Deputy Coroner (Part-time) - Park County Government

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Coroner, this part-time role involves various administrative and forensic analytical tasks to support the Coroner’s office. Duties include responding to death scenes, assisting in investigations, making notifications, transporting remains, and other related responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Travel to locations of homicides, suicides, accidental, suspicious, or unattended deaths as scheduled by the Coroner.
• Systematically investigate death scenes to help determine cause and manner of death.
• Take custody of remains following established procedures.
• Perform initial on-site examinations, photograph remains, and collect relevant data pertaining to the cause and manner of death; conduct external examinations and collect bodily fluids for toxicology if necessary.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and county, state, and federal agencies on investigative efforts; compile accurate and thorough death investigation reports.
• Complete any assigned follow-up investigations.
• Adhere to safety protocols and infectious control measures.
• Identify the deceased and notify the legal next of kin following applicable regulations.
• Transport remains to the county morgue.
• Assess the need for autopsies or other forensic tests.
• Attend autopsies and provide detailed information to forensic pathologists.
• Provide court testimony when required.
• Serve as Emergency Support Function personnel during emergency events and participate in preparedness drills as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Coroner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of Park County Coroner’s office objectives and protocols.
• Familiarity with death investigation procedures and standards.
• Proficiency with computers and internet-based software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Physical ability to assist with lifting bodies from death scenes into vehicles.
• Competence in preparing detailed investigative reports.
• Availability for on-call response on a 24/7 basis as assigned.
• Ability to comprehend medical and forensic terminology and data.
• Emotional resilience to manage stress from human suffering and emergencies.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The role involves indoor office work preparing reports and outdoor work at death scenes that may involve challenging conditions such as extreme weather, unsanitary environments, chemicals, wreckage, and confined spaces. The job requires various physical activities including sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, crawling, reaching, twisting, climbing, and regularly lifting up to 50 pounds, occasionally up to 200 pounds. Transportation of remains beyond county boundaries is also required.

Interaction and Confidentiality

This position regularly communicates with other coroner offices, medical examiners, emergency responders, law enforcement, government agents, victim families, and mortuaries, requiring sensitivity and confidentiality. It involves handling equipment responsibly and abiding by privacy laws such as the Colorado Open Records Act and HIPAA.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus college coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, forensic science, biology, or medically related fields.
• At least one year of medical-related experience, law enforcement, or related scientific work; education and experience equivalents considered.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license.
• Successful completion of a background and criminal history check.

Additional Requirements

• Irregular schedule with an obligation to respond 24/7.
• Must achieve Registry Certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation within 18 months of hire.
• Obtain a minimum of 20 hours yearly continuing education approved by the Coroner’s office.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Park County is committed to equal opportunity employment.