Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career!!
Please apply by: Wednesday, November 11th, 2026
Salary Range: $63,080.00 to $78,850.00 per year. This is an exempt (salaried) (OR non-exempt) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture, and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office (MCMEO) mission is to provide county morgue and medical examiner/forensic pathology services to the citizens of Mecklenburg County. The MCMEO interacts with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to assist in death investigations, reporting their findings on the cause and manner of death. The MCMEO also provides consultation and forensic pathology services to one other regional county: Cleveland.
Onsite position is based at the Medical Examiner’s Office located at 3440 Reno Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28216.
Senior ME Investigator position will work the Overnight (9:00 PM to 7:00 AM shift), which includes 10-hour shifts for 4 days per week, with a 3-week rotation cycle.
Performs work in the Medical Examiner’s Office and at scenes of death to collect and provide information involved in Medico-legal death investigations. This position, under minimal supervision, is also responsible for arranging transport to and the release of decedents from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Conduct death investigations that result from criminal violence, suicide, mechanical, environmental or industrial accidents, death by poisoning, deaths in correctional facilities, sudden deaths unattended by a physician, and any deaths occurring in an unnatural or suspicious manner.
Prepare written reports documenting investigative steps, obtain medical records or other hospital specimens pertaining to the death investigation, and perform follow-up investigations on behalf of Forensic Pathologists/Medical Examiners as requested.
Interview witnesses to obtain information respond to death scenes and prepare detailed descriptions, examining and taking possession of decedents, obtains or coordinates positive identification through approved means, and supervises the decedent’s transport to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Provide information to family and authorized others as to Cause and Manner of Death, and thus provides counseling, support, understanding and education as warranted, and may provide Court testimony.
Conducts external examinations of Decedents under Medical Examiner jurisdiction, documenting case details, identification, and injuries, draws toxicology samples, completes required reports and a Death Certificate for each case assigned.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in forensic investigations
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Criminal Justice/Police Science, Forensic Science, or related field.
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted? Yes
Licenses and Certifications:
Current ABMDI certification is required for appointment to this position and must be maintained while employed in this position.
Current appointment as a Medical Examiner for Mecklenburg County by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner OR required to receive appointment as a Medical Examiner within 1 year of hire date or date moved to GS-11 role, based on State appointment availability.
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Requires County Driving Privileges
Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required
Current appointment as a Medical Examiner for Mecklenburg County by the NCOCME.
Prior experience performing external “non-invasive” examinations with decedents.
Knowledge of the NC state systems including MEIS and Forensic Advantage (FA).
Knowledge of
All federal, state and local regulatory requirements applicable to vital statistics recordation, laboratory operations, public records laws and rules of evidence
Death scene investigation procedures
Established laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures governing the receipt, storage and release of bodies
Microscopy, toxicology, ballistics and investigative techniques as they related to forensic medicine.
Rules of evidence as they apply to the preservation of specimens from a post-mortem examination
Basic Death Scene Investigation
Applicable forensic tools
Applicable safety/exposure procedures
Morgue/Laboratory procedures
Death case documentation
Abilities
Communicate: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner.
Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences.
Stress Tolerance: Maintaining stable performance under pressure or opposition; handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.
Patient Relations: Meeting client’s and their family's needs; using appropriate interpersonal techniques to resolve difficult situations and regain confidence.
Intermediate in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
Works in an office setting with moderate noise
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
Mecklenburg County is more than just a great place to work. The County provides an environment where you can touch and enrich lives every day in countless ways. From helping families in need to protecting the public’s health and even maintaining hundreds of acres of public park land, working here means you will have the chance to be a part of providing services for an amazingly diverse population.
It’s not just a place to work – for some, it’s an opportunity to serve their neighbors and make a difference in our community. For others, the role they take on fulfills a lifelong pursuit in an area of study. Whatever the reason you choose to work for the County, there is an opportunity for personal growth, professional development, and to truly make a difference in people’s lives.
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