Full-Time Deputy Coroner

Job Title: Full-Time Deputy Coroner
Department: Coroner's Office
Reports To: County Coroner
Classification: Full-Time, Non- Exempt
Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 annually
Benefits: Employee Benefits | Lake County, CO
**Open until filled**

Position Summary
The Deputy Coroner will conduct investigations of all deaths which fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Coroner. To conduct a Medicolegal Death Investigation, they will positively identify the deceased, and notify the next of kin. The Deputy Coroner may be required to assist a forensic pathologist with their autopsies and will be required to maintain chain of custody for all evidence pertinent to the investigation. This position requires substantial travel and continuous training obligations.

This is a 40hour/week position with on call shifts. On-Call shifts are required up to seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. On-Call shifts are 24 hours. Full time candidates must live in Lake County. This is not a remote position, and in-office work may be required up to seven days a week.

This is a very physically arduous position and physical fitness is critical. Prior experience in death investigation is required. Prior emergency services experience is highly desirable. Experience working with small county governments, grant writing, and financial policies is desirable.

Lake County Benefits

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Days
• Generous paid Holiday package with at least 12 paid holidays each year
• Employer-Sponsored Medical and Dental Insurance Plans
• 100% Employer Paid Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Employer-Sponsored Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance Plans
• 401(a) and 457(b) Retirement Plans with a 9% Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continued education opportunities with department approval
• Discounts on concerts, major sporting events, electronics, travel, cars and more!
• Please review the employee Benefits Guide in conjunction with the employee handbook for full details.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responds to scene of death and investigates the death scene.
• Photographs, sketches, and notes details of death scene.
• Assists with proper removal of body or bodies from scene.
• Collects physical evidence pertinent to the death investigation.
• Interviews families, friends, professionals, and others associated with the deceased.
• Obtains statements, documents, and related factual evidence.
• Examines and understands records needed in death investigation.
• Reviews information obtained to determine cause of death and identify the deceased as necessary.
• Confers with medical professionals, social workers, and law enforcement agencies related to investigative cases.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties will be assigned as needed.
• Answers phones, responds to emails.
• This role will attend meetings with other agencies as needed.
• Understands policies and procedures.
• This role involves substantial day to day handling of office duties, such as assisting part timers with their cases and timesheets.
• This role will handle all cases as necessary, including cases for which the deputy coroner was not present.
• Follows up on cases.
• Demonstrates excellent empathy and communication skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• As assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• Valid Colorado’s driver’s license
• Clean criminal background.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Available 24/7/365 for critical job duties.
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to lift 150lbs+ with assistance. This is a very physically arduous position.
• Professional attitude and work ethic.
• Applicant must be ABMDI certified or have equivalent experience in death investigation.
• Ability to respond to scenes within one (1) hour.
• Applicants MUST have secured housing within Lake County.
• Bilingual preferred
• Ability to maintain composure and display empathy and respect required.
• Applicant must have prior experience in emergency services. Law enforcement or death investigation experience is preferred. Search and rescue experience is desirable.

Physical Activity & Work Environment

• Sitting; Less than 50% of time
• Walking; More than 50% of time
• Standing; More than 50% of time
• Using hands/fingers to feel or handle items; More than 50% of time
• Reaching, pushing or pulling with arms/hands; More than 50% of time
• Climbing; Less than 50% of time
• Balancing; Less than 50% of time
• Kneeling, crawling, or crouching; Less than 50% of time
• Talking or hearing; More than 50% of time
• Tasting or smelling; More than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving or exerting force of up to 10 lbs.; More than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving or exerting force of up to 25 lbs.; More than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving or exerting force of up to 50 lbs.; More than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving or exerting force of up to 100 lbs.; More than 50% of time
• Lifting, moving or exerting force of more than 100 lbs.; More than 50% of time
• Seeing up close; More than 50% of time
• Seeing long distances; Less than 50% of time
• Seeing color; More than 50% of time
• Use of peripheral vision; Less than 50% of time
• Perceiving depth; Less than 50% of time
• Adjusting and focusing vision; More than 50% of time
• Working outdoors in inclement weather – extreme hot; Less than 50% of time
• Working outdoors in inclement weather – extreme cold; Less than 50% of time
• Working indoors in an office environment; More than 50% of time
• Working in high places;Less than 50% of time
• Working near moving mechanical parts and machines; Less than 50% of time
• Working in wet/humid conditions that are not weather related; Less than 50% of time
• Working in extreme cold conditions that are not weather related; Less than 50% of time
• Working in extreme hot conditions that are not weather related; Less than 50% of time
• Working with airborne particles or fumes; Less than 50% of time
• Working with toxic or caustic chemicals or agents; Less than 50% of time
• Working with explosives; Less than 50% of time
• Working in an area with a risk of exposure to radiation; Less than 50% of time
• Working in an area with a risk of exposure to electrocution; Less than 50% of time
• Exposure to vibration; Less than 50% of time
• Working in a loud environment; Less than 50% of time

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.