adherence to departmental procedures in a hazardous, ever-changing environment.