Nature of Work

We have decided to re-open this recruitment in order to obtain a larger applicant pool. If you have already applied, your application will be considered and you DO NOT need to re-apply.

At Coconino County, public service matters. Our dedication to public service promotes a culture that elicits employee growth, cultivates inspiration, and creates future leaders by empowering employees to solve internal and external customer needs and exceed customer service expectations. As an award-winning organization with high regard for cultural diversity and the positive contributions of the many thriving cultures within our county, our nation, and our society, Coconino County leads a variety of initiatives that celebrate diversity; from our Annual Diversity Day, and monthly Heritage Lunch & Learns, to book clubs, and professional development academies which target diverse workforce segments. Coconino County's respect for diversity is shared throughout the organization. Be part of this optimistic, innovative team where outstanding customer service creates dynamic solutions and engages leadership at every level.

Under general supervision performs work of moderate to considerable difficulty in forensic operations and investigations; performs related work assigned.

Please note: This position will take regular weekend, holiday and on-call shifts.
This position is open until filled. We will be reviewing applications as they are received.

Typical Duties

FORENSIC TECH/INVESTIGATOR:

TYPICAL DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Receives notification of death and determines jurisdiction.
• Investigates the cause and manner of death in cases of unattended natural death, accident, suicide, or homicide
• Prioritizes multiple scene calls
• Assists with death investigations under the direction of the Forensic Tech/Investigator II/III or Lead
• Conducts interviews with family members, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals and others regarding circumstances of death
• Examines and photographs death scenes
• Ensures safe and protected transport of bodies, personal effects, and evidence
• Performs thorough and complete follow up on each case that is investigated
• Assists with identification of decedents
• Interacts with related agencies and service providers regarding investigative matters
• Collects, submits, retrieves, controls and documents pathological, toxicological/histological specimens
• Files paperwork internally
• Prepares and maintain records and reports
• Catalogues evidentiary material
• Becomes proficient in techniques in performing autopsies under supervision
• Prepares bodies, assists with autopsy examinations and sutures bodies after autopsies
• Safely moves and manipulates decedents at scenes and during the postmortem examination
• Proficiently uses autopsy tools including but not limited to a bone saw, skull key, scalpel, dissecting scissors, dura strippers, x-ray machine, camera, IR camera and syringes
• Retrieves, controls, and documents toxicological/histological specimens
• Prepares toxicological/histological specimens for mailing and receives/ records results
• Arranges for the pickup of bodies after autopsies are completed
• Inventories and orders autopsy/lab supplies and ensures that supplies, tools, protective gear and related equipment are on hand and in good working order when needed
• Cleans and maintains the morgue and autopsy area
• Obtain and/or maintain ABMDI certification

Essential functions of this position include but are not limited to: driving; standing; walking; lifting; carrying 100 lbs (preparing for examinations); restocking clinical supplies; working with and around others, including family members, law enforcement, funeral directors, and other agencies; pushing/pulling 250 lbs; operating x-ray equipment; repetitive motion (elbow/shoulder) preparing for examinations, retrieving supplies, and scene investigations; vision acuity (near/far) for paperwork and examinations; performing autopsies; color vision; hearing and speech for telephone and (ordinary conversation) testifying in court, etc.; touch for examinations and typing reports; toxicology/histology preparations. Environmental conditions include: working with chemicals and potential injury/ cuts from tools; possible exposure to infectious agents; exposure to fumes, odors and gases.

Minimum Qualifications

FORENSIC TECH/INVESTIGATOR I:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field, and any combination of experience in forensic investigation, technician or applicable work, OR any combination of experience and education that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

FORENSIC TECH/INVESTIGATOR II:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one-year investigative experience; OR any combination of experience and education that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

FORENSIC TECH/INVESTIGATOR III:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and two years investigative experience; OR any combination of experience and education that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Must possess and maintain the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Diplomat or Fellow designation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must obtain an Arizona driver's license by date of hire and maintain it throughout employment. Final job offer will be contingent upon a satisfactory 5-year Arizona Motor Vehicle Report.

The ideal candidate is familiar with the workings of a medical examiner's office, ABMDI certified, flexible, able to work days, nights, and weekends, has a high emotional intelligence, willing to learn and teach others, has a positive attitude, is a clear written and oral communicator, good collaborator, organized

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiar with anatomy and physiology, familiar with a medical examiner environment, skilled written and oral communicator, critical thinker, can work in a team environment, self-motivated,

This position is safety sensitive.

This position is non-exempt from overtime.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of:

• Morgue practices and procedures

• Forensic evidence collection procedures, including specimen and tissue retrieval

• Law enforcement principles, practices, methods, techniques and equipment

• Investigative methods and laws in criminology

• Pathology, anatomy, and physiology

• Safe and proper handling of bodily fluids, tissues, sharps, etc.

• Proper handling of bodily fluids, tissues and other body parts to prevent contamination and preventable deterioration of evidence

Working knowledge of:

• Investigative methods and laws in criminology

• Law enforcement principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment

• Cultural differences related to death

• Laws and regulations governing the Office of the Medical Examiner

• The use of computers in record keeping and data management

Skill in:

• Cleaning and sanitizing equipment, tools and surfaces

• Preparing lab and tissue specimens

• Obtaining valid information via interviews

• Preparing detailed and complete written reports

Ability to:

• Plan, organize and prioritize multiple investigations

• Write and edit reports and other technical documents

• Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, family members, other agencies and the public

• Follow written and verbal instructions

• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing

• Work rotating shifts and on-call to ensure departmental coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Coconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Employee Benefits

Coconino County offers a comprehensive employee benefits
package to regular employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes:

(Regular Part Time employees receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis. Temporary and Seasonal employees do not receive benefits. Elected officials are not eligible for vacation and sick leave.)

• Vacation/Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 10 Holidays Per Year
• Health Care Insurance
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Pre-Tax Deduction Plan
• Sick Leave Conversion Plan
• Personal Day Purchase Program
• Vacation Sell Back Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Wellness Program
• Long-Term Disability
• Arizona State Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-going Training Opportunities
• Free bus transportation/ EcoPass bus pass

Elective Coverage

• Dependent Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Tax-deferred investment program
• Accidental and Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability