Responsibilities

Whatcom County seeks an experienced and proven leader to serve as Medical Examiner, providing forensic pathology services, determining causes of death, and providing expert testimony in legal cases. Currently, the office performs an average of 20 autopsies per month.

The Whatcom County Medical Examiner has worked in the past as an independent agency operating under a professional services contract. In November 2023, County Council approved bringing the Medical Examiner and staff into Whatcom County employment. This transition offers the opportunity for more collaboration of resources, including grant opportunities, and better retention and stability of staff in professions where recruitment is in high demand.

The Medical Examiner will lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager, and temporary extra-help staff. They will effectively collaborate with law enforcement, legal, and public health agencies to meet the work, mission, goals and vision of the County.

The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office investigates deaths to determine jurisdiction and establish cause and manner of death for persons dying of unnatural circumstances in Whatcom County. The Medical Examiner’s Office team is composed of skilled, multi-disciplinary staff with a Medical Examiner, Operations Manager, Autopsy technician, three Medicolegal Death Investigators, and additional part-time staff.

Medical Examiner services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include death scene investigation, removal, locating and notifying next of kin, performing autopsies, interpreting toxicology results, identification of decedents, consulting with partners to determine opinions for archeologically significant remains and assisting the Washington State Archeologist to coordinate repatriation and reinternment, determination of nonhuman remains, necropsies, and providing consultative services to law enforcement agencies and to the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

The Office is responsible for signing death certificates for jurisdictional deaths, reviewing disposition authorizations, maintaining appropriate records, evidence collection, chain of custody, and safeguarding the personal property found with decedents. The Office also maintains responsibility for the disposition of the remains of unclaimed indigent persons who have died in Whatcom County.

Qualifications

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and WA State license;
3 years of forensic pathology and supervisory/management experience;
Certification as a forensic pathologist by the American Board of Pathology

The ideal candidate should possess a dynamic blend of effective leadership skills and a record of providing medically and scientifically accurate, well-organized documentation and testimony. Effective communication and the ability to establish relationships with and across a broad network of stakeholders and partners while navigating a political landscape. A creative problem solver, ability to advocate for and implement improvements in a resource-constrained environment.

Must have an overarching dedication and commitment to public service and desire to improve the quality of life for Whatcom County residents.

Compensation

$330,000 / year

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
30 days of Paid Time Off + 12 paid holidays annually.
Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
$50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

How to apply

Apply online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/whatcomcounty/jobs/4606255/medical-examiner?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Apply