Medical Examiner - Outagamie County

Outagamie County; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Outagamie County seeks a qualified Medical Examiner to lead the county’s medicolegal death investigations, determine cause and manner of death, and direct autopsies, toxicology, and related procedures. The role oversees the ME Office operations, coordinates with law enforcement and the district attorney, testifies in court, and ensures records integrity and confidentiality.

Candidates with ABMDI certification preferred; a Bachelor’s degree in forensic science or related field and a valid

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science, a health or medical-related field, or closely related discipline.
• Experience with public-facing roles or customer service preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
• ABMDI certification preferred; must obtain within 2 years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the County Medical Examiner under Wisconsin law, investigating deaths within jurisdiction.
• Provide medicolegal death investigation services, determine cause and manner of death.
• Direct autopsies, toxicology, and related procedures as needed.
• Ensure investigations, records, and reports meet legal standards and confidentiality.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, and other agencies.
• Oversee ME Office operations, staff supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
• Testify in court regarding findings and investigative conclusions.
• Handle cremation examinations and reportable deaths; notify next of kin with sensitivity.
• Review medical records and law enforcement reports to support determinations.
• Develop and administer department budget; monitor expenditures and contracts.
• Engage with community partners on public health and safety initiatives; maintain on-call availability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Organizational skills

Empathy

Confidentiality

Medical terminology

Investigation methods

Public interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Conducts medicolegal l and legal investigations into deaths which occur within Outagamie County. Performs duties of the Medical Examiner in accordance with Wisconsin statutes, regulations, Wisconsin Statutes chapters 979 and 59.34, and in accordance with Outagamie County ordinances and policies.

This position does not start until January 27th 2027

Posting closes October 23 2026

Estimated Initial Screening Period: October 26–November 6

Benefit eligible fulltime position

The following duties are most critical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned by County Executive.

• Serves as the County Medical Examiner in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 979.01 and applicable Wisconsin laws governing death investigations, exercising statutory authority to investigate deaths within jurisdiction.
• Provides comprehensive medicolegal death investigation services for the County, including determining cause, manner, and contributing factors to death in accordance with legal and professional standards.
• Directs or authorizes autopsies, toxicology testing, and other investigative procedures as necessary to establish cause of death and fulfill statutory responsibilities.
• Ensures all investigations, records, and reports meet legal, evidentiary, and professional standards; maintains the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Coordinates with law enforcement, healthcare providers, the district attorney’s office, and other agencies as required.
• Oversees and manages all operations of the Medical Examiner’s Office, including organizing, assigning, and delegating work; providing training, coaching, and performance feedback; and completing employee evaluations.
• Fosters a positive and effective work environment by promoting open communication, supporting staff development, and ensuring employees have the tools and resources needed to succeed.
• Performs or directs examinations and tests related to deaths under investigation, including those relevant to criminal proceedings; testifies in court regarding findings, autopsies, and investigative conclusions.
• Conducts required reviews and approvals, including cremation examinations and permits, and investigates reportable deaths, including those occurring shortly after hospital admission.
• Ensures the timely notification next of kin and interacts with survivors in a professional, compassionate, and respectful manner.
• Requests, reviews, and evaluations of medical records, law enforcement reports, and other relevant documentation to support investigative determinations.
• Develops and administers the departmental budget; monitors expenditures; and oversees contracts and service agreements.
• Engages with community partners and participates in initiatives related to public health, safety, and death prevention, as directed.
• Maintains availability for on-call duty and works flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required to meet operational needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science, a health or medical-related field, or another closely related discipline.
• Prior experience working with the public, performing administrative or customer service functions, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain it throughout employment.
• Experience in a medical, forensic, emergency medical services (EMS), legal, law enforcement, or other closely related field is preferred
• Certification as a Medicolegal Death Investigator through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) is preferred. Employees who are not certified must obtain certification within two (2) years of hire.
• Required or Preferred Skills

Required and Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally and effectively with the public, coworkers, and medical and legal professionals, maintaining a high level of courtesy, tact, and cooperation.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and in compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to remain composed and effective in high-stress, emotionally challenging, or occasionally confrontational situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in standard office software, including word processing and spreadsheet applications (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Skill in collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and presenting data in reports or graphical formats using manual or computerized methods.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including the ability to effectively supervise, coach, develop, communicate and support employees while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with survivors and others with empathy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
• Considerable knowledge of Chapter 69 of the Wisconsin State Statutes concerning the record of death.
• Considerable knowledge of causes and manners of death and their relation to the body, scene, medical and social history, and forensic examinations.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of pathological medicine.
• Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of the statutory duties affecting the Medical Examiner’s Office
• Ability to determine whether conditions of death are suspicious and warrant further investigation.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with regular fieldwork related to death investigations.
• Position will require availability for on-call duty and the ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant sights, odors, or environmental conditions may occur during field investigations.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position in a primarily sedentary role, which may include extended periods of sitting, computer use, and communication via phone or in person.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, printer, copier, and scanner.
• Ability to travel to various County locations as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.