Responsibilities

The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiners Office (MCMEO) is currently seeking qualified candidates for our Chief Forensic Pathologist/ Medical Officer opening, to join and lead our Medical Examiners organization.

Position Summary:
This position provides Medical Examiner and Forensic Pathology services to the citizens of Mecklenburg County and 2 additional regional counties for cases under ME jurisdiction. The successful candidate will join 3 current full time forensic pathologists in performing approximately 700 autopsies and 850 external examinations annually, issuing reports, completing death certificates, and testifying in court. This position further serves as the department director of an independent County office developing and implementing policies and procedures in compliance with state statutes and contracts. Office support staff includes the business manager and 2 administrative positions, an investigations manager and 11 death investigators, and 5 forensic autopsy/morgue technicians. The position is currently being recruited to plan for future incumbent retirement in 2025 with an anticipated start date of March 1, 2025 to allow a smooth onboarding transition.

MCMEO is a County operated department that functions as part of a state-wide medical examiner system in NC. The office serves the residents of Mecklenburg County and two regional counties under contract with the State of NC. The office is located on the northern side of Charlotte with easy access by several major highways. The free-standing state-of-the-art facility was completed in late 2008 and remains in great condition with some recent remodels and upgrades including the addition of a LODOX machine.

The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the largest urban areas in the southeast United States. Mecklenburg County is home to nearly 1.15 million residents and offers major amenities with professional and minor league sports teams, diverse communities, an incredible park and recreation system, and headquarters to several major corporations. The County is situated between the eastern US coastline and the Appalachian Mountains with beaches and mountain towns and attractions within a 2-3 hour drive. These features make the County a great place to call home where you can LIVE, LEARN, and RECREATE.

About Mecklenburg County:
Government Mecklenburg County Government is more than just a place to work. The County provides an environment where you can touch and enrich lives every day in countless ways. From helping families in need to protecting the public's health, working here means you will have the opportunity to be a part of a team providing services for a large metropolitan county with a diverse population and thriving business community. It's not just a place to work - for some, it's an opportunity to serve their neighbors and make a difference in our community. For others, the role they take on fulfills a lifelong pursuit in an area of study. Whatever the reason you choose to work for the County, there is an opportunity for personal growth, professional development, and to truly make a difference in people's lives. Mecklenburg County is governed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The BOCC is a nine-member board made up of representatives elected from six single-member districts, and three at-large representatives elected by the entire county. Mecklenburg County contains seven municipalities including the City of Charlotte and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville. As one of the largest counties in North Carolina, Mecklenburg County is recognized by Niche.com, a market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families, as one of the Best Counties for Families in North Carolina (#2), Best Counties for Young Professionals in North Carolina (#2), and Most Diverse Counties in North Carolina (#3). Mecklenburg County has also been recognized as one of the hottest housing markets in 2024 (#7) by Zillow.

What You Will Do:
Each day brings a variety of experiences and may constantly change as you lead an organization to provide forensic services to the constituents of Mecklenburg County. In this role you will set the North Star for the Medical Examiner’s Office and as a player/ Coach and guiding the team, driving strategy, and team engagement to create a collaborative work environment. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office (MCMEO) mission is to provide county morgue and medical examiner/forensic pathology services to the citizens of Mecklenburg County. The MCMEO interacts with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to assist in death investigations, reporting their findings on the cause and manner of death. The MCMEO also provides consultation and forensic pathology services to two regional counties: Cleveland and Gaston.

Essential Functions:

Performs autopsies and physical examination to determine the cause and manner of death.
Prepares clear, concise narrative descriptions of autopsy findings.
Proper completion of death certificates and supplements as required to accurately reflect cause and manner of death on assigned cases.
Maintains Medical Examiner records and establishes policies for the documentation of the chain of custody for decedents’ person effects, evidence, and human remains.
Responsible for the review of all group work to ensure the quality and consistency of reports necessary for trial and prosecution purposes.
Provides guidance, direction, and work review to the support staff.
Testifies in court as an expert witness. Maintains cooperative liaison with all elements of the criminal justice system.
Coordinates with hospital transplant teams for authorized removal of organs, tissue, bone, and eye donations.
Establishes, evaluates, and monitors policies and operational procedures for handling potentially infectious autopsy cases and hazardous chemicals and equipment to assure optimal protection of personnel.
Conducts regular evaluations of facility and equipment to assure operation and maintenance standards for equipment.
Provides educational and informational opportunities through talks and lectures to law enforcement, medical and paramedical groups and other criminal justice and related agencies.
Provides information and statistical information to community agencies, insurance companies, news media, social agencies, educational programs, etc.
Coordinates office operations with State of NC ME system and State of NC statutes governing the ME system and performance of examinations and autopsies.
Oversees all operational aspects of the office to include administration, investigations, and morgue operations through coordination with managers and supervisors in each of those areas.
Directly oversees and evaluates the performance of the business manager, the investigations manager, and all forensic pathologists in the office.
Serves as a department director overseeing all office and morgue operations.
Serve as a cabinet member on the Executive Leadership Team.
Participates in office finances and budget process with development of key performance indicators and Strategic Business Plan.
Attend and participate in monthly Cabinet meetings, meetings with deputy county manager, office All Team meetings, meetings with County HR, and any other meetings as required in the role of department director.
Provide guidance on public health issues and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, and the county at large.
Develop and implement strategic initiatives.
Set the tone, climate, and vision for the department or agency.
Assure that all federal, State and County deliverables are met, and review reports submitted by staff members to address inconsistencies and communicate efforts appropriately.
Address questions and interact with media.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.
Serve as liaison between organizations, shareholders, and outside organizations.
Establish departmental responsibilities and coordinate functions among divisions and worksites.
Provide leadership in emergency preparedness response in the event of a pandemic, hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster/hazardous event.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 5 years of experience as a forensic pathologist performing autopsies and serving as a medical examiner investigating and certifying deaths. At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory role.

Education: Graduation from an accredited school of medicine with residency training in anatomic pathology (AP) or anatomic and clinical pathology (AP/CP) and I year of fellowship training in forensic pathology (FP).

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes

Licenses and Certifications:

Current board certifications in AP or AP/CP or other combination
Current board certification in Forensic Pathology (FP)
Current NC Medical License to be obtained prior to start of employment
Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License to be obtained prior to start of employment
Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required

Preferred Qualifications:

10 years of experience as a forensic pathologist/medical examiner
3 or more years of supervisory experience overseeing morgue operations and other pathologists, serving as a deputy director, or as a chief ME/FP

Compensation

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account option; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

Salary commensurate with education and related years of experience.

How to apply

For further information, please contact: D'anthony Tillery, Director of Talent Acquisition Phone 980-314-2748 Danthony.Tillery@mecklenburgcountync.gov or Apply online using this direct link: https://meckcounty.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12955?c=meckcounty&referralToken=eA8S0XavMUy3k1Ztpj4a7Q

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