Medical Examiner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

5 min read

A Medical Examiner, or Forensic Scientist, is responsible for assisting law enforcement officers in investigating deaths and analyzing crime scene evidence. Their duties include performing autopsies on cadavers, traveling to crime scenes to collect evidence and drafting death certificates once they determine the cause of death.

Medical Examiner duties and responsibilities

A Medical Examiner is vital to the success of criminal investigations. Their evidence is frequently used in investigations, and they’re responsible for preserving evidence to ensure it can be used in court. A Medical Examiner may also perform autopsies to determine the cause of a person’s death. Other primary duties and responsibilities include:

Cleaning laboratory stations and supplies
Maintaining and ordering new laboratory equipment
Investing sudden deaths, sometimes at the scene of a crime
Helping police collect evidence at crime scenes
Providing expert testimony in court cases
Preparing death certificates and other legal documents

Hire your next Medical Examiner today.

Build a job description

Hire your next Medical Examiner today.

Build a job description

Medical Examiner Job Description Examples

Example 1

Searching for a Lab Tech, MA, LPN, Phlebotomist, RN, or EMT.

Perform mobile medical exams for insurance policies at the client's home or place of business.

Must have excellent phlebotomy skills, be able to collect blood pressure, complete an EKG, and complete a full medical history report.

Excellent time management and organizational skills are required.

Must have a valid driver's license with reliable transportation and full coverage auto insurance.

Must have own computer, printer, Internet and a fax machine or scanner.

A cell phone that can be used for business purposes.

Searching for an examiner that would have weekday early morning, evening, and/or weekend availability to see applicants.

Examiners are able to determine their own schedule and coverage areas. Fees based on services provided.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

Pay: $30,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Choose your own hours
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

Phlebotomy: 1 year (Required)

Willingness to travel:

100% Location: In person

Example 2

Medigence Health provides Quality and Care Gap visits for Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial Marketplace members/patients of primary care physicians, medical groups, and health plans we serve.

Responsibilities:

Perform mobile Quality and Care Gap visits in member s homes.

Complete tests and screenings such as fingerstick A1c, Microalbumin Urine Dipstick, collect images for Retinal Eye Exam, and complete various other required tests and screenings.

Capture blood pressure, pulse ox, height, weight and BMI

Record results in tablet based documentation tool provided by Medigence Health.

Travel throughout local counties, regions, and/or states

Required Skills and Experience:

Prior hands on experience in a clinical environment

Ability to capture basic vitals such as blood pressure

Must have reliable transportation and valid drivers license

Effectively communicate with elderly and chronically ill members

Comfortable working in a home visit environment

Proficient in use of tablet and mobile technology

Excellent Time Management and organization skills required

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $100.00 - $1,000.00 per Location: On the road

Example 3

*Please note, by clicking APPLY, you are requesting that a DHHR Recruitment Team Member reach out to you regarding further pertinent application steps.

Conducts and directs field investigations of events involving deaths in the state of WV from the forensic investigation unit of the OCME, a primarily office based setting. Assists in determining which deaths require the attention of the OCME. Assists in the classification of OCME case types through consultation with on call forensic pathologist, coordinates decedent transport and performs procedures relative to receipt and release of decedent's at OCME. Position requires direct contact with decedents on a daily basis. Provides telephonic consultation to statewide network of OCME appointed county medical examiners. Conducts follow-up investigation by contacting law enforcement agencies family members, Physicians and other involved parties. Releases decedent from OCME to funeral home; performs a variety of technical duties to process, store, protect, deliver, release and dispose of cleared evidence property. This position is approved for special hiring rate of $36,000. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner maintains 24/7/365 operations in it's forensic investigation unit where this position is allocated. All positions within the OCME are subject to successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.

Training:Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Substitution: Experience as described below may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required training.

Experience: Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in law enforcement or investigative work.

Special Requirements: Possession of a valid driver's license and the availability of an automobile is required. Qualification to possess and use firearms may be required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,994.00 - $66,589.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
On call

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

investigative: 2 years Location: One location

Example 4

Please note, by clicking Apply, you are requesting that a DHHR Recruitment Team Member reach out to you regarding further application steps.

Nature of Work

Responsible for overall purchasing requests, contract and purchasing related interaction with Bureau of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Resources and other state entities on behalf of The Office Of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). Review and approve all purchasing requests initiated across The Office Of Chief Medical Examiner sections to ensure supporting documentation and appropriate supplemental Information is accurate and meets state purchasing requirements as applicable. Responsible for tracking purchase requests from initiation through completion, to include justification letters, payments of invoices, completion of receiving reports and asset tag placements. Responsible for performance of all purchasing bid requirements associated with the OCME purchases and projects to include drafting of bid specs in coordination with the appropriate OCME sections. Responsible for oversight, maintenance and renewal of existing contracts for lab equipment, temporary hires, cold storage unit, body bags etc. In a timely manner and in accordance with state purchasing guidelines, responsible for maintaining an updated list of approved statewide contracted vendors for utilization by OCME in meeting The Office's purchasing needs. Serves as the primary state purchase card holder for the OCME. Serves as the primary receiving official for all deliveries to the office with responsibility for proper inventory and distribution of goods when they are received. Coordinates any service call and/or maintenance call related requirements across OCME sections and ensures follow-up and services are performed. Others duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Training:Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
OR
*Substitution: Full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience as described below may substitute for the required training at the rate of one (1) year of experience for 30 credit hours of education.
*AND*
Experience:Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in a broad range of purchasing of commodities or services in a centralized purchasing function for use in the operation of a private industry or governmental unit. Purchasing experience must be for direct use of the industry or governmental unit, not for retail sales.
OR
*Substitution: A Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience at a rate of one (1) year of experience for 15 semester hours of education not to exceed two (2) years.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32,336.00 - $59,820.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour Location: In person

