Medical Examiner 1

State of Montana; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team within a forward-thinking organization committed to public safety and justice. As a Deputy Medical Examiner, you will play a crucial role in forensic analysis, contributing to the integrity of death investigations across Montana. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse range of cases while ensuring adherence to high standards of forensic practices. With a focus on collaboration and excellence, you will work closely with other professionals in the field, making a meaningful impact on the community. If you are passionate about forensic science and public service, this role is an exciting chance to advance your career in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays

Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Medical degree and license to practice in Montana required.
• Board certification in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology within two years.

Responsibilities

• Perform autopsies to determine cause and manner of death.
• Assist State Medical Examiner and county coroners in investigations.

Skills

Forensic Pathology

Time Management

Effective Communication

Evidence Handling

Microscopic Techniques

Education

Medical Degree

Board Certification in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology

Tools

Medical Pathology Diagnostic Tools

Job description

Mission:

Every day, Montana Department of Justice employees are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and rights of the people of our great state. The Department of Justice does the right thing for the right reason. If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of a team that builds a culture of character and excellence, demonstrates collaboration and selfless public service, and upholds the law while pursuing public safety, the Department of Justice may have a career for you.

Division Overview:

The Forensic Science Division’s (FSD) mission is to provide accurate, objective, and timely forensic analysis in support of the Montana criminal justice community. The Crime Lab is an internationally accredited lab and home to the State Medical Examiner’s office, where over 850 autopsies a year are performed split between four forensic pathologists, two each in Missoula and Billings to determine cause and manner of death in unattended or suspicious circumstances.

Job Overview:

The Deputy Medical Examiner will perform less than the NAME (National Association of Medical Examiners) allowed number of autopsies per year to determine cause and manner of death, collect evidence, and interpret findings. The Deputy Medical Examiner assists the State Medical Examiner and county coroners in the development and maintenance of an effective statewide death investigation system. In addition, this position assists with any accreditation standards that may be in place. The Deputy Medical Examiner is part of the Medical Examiner team, and as such uses their best efforts to contribute to advances and maintenance of death investigation practices in Montana and with the State Medical Examiner. This position is supervised by and reports in coordination to the State Medical Examiner and the State Crime Lab Administrator.

Supplemental salary may be available when performing autopsies at other office locations or for local hospitals through the Medical Examiner System.

*This position is open until filled.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A medical degree from an accredited school, a license to practice medicine in Montana.
• Acquire board certification in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology within two years of hire and is expected to maintain that certification.
• Additional certification or training in a relevant sub-specialty of pathology such as neuropathology, pediatric pathology, cardiac pathology, etc. is desirable, but not necessary.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge: Knowledge of forensic pathology and its associated practices, including: laboratory safety practices including the handling of hazardous chemicals and potentially infectious biological samples; evidence handling and the chain of custody procedures of biological and physical evidence; microscopic techniques.

Abilities: Ability to manage time effectively and be self-motivated; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; to follow written and oral instructions; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to organize case workload on a daily basis; to coordinate responsibilities with colleagues and co-workers; to adapt to changing time schedules and working conditions and deal with the associated stress of heavy workloads and varying priorities; to supervise the work of assistants. Ability to clearly explain highly technical information and procedures to individuals not familiar with forensic pathology; to work cooperatively and productively with little technical supervision; to effectively testify in a courtroom regarding the practice of forensic pathology and the results of postmortem examinations. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle in all weather conditions. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to use medical pathology diagnostic tools, instruments & equipment.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• The incumbent may be exposed to infectious organisms and diseases during work.
• The position requires rotating 24-hour on-call responsibility.
• On-call availability for consultation including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Creates and maintains a safe/secure working environment by adhering to DOJ safety, security, and health requirements. Integrates injury, illness, and loss prevention into job activities by attending any necessary training and implementing best practices.
• Travel up to 10%. Travel may be required in all types of weather and road conditions.

Special Instructions:

The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualifications may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the résumé and cover letter, a structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks, and fingerprint checks.

Additional materials, references, or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered.

Successful applicant(s) will be subject to:

• Criminal History Fingerprint / Name-based Check
• Intensive Background Check
• Driving History

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, you must attach a cover letter and resume at the time of application.

Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a “Relevant File”.

Your Resume: Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job.

A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the résumé to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson at [e-mail] via File Transfer Service.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify.

Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply.