Job Description

Chief Medical Examiner Investigator

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $32.23 - $53.37 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Tammy Alfaro | talfaro@utah.gov | 801-538-4221
Application Deadline – 7/7/2026, at 6 p.m.

Key Responsibilities

Do you have at least 2 years of investigation experience? Do you have supervisory experience? The Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) seeks you as the Chief Investigator!

The Chief Medical Examiner Investigator (Investigator IV, Non-Post) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Investigations section of the OME. The Investigations section is responsible for the investigation of all deaths falling under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Medical Examiner under Utah Code 26-4-7, including initial scene response as well as coordinating transportation of decedents, evidence processing, identification of decedents, and follow-up investigation to aid in the determination of cause and manner of death.

In addition, the Chief Medical Examiner Investigator supervises and directs a team of approximately 10 full-time, 20 part-time, and over 70 contract employees with these investigations. As the Chief Medical Examiner Investigator you will not be required to respond to situations that involve threats to public safety.

If you are not currently ABMDI certified you will need to become certified within 2 years of hire. Due to the nature of this position, compliance to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Employee Immunization policy is required. Travel is required.

Please Read Before Applying:

• Effective July 1, 2021, in-state work rules require all work to be performed while physically within the state’s borders.

This position may be eligible to work a hybrid schedule of both in-office and telework days. Please note, a position’s eligibility for hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.

The State of Utah requires all employees to physically work inside the State of Utah Boundaries.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Supervise subordinate employees with development of position-specific training plans, individual performance plans and coordination of work, work product and equipment use for part-time and contract employees.

• Oversee statewide scene investigations which include researching and gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and writing investigative findings as documentation for the Utah Medical Examiner Database; and the determination of jurisdiction of deaths reported to the OME.

• Assist medical examiners/forensic pathologists with complete documentation of evidence, report and records gathering and evaluation, and other requests as needed.

• Coordinate investigations with outside agencies.

• Develop and maintain investigation standard operating procedures and educate and train investigative staff on the content.

• Responsible for quality assurance/improvement efforts within the investigations section.

• Be familiar with laws and regulations regarding death investigation in Utah.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, agency rules and standards, accreditation guidelines, etc.

• Respond to incoming questions and complaints, provide information as allowed by law, explain policies and procedures, and facilitate resolution of issues as they arise.

• Coordinate the timely scientific identification of all unidentified decedents that fall under jurisdiction of the OME, under the direction of the assigned medical examiner.

• Serve as the OME contact for issues related to body transportation from death scenes.

• Provide consultation and serve as a resource for part-time and contract investigators statewide.

• Maintain OME vehicles, trailers, and death scene response tools and resources.

• Facilitate information exchange between investigators and organ and tissue donation coordinators to allow for timely donation of organs and tissues.

• In coordination with the Chief Medical Examiner, be responsible for mass fatality planning and response, including coordination of annual training exercises.

Qualifications

• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a).

• Has 5 years of experience as a medicolegal death investigator with supervisory experience.

• Has a fellowship-level certification by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).

• Has strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Has experience with case management software and data analysis software.

Preference

Preference may be given to candidates who have:

Supplemental Information

• Must have a valid driver's license. Travel required; you may be required to use your personal vehicle to perform the duties of this position; approved mileage is reimbursable through State Finance.

• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA53-3-202(1)(a).

• If offered this position, your continued employment with the OME is contingent upon passing a fingerprint background check.

Physical Requirements

• Work requires physical exertion. May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.).

• Positions located at the Department of Health are mobile, visit death scenes and document findings with a mobile device at the scene.

• Positions located at the Department of Health take custody of decedents which requires strenuous physical exertion and the ability to lift over 50 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g. working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.

About the Role

Location –
4451 South 2700 West
Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
United States
Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

Welcome! The Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) was established in 1972 and is a part of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). We investigate all sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious, or unattended deaths in Utah. For more information about the OME, click here

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.