Example 5

Job Summary

The work of the Death Investigator includes but is not limited to the use of digital photography; scene description (written summary and diagram); interviewing witnesses and other persons; collecting and summarizing information regarding the decedent from a variety of sources; lifting, loading, and transportation of human remains; and notification of next of kin.

Qualifications

Experience and Training:

An Associate's Degree is required with work experience performing criminal, civil, and/or death investigations. A Bachelor's Degree is preferred with work experience performing criminal, civil, and/or death investigations. Any equivalent combination of education or experience in medical, criminal justice, or related fields that would demonstrate the ability to perform the requirements of the position will be considered.

Previous experience with death/decedents is strongly preferred. Applicants with a history of working in/around death will be prioritized.

Special Requirements:

Work variable shifts to include: nights, afternoons, days, holidays, weekends, and emergency situations. May be on on-call status 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Possession of a valid driver's license unrestricted except as to vision from state of residence and evidence of a safe driving record.

Successfully pass a background investigation (including a criminal records check and fingerprinting), drug screen, physical abilities test, and psychological examination.

Carry an employer-issued cell phone while on shift.

Must possess or attain American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator (ABMDI) Registry Certification within 24 months of date of appointment to position.

Work as a team member and independently utilize strong decision making and critical thinking skills that are within the scope of this position.

Knowledge of:interviewing, criminal investigation and identification procedures and techniques; methods, practices, equipment and procedures involved in handling human remains; human anatomy and physiological functions of the human body; data collection, report writing principles; procedures necessary to prepare a body for autopsy and to assist during an autopsy; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations.

For complete job announcement, application requirements, and to apply on-line, please visit our website at:

[website] Salary Grade: Local 8.050 ($4,843.00 - $6,528.00) per month

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,843.00 - $6,528.00 per Location: One location

Example 6

Example 7

Job Opening: Administrator-Office of the Medical Examiner

Department: Medical Examiner

Location: Lima, PA

Salary-$83, 000- $98,000

Closing Date:until filled

Scheduled Hours:40 hours per week; overtime as needed; some weekend and evening hours

Summary:

The County of Delaware is seeking an experienced Administrator-Office of the Medical Examiner. The ideal candidate is a leader with extensive experience overseeing the daily operations of a Medical Examiner's Office. Ideal candidates are hands-on strategic managers who have a demonstrated ability to lead a team of experienced professionals effectively. Ideal candidates will demonstrate high-level experience as well as the ability to:

Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of the laws, regulations, and trends affecting the Medical Examiner Office
Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of the interrelationships between a Coroner's Office and law enforcement agencies as it relates to the justice system
Develop innovative and strategic solutions to operational challenges and policy goals. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the Board of Supervisors, agency leadership and staff, County officials, law enforcement partners, governing boards and committees, and the public
Have exceptional analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
Be a hands-on, self-driven, and results-oriented strategic leader
Foster a work environment that encourages internal and external collaborator trust and a commitment to customer service
Oversee and direct administrative, budget and fiscal management, and personnel management activities for a public agency
Provide direction and guidance to agency leaders regarding organizational vision, strategic goals, and program initiatives
Develop, modify, and implement policies and procedures to effect legislative and regulatory compliance
Assist in achieving and maintaining the accreditation of a Medical Examiner's Office
Work with the Chief of Forensic Investigationsto improve staffing, physical resources, and a long-term action plan for a variety of workplace improvements
Provide staff support and oversight, and ensure that all functions operate in alignment with County guidelines
Prepare payroll biweekly and track time away from work for Medical Examiner staff
Prepare Personal Action Forms and Employment Requisitions for all new hires, transfers, and changes in status and retirements in the department

*Additionally, the Administrator-Medical Examiner's Offer will: *

Have five (8) or more years of management experience over staff responsible for conducting medicolegal death investigations
Ideally has completed the POST-certified Death Investigation, Medical Examiner's, or Coroner Mass Fatality Awareness course (successful completion of the POST-certified Death
Must demonstrate a management style that fosters trust, loyalty, respect, commitment, and partnership

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Health Services Administration, in criminal justice, science, chemistry, biology, physics, forensic science, business or public administration
Management experience and ability to supervise and motivate clinic staff to perform their duties efficiently
Exceptional organizational skills to ensure that quality services are provided
Proficiency in managing budgets, billing, and negotiating with suppliers and vendors
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to pass a security background check

Residence Requirement:The County of Delaware has a residency requirement for employees. Anyone applying for this job must reside in Delaware County or be willing to move to the County within three months of starting employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $83,000.00 - $98,000.00 per year

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

Media, PA 19063: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

Microsoft Office: 10 years (Required)
Administrative experience: 10 years Location: One location

Our mission

Read our editorial guidelines

What does a Medical Examiner do?

