Medicolegal Death Investigator

Philadelphia Dept of Public Health; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals to join their Medical Examiner’s Office. This role involves investigating deaths, requiring a blend of fieldwork and office tasks. Candidates will need to exercise discretion and tact while interacting with various governmental agencies and the public. The position demands physical endurance and the ability to handle complex investigations. Successful applicants will have a chance to contribute significantly to public health and safety through their investigative work. If you have the necessary experience and a passion for forensic science, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Completion of twelfth-grade education or equivalent.
• Experience conducting field investigations, especially in forensic contexts.

Responsibilities

• Investigate deaths under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner.
• Support pathologists' conclusions through detailed findings.

Skills

Field Investigations

Discretion and Tact

Physical Endurance

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field

Job description

Announcement Details

Announcement Date: 04/28/2025

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.

Note: Announced in anticipation of Ad Board approval.

Position Overview

This is full performance field and related office work investigating deaths under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. The employee exercises discretion and tact when dealing with governmental agencies and the public. Work involves rotating shifts, with more complex investigations assigned to this level. Findings support pathologists' conclusions. The work may involve undesirable situations and moderate to heavy physical effort. Supervision is provided by a Medicolegal Investigator Supervisor, with guidance from staff pathologists.

Minimum Training, Education & Experience

The following standards determine applicant eligibility for testing. Candidates meeting all requirements within three months of the application deadline will be admitted to the examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired until all requirements are satisfied.

Option 1

• Education: Completion of twelfth-grade education.
• Experience: Five years conducting field investigations, including two years at the Forensic Investigator 1 level or equivalent.

Option 2

• Education: Completion of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field.
• Experience: Three years conducting field investigations, including two years at the Forensic Investigator 1 level or equivalent.

Option 3

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Forensic Medicine, Mortuary Science, Criminal Justice, Anthropology, or a related field, OR
• Certification: Registry or Board Certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.

For both degree and certification options:

• One year of experience as a Forensic Investigator 1 or equivalent conducting investigations of sudden or unusual deaths.