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Coroner Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Imf

Deputy Division Chief - FADR2

Washington, DC

Work for the IMF. Work for the World. The Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) provides policy and technical advice on public finance to member countries, supporting the work of area departments and ...

Socket.dev

Deputy Division Chief - FADR2

Washington, DC · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Work for the IMF. Work for the World. The Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) provides policy and technical advice on public finance to member countries, supporting the work of area departments and ...

All JobsCoroner JobsCoroner Jobs in Reston, VA

Coroner information

What does a coroner do?

Coroners are in charge of recording the cause, time, and manner of death of citizens in their jurisdiction. It is the coroner’s job to determine if the manner of death was natural or if foul play was involved. If needed, the coroner will request an investigation. Some coroners may be elected or appointed to the role and may have served previously in other crime prevention or government positions. When a coroner investigates or reports a suspicious death, they may refer to a forensic specialist for assistance. Local laws vary by jurisdiction as to what the coroner has the power to do.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coroner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coroner, you need a background in medicine, forensic science, or law, often supported by a medical degree, law degree, or relevant certification depending on jurisdiction. Familiarity with forensic pathology tools, death investigation protocols, and legal documentation systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are key soft skills for interacting with law enforcement, families, and the judicial system. These competencies ensure accurate cause-of-death determinations, proper legal proceedings, and sensitive handling of bereaved families.

What are some common challenges coroners face when working with families of the deceased?

Coroners often encounter emotionally charged situations when interacting with grieving families, as they are responsible for explaining autopsy findings, cause of death, and legal procedures. Balancing compassion with the need to obtain accurate information can be challenging. Additionally, coroners must maintain confidentiality and sensitivity while ensuring that families understand the processes involved, which requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Coroner vs Medical Examiner?

AspectCoronerMedical Examiner
CredentialsMay not require medical degree; often electedMust be a licensed physician, often a forensic pathologist
Work EnvironmentTypically in county or local government officesIn hospitals, morgues, or government agencies
Industry UsageCommon in rural or smaller jurisdictionsUsed in larger cities and counties
Role FocusDetermine cause of death, often with limited medical trainingPerform autopsies, determine cause of death, and testify in court

While both Coroners and Medical Examiners determine causes of death, Medical Examiners are licensed physicians with specialized training in forensic pathology, working primarily in larger jurisdictions. Coroners may not require medical degrees and are often elected officials in smaller areas. Their roles overlap in death investigations, but Medical Examiners typically provide more detailed autopsies and expert testimony.

How do coroners get their jobs?

Coroners are typically elected officials or appointed by local government authorities, often requiring candidates to meet specific qualifications such as relevant medical or forensic training. Many coroners have backgrounds as physicians, forensic pathologists, or law enforcement, and must often pass exams or meet certification standards depending on the jurisdiction.

Is it hard to get a job as a coroner?

Becoming a coroner typically requires relevant medical or forensic training, such as a medical degree or law enforcement experience, and often involves certification or licensing. Competition can be high due to the specialized nature of the role, and positions may be limited depending on the jurisdiction and budget constraints.

What is the job of a coroner?

A coroner is an official responsible for investigating unexplained, sudden, or suspicious deaths, often determining the cause and manner of death. The role typically involves examining bodies, collecting evidence, and working with law enforcement and medical examiners. Coroners may require specific certifications and work in morgues or medical facilities.
More about Coroner jobs

What job categories do people searching Coroner jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Coroner jobs in Reston, VA are:

Coroner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coroner job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Call for CVs: EMS Coordinator / County Coroner Role Players

McColm and Company

Arlington, VA • On-site

$77K - $95K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

McColm & Company (McColm) is a mission-driven and customer-focused consulting firm that equips change makers with the knowledge, skills, and insights they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world. McColm specializes in supporting U.S. federal customers with emergency response, national security, human services, and foreign affairs focused portfolios by managing bespoke professional training programs, delivering effective capacity building solutions, and providing highly specialized technical assistance and analysis expertise to decision makers.
McColm is expanding our bench of qualified EMS Coordinator and/or County Coroner role players in support of CERFP (CBRN Enhanced Response Force Package) exercise support services. These opportunities are short term, intermittent contract opportunities in which the SMEs will need to be available to provide services on customer established dates and travel to perform work at the Government's site - typically for 3-7 days per assignment. The position description below details the anticipated duties and qualifications of the role, contingent upon contract award.
The EMS Coordinator / County Coroner SME will serve as a scenario-embedded role player and technical expert, interfacing with the CERFP Medical Element (MEDEL) and Fatality Search and Recovery Team (FSRT) throughout each exercise day. Responsibilities include:
  • Portray the local EMS Coordinator role within the exercise scenario, interfacing with the CERFP medical element to coordinate simulated mass casualty patient flow, triage prioritization, and medical treatment handoffs.
  • Portray the County Coroner role within the exercise scenario, coordinating with the Fatality Search and Recovery Team (FSRT) on the handling and documentation of simulated fatalities as exercise requirements dictate.
  • Provide technically accurate and scenario-consistent direction to exercise participants to maximize training value.
  • Remain within the limits of the exercise scenario and coordinate with the Exercise Lead and on-site Contract Manager to ensure realistic, credible role portrayal throughout each operational period.
  • Track and report to the Exercise Lead the number of role players and manikins who pass through the Decontamination Line, categorized by ambulatory and non-ambulatory iterations, including those simulating fatalities.
  • Participate in daily hot wash / after-action review briefings and provide input as required.

Requirements
Qualified candidates must possess the following qualifications:
  • Demonstrated professional experience in emergency medical services, emergency management, mass casualty incident response, public health emergency response, law enforcement, or forensic/medical examiner operations - or equivalent training and credentialing relevant to the role being portrayed.
  • Strong ability to portray technical roles convincingly within a realistic exercise environment, including providing believable scenario-consistent direction to National Guard participants.
  • Familiarity with ICS (Incident Command System) / NIMS (National Incident Management System) structures and terminology.
  • Ability to pass a background check and be listed on the installation Entry Access List (EAL).
  • Active EMS licensure (EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic), law enforcement credentials, or coroner/medical examiner experience are preferred and should be noted in the CV.
  • Prior experience supporting CERFP, HRF, FEMA USAR, or comparable CBRNE exercises is preferred.
  • Must be physically capable of working outdoors in a simulated disaster environment, potentially in inclement weather.

Benefits
McColm offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to all of our staff. Compensation is offered according to job requirements, market dynamics, and experience/skills of the successful candidate. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurances, generous Paid Time Off, 11 paid federal holidays, and annual performance-based bonuses.
We are an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Due to the high volume of applications McColm receives and to ensure we comply with our internal hiring policies, we regret we are not able to respond to individual phone calls or emails regarding application status.

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