Medical Examiners typically work for law enforcement agencies in forensic laboratories. They work closely with Police Officers, Criminal Investigators and other forensic professionals to determine a cause of death for the deceased and bring closure to loved ones. Their job is to maintain a clean laboratory space and maintain an inventory of forensic tools and supplies to aid their job duties. They may also be responsible for providing testimony in a court of law to offer professional expertise about how someone died.

Medical Examiner skills and qualifications

Medical Examiners need a wide range of skills. Candidates develop the technical skills they need in college and through residency. This should cover qualifications like knowing how to handle evidence, maintaining a lab and working with a team to collect and publish data. Other essential skills and qualifications for a Medical Examiner include:

Decision-making skills
Communication skills
The ability to preserve the integrity of evidence, from initial collection to processing and delivering materials to other sources
The ability to work under intense pressure without compromising the quality of your work

Medical Examiner salary expectations

Common salary: 72833.06 YEARLY
Typical salaries range from 14000.00 - 186000.00 YEARLY
Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Medical Examiner education and training requirements

Medical Examiners must complete several years of higher education, ending with becoming an M.D. or D.O. This can take 15 years; students must first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, then attend medical school for another four years and then complete residency, which can take up to seven years. Finally, before beginning in this career field, candidates must become certified in accordance with state laws.

Medical Examiner experience requirements

Medical Examiners can find work after completing their residencies. While these individuals won’t have experience working with a company or organization yet, they will have gained sufficient real-world experience through their residency program.

If you’re hiring a Medical Examiner, you’ll get some applicants with previous Medical Examiner experience and some with experience from a related background, such as science or chemistry. For entry-level workers, you’ll find up to roughly two years of experience. Mid- and senior-level roles typically require three to five years of experience or more.

Job description samples for similar positions

Is this description not quite what you’re looking for? Since Medical Examiner work in such a niche area, it might help to expand your search and review other positions. To ensure you’re crafting the most effective description possible, check out our samples and descriptions for a few similar roles:

Frequently asked questions about Medical Examiners

Medical Examiners and Coroners both perform autopsies and determine the causes of death for deceased individuals. Typically, employers use the titles “Medical Examiner” and “Coroner” interchangeably depending on whether they work in large cities or rural areas. For example, the title “Medical Examiner” is usually used in towns or cities. In contrast, the title “Coroner” is usually used for those working in more rural areas with limited law enforcement resources.

Medical Examiners and Coroners differ in their qualifications. For example, Coroners typically hold other jobs like shop owners, Lawyers, Farmers or tradespeople and earn their position as a Coroner by election. In contrast, Medical Examiners earn a Doctorate of Medicine degree and get appointed by a board.

On a typical day, a Medical Examiner starts by checking their email and voicemail. They respond to time-sensitive messages from Law Enforcement Officers and continue working on reports from previous cases. At any time of day, including during the night, Medical Examiners receive calls from law enforcement regarding suspicious deaths or crimes. They spend multiple hours at the crime scene collecting evidence, taking photos and speaking with officials before transporting the deceased to the mortuary.

During quiet moments during their workday, Medical Examiners perform autopsies and record any chemicals or substances found in the body.

A good Medical Examiner has an investigative nature that enables them to run tests and analyze evidence or cadaver injuries to determine a plausible cause of death for an individual. They demonstrate respect for cadavers as they complete autopsies and other tests. They also have compassion for the deceased’s loved ones and communicate with them to provide them with the answers they need to heal. Further, a good Medical Examiner has excellent written and verbal communication. This quality enables them to write reports detailing the cause of death and allows them to speak before a courtroom about their findings.

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

Hire your next Medical Examiner today.

Build a job description

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found

Medical Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Medical Examiner duties and responsibilities

Medical Examiner Job Description Examples

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Build your Medical Examiner job description in minutes.

What does a Medical Examiner do?

Medical Examiner skills and qualifications

Medical Examiner salary expectations

Medical Examiner salary expectations

Medical Examiner education and training requirements

Medical Examiner experience requirements

Job description samples for similar positions

Frequently asked questions about Medical Examiners

Hire your next Medical Examiner today.

Job Description Examples

Jumpstart your hiring with a $75 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Medical Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Medical Examiner duties and responsibilities

Medical Examiner Job Description Examples

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Build your Medical Examiner job description in minutes.

What does a Medical Examiner do?

Medical Examiner skills and qualifications

Medical Examiner salary expectations

Medical Examiner salary expectations

Medical Examiner education and training requirements

Medical Examiner experience requirements

Job description samples for similar positions

Frequently asked questions about Medical Examiners

Hire your next Medical Examiner today.

Job Description Examples

Related articles