| Location | Eugene, OR |
| Salary | $36.89–$49.25 Per Hour |
Medical Legal Death Investigator, Senior
Salary
$36.89 - $49.25 Hourly
Location
Public Service Building, OR
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
202600228
Department
District Attorneys Office
Division
DA Medical Examiner
Opening Date
10/14/2026
Closing Date
11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
DESCRIPTION
About the Position
The Senior Medical-Legal Death Investigator plays a critical role at the intersection of public health and public safety, conducting complex investigations into unattended, unexplained, suspicious, and other deaths requiring investigation throughout Lane County. This senior-level position requires exceptional investigative skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion.
In this role, you will conduct thorough death investigations, including scene examinations, witness interviews, medical history reviews, evidence gathering, and detailed documentation to support the determination of cause and manner of death. You will work closely with law enforcement, medical professionals, forensic partners, and other agencies to ensure investigations are accurate, thorough, and consistent with applicable laws and established standards.
Beyond individual investigations, this position provides advanced technical expertise and contributes to improving investigative practices across the program. Responsibilities include evaluating complex cases, identifying trends, reviewing policies and procedures, and recommending operational improvements to strengthen consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
We are looking for an experienced investigator who brings strong analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make informed decisions in challenging circumstances. Equally important is the ability to communicate with empathy, support grieving families, and build effective working relationships with community partners.
About the Department & Division:
The Lane County District Attorneys Office serves our community by promoting public safety, pursuing justice, supporting victims and families, and ensuring the fair and consistent application of the law. The office includes Criminal Prosecution, Juvenile, Family Law (Child Support Enforcement), Victim Services, and Death Investigations.
The Death Investigations program plays a vital role in determining the cause and manner of traumatic, unattended, and other deaths requiring investigation. Working collaboratively with law enforcement, medical professionals, and community partners, the team conducts thorough, objective investigations while treating individuals and grieving families with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Our work is guided by a commitment to integrity, accountability, professionalism, and service to the people of Lane County.
Schedule: Shift work will vary - day, swing, nights, weekends, holiday and on-call.
QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience (positions in this class typically require):
Seven years of education and/or experience in medical investigation, similar investigations, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or a related field, including three years of experience conducting medical legal death investigations.
An equivalent combination sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
Preferred Requirements:
Notes:
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
Medical Legal Death Investigator - Senior Classification Details
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Selection Process
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Strategic Plan
In alignment with Lane Countys Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.
The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.
Veteran Preference Information
Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits
At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.
Introducing ALEX, Lane Countys benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in todays date.
ALEX Benefit Advisor (click here)
Collective Bargaining Units:
Admin-Pro
AFSCME
AFSCME Nurses
AFSCME Physicians
FOPPO
LCPOA
Local 626
Prosecuting Attorneys
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically
Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30-days as an eligible employee.
Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2026 are outlined below:
If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA:
For eligible members of unions LCPOA, 626, Admin Pro, and AFSCME Physicians $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage.
For eligible members of unions AFSCME General, AFSCME Nurses, FOPPO, PAA, and non-represented employees $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Those who complete the requirements to receive the Live Well Credit by November 30, 2026, will receive an additional contribution of $400 individual or $800 family, funded in 2027.
These amounts are prorated based on date of hire.
All eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.
Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.
Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.
Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially
Retirement - Lane County pays for and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment.
Disability - Lane County provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.
Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.
Holidays - Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:
New Years Day
Independence Day
Martin Luther King Jrs Birthday
Labor Day
Presidents Day
Veterans Day
Memorial Day
Thanksgiving Day
Juneteenth
Christmas Day
Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.
County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well
On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees soft and technical skills.
Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.
Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.
Lane County offers these other valuable benefits
Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.
Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.
Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.
Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.
Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.
Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.
For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.
01
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.
02
Are you currently receiving PERS retiree benefits?
03
Please answer YES if you meet one of the following criteria: a. You have a valid Oregon Drivers License. b. You have a valid drivers license from another state AND are able to obtain an Oregon Drivers License by the time of appointment.
04
What is your highest level of education?
05
How many years of medical investigative or other investigative experience do you have?
06
Are you currently ABMDI certified (American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators) OR have the ability to be certified within two years of hire?
07
Describe a complex or challenging death investigation you have led or significantly contributed to. What was your role, what information or evidence did you gather, who did you coordinate with, and what was the outcome of your investigation? (20 points)
08
Share a time when you navigated a highly emotional interaction during an investigation. How did you ensure compassion while still obtaining accurate, detailed information for your report? (20 points)
09
Describe your experience training or mentoring new staff in investigative, medical, or forensic environments. What approach did you use, and how did you evaluate whether the training was effective? (20 points)
10
Describe a time you identified a need for a change in a procedure or workflow in your workplace. What was the issue, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome? (20 points)
11
Provide an example of when you provided feedback to a team member whose investigative documentation, judgment, or procedure use did not meet expectations. How did you address the situation, support their improvement, and ensure standards were upheld? (20 points)
Required Question
Employer Lane County
Department District Attorneys Office Address 125 E 8th Ave
Eugene, 97401
Website https://www.lanecounty.org/