Medicolegal Death Investigator

Philadelphia University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 66,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals to join their Medical Examiner’s Office team. This role involves investigating deaths with a focus on discretion and professionalism. Candidates will engage in complex investigations, working closely with pathologists and other agencies. The position offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions will significantly impact public safety and health. If you're passionate about making a difference and have the required investigative experience, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Care

Diversity & Inclusion Programs

Growth Opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in field investigations.
• Education equivalent to high school completion or higher.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of deaths under the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction.
• Work on a rotating shift basis and manage complex cases.

Skills

Field Investigations

Discretion and Tact

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree in relevant fields

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Exam Title

Exam Number

Exam Number 4A49-20250428-OC-00

Salary $66,879 - $73,385 - New employees may be appointed at any step in the pay range depending on qualifications.

Certification Rule

Certification Rule Rule of List

Competition

Competition Open-Competitive

Department

Announcement Date

Announcement Date 04/28/2025

Close Date

Close Date 05/11/2025

General Definition

The City is hiring candidates with experience investigating deaths or ABMDI certified investigators to join the dedicated team at the Medical Examiner’s Office of the Health Department. Apply by May 11, 2025. Please include a copy of your transcript or certification with your application.

Announced in Anticipation of Ad Board Approval

ABOUT THIS POSITION
This is full performance field and related office work investigating deaths which fall under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. The employee is required to exercise a considerable amount of discretion and tact in dealing with other governmental agencies and with the public. The nature of the work is such that an employee in this class is required to work on a rotating shift basis. Employees are distinguished from the next lower level in the series in that employees in this class are assigned more complex and specialized investigations. The findings of the investigations serve as an important basis for the conclusions of pathologists of the Medical Examiner’s Office. Employees are frequently exposed to undesirable situations and occasional moderate to heavy physical effort in the investigation of cases. Employees work under the general supervision of a Medicolegal Investigator Supervisor and receive direction from staff pathologists.

Union Code

Union Code M. AFSCME D.C. 33

FLSA Code

FLSA Code Non-Exempt

Application Procedures

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.

1. You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up to date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.

2. The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:

Charlene Clark-Smith

Public Safety Team

City of Philadelphia

Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd.- Suite 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office: 215.686.3159

Fax: [phone]

3. For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email [e-mail]

The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.

ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 3 months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.

OPTION 1:
1. EDUCATION : Education equivalent to the completion of twelfth school grade

AND
2. EXPERIENCE : Five years of experience conducting field investigations, two years of which has been at the Forensic Investigator 1 or equivalent.

OR
OPTION 2:
1. EDUCATION : Completion of an associate’s degree program from an accredited college or university in any field of study.

AND

2. EXPERIENCE : Three years of experience conducting field investigations, two years of which has been at the Forensic Investigator 1 or equivalent.

OR

OPTION 3:
1. EDUCATION : Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. with major coursework in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Forensic Medicine, Mortuary Science, Criminal Justice, Anthropology or a closely related field
OR
CERTIFICATION : Registry Certification or Board Certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators

AND
2. EXPERIENCE (for both degree or certification): One year of experience as a Forensic Investigator 1 or equivalent conducting field investigations of sudden or unusual deaths.

Physical & Medical Requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Required Licenses & Certifications

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six months of appointment and during tenure of employment as a Medicolegal Investigator.

Other Requirements

Equivalency Statement(s)

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources that has included the specific experience described above.

Notes to Applicants

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:

• Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
• Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
• Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits – We care about your well-being.

The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [e-mail] . For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-2350 or by email at [e-mail]. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant requesting a test accommodation and OHR . Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.

As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.

Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works ( PGW ) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW .

Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.

Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at [e-mail] .

ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on May 11, 2025.

Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:

1) Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.
2) Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this application.

All correspondence and notifications will be sent to your e-mail address or postal address listed in the contact information (address, phone #, e-mail) of your account profile. Your contact information will be automatically updated each time you submit an application for employment. It is your responsibility to change your contact information and to ensure that it is correct.

If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add [e-mail] to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.

Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email [e-mail] if you have any questions.

Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at various social media sites. We can be found as Philadelphia Office of Human Resources. The pages for each are linked below:

Facebook

Only an open competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.

Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Applicants must have established bona fide residency in the city of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment for this civil service opportunity.

PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS

Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. For Training and Experience evaluations, in which applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination, the residency preference eligibility date is the planned eligible list date listed on this application, May 26, 2025.

To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.

The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.

If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.

U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

Ten (10) points for veteran’s preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. To be eligible, the veteran must be honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces by the first date of the examination. Candidates must submit a DD214 Member-4 to the staff member listed on the announcement if they wish for their eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered and will be required to submit additional documentation.

LEGACY PREFERENCE

Ten (10) points for legacy preference will be added to the scores of the children and grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. Candidates must submit documented proof of relationship to the deceased parent or grandparent AND the death certificate of the deceased parent or grandparent.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE

Up to five (5) points will be added to the scores of eligible national volunteers who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. Candidates must submit a copy of their service letter to the staff member listed on the announcement if they wish for their eligibility to be reviewed. To be eligible, candidates must have:

A. Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA . Such candidates will be awarded

• Five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service.
• Three (3) points for the completion of a one-year term of service.

B. Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America). Such candidates will have:

• 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
• 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
• 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
• 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.

PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREFERENCE
For exams announced after May 1, 2023, excluding Police and Fire entry level exams, candidates who successfully pass the open-competitive examination shall have up to 5 points added to their final score in accordance with Regulation 9.0670.

Only those competitors who have a passing grade in all parts of the examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. The following requirements must be satisfied for a candidate to receive additional credits for examinations.

1. Candidates must have completed and graduated from a career technical education ( CTE ) program of the School District of Philadelphia during the three-year period immediately preceding the examination announcement open date.

2. Candidates may claim the additional credit at any time after the date that the examination is announced, until 30 days after the Established List of Candidates is approved by the Director or his/her designee.

3. If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.

4. Candidates must submit adequate documentation including high school transcript with completion of CTE Program as required by the Office of Human Resources.

Candidates must successfully pass all parts of the examination before veteran’s preference, legacy preference or national volunteer service preference points are awarded.

Projected Exam Date

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.

Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials

An Eligible List will be established the week of May 26, 2025. Please note that this date may change.

Test Review

In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review

Assigned to (view only)

Assigned to

Parts & Weights

Part

Part Training & Experience Evaluation

Weight

Weight 100%

Required DocumentsOptional Documents

Resume

Transcripts 1

Transcripts 2

Licenses, Registrations and/or Certificates 1

Licenses, Registrations and/or Certificates 2

DD-214

Legacy Preference Documentation

Volunteer Service Documentation

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select one of the following responses describing your qualifications for this examination. You may only select one response. If you do not select one of the responses, your application will be disqualified. Do you have or will you have, by the eligibility date listed in the minimum requirements section of the announcement, the required EXPERIENCE (amount and type)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * The location that you are applying from is:
  • Free Library
  • Recreation Center
  • Home/Work/School/Mobile device
  • 311 Walk-In Center (City Hall)
  • OHR Mobile Recruitment Vehicle/Hiring Bus
  • Other
• * How did you hear about this job opportunity?
  • Airport
  • Billboard
  • Campus recruiting
  • Career/Job Fair
  • Community College of Philadelphia Recruitment
  • Congreso
  • City Councilperson's Office
  • City Department advertisement or event
  • Current City Employee
  • Facebook, Twitter or other social media
  • Fire Department recruiting
  • Family/Friend
  • Free Library
  • Handshake
  • Job Interest Card Notification
  • Job Posting Websites (Indeed, Career Builder, Monster.com)
  • LinkedIn job posting
  • Office of Human Resources website/ Phila.gov/Jobs
  • Office of Human Resources Recruitment Team
  • OHR Mobile Recruitment (RV)
  • ONE STOP Job & Resource Hub
  • Orleans Technical Institute
  • PA CareerLink
  • Philadelphia Police Department website/ recruiting
  • Philadelphia School District CTE Recruitment
  • Philly311 (walk-in center or on-line)
  • Print Advertisement (Newspaper or Flyer)
  • SEPTA/transit
  • TV/Radio Advertisement
  • Water Department recruitment event
  • Other

Office of Human Resources
1401 John F Kennedy Blvd,
Philadelphia, PA 19102