Deputy Coroner

Role overview

The Deputy Coroner performs medicolegal death investigations under close to general supervision. The role involves determining the cause, manner, and circumstances of death, as well as confirming the identity of decedents under the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Office. Deputies may also arrange for, attend, and support autopsies carried out by a pathologist, along with any other duties assigned by the Coroner.

Key duties

• Carry out the full responsibilities of a subordinate medicolegal death investigator and participate in the regular on-call rotation.
• Review incoming reports from law enforcement, physicians, and others to decide whether a case falls under the Coroner’s legal authority.
• Investigate deaths to establish the facts, manner, and medical cause, and verify the deceased person’s identity.
• Speak with witnesses and examine medical and other relevant records to gather information about the death.
• Perform medicolegal examinations at death scenes, including photographing and fingerprinting decedents.
• Collect bodily fluids using safe and appropriate procedures for laboratory and toxicology analysis.
• Order, attend, and assist with autopsies when needed, and coordinate with toxicologists, criminal investigators, and other specialists.
• Notify family members or next of kin about the death in a timely and proper manner.
• Take custody of personal belongings recovered with the decedent and, when appropriate and in consultation with the county attorney, review wills or similar documents to help identify next of kin.
• Prepare death investigation reports for the Coroner’s review.
• Share information with law enforcement, relatives, and funeral directors as appropriate.
• Provide testimony in court or at an inquest regarding findings from Coroner investigations when required.
• Monitor open cases and follow up with pathologists until they are resolved.
• Handle unclaimed remains in line with department procedures and state law.
• Maintain effective working relationships and communicate clearly with physicians, emergency responders, law enforcement, funeral homes, departments, and other stakeholders.
• Release Coroner information only as permitted by law.
• Perform other duties related to the Coroner’s Office as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements

Candidates should have an associate degree in criminal justice, mortuary science, health services, or a related discipline; or at least 2 years of relevant work experience or training; or an equivalent mix of education, training, and experience. The role also requires successful completion of a criminal history check, background check, and drug screening, plus a valid Wyoming driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Travel is required.

• Understanding of investigative methods, interviewing practices, and the use of scientific equipment.
• Knowledge of evidence rules; laws related to death; ethical handling of the deceased; and criminal and civil law.
• Familiarity with basic anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of collecting, preserving, and recognizing medicolegal and criminal evidence.
• Understanding of unclaimed body procedures and applicable laws.
• Ability to assess situations and choose appropriate actions.
• Capability to work safely in hazardous conditions while using personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work effectively with law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel, physicians, attorneys, and distressed individuals.
• Strong report writing and correspondence skills.
• Ability to communicate with medical professionals using technical language.
• Professional, efficient, and dependable approach to all duties.
• Willingness to work varied hours for extended periods while maintaining professionalism and sound procedures.
• Ability to move, examine, and observe bodies in confined, cramped, burned, or otherwise difficult locations.
• Strong verbal communication skills by phone, radio, and in person, including the ability to distinguish colors when assessing injuries and death scenes.
• Ability to remain stationary for long stretches of time.
• Capacity to follow procedures and remain composed in physically and emotionally stressful situations.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite position with no salary amount provided in the source. The role is part of the normal on-call rotation and may require extended and varied working hours. All duties must be carried out in compliance with departmental procedures and applicable laws.