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County Morgue Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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County Morgue information

What is a county morgue?

A county morgue is a facility operated by local government where deceased individuals are brought for examination, identification, and autopsy when the cause of death is unknown, suspicious, or requires legal investigation. Medical examiners or coroners work in county morgues to determine the cause and manner of death, especially in cases involving accidents, homicides, or unattended deaths. The morgue plays a crucial role in supporting law enforcement and public health by providing forensic analysis and documentation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county morgue technician?

To thrive as a County Morgue Technician, you need knowledge of forensic science, anatomy, and mortuary practices, typically supported by an associate degree in mortuary science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, autopsy instruments, and case management software is essential. Attention to detail, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills help professionals handle sensitive situations and interact with law enforcement or grieving families. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate post-mortem examinations, maintaining evidence integrity, and upholding professionalism in a challenging environment.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a county morgue, and how can new employees best prepare for them?

Working in a county morgue often involves exposure to emotionally challenging situations, including handling deceased individuals in various conditions and interacting with grieving families. New employees may also encounter irregular hours, as cases can arrive at any time, requiring flexibility and resilience. To prepare, it is helpful to develop strong coping strategies, seek support from experienced colleagues, and familiarize oneself with safety protocols and proper handling procedures. Participating in training programs and maintaining open communication with the team can also ease the transition into this unique environment.

What is the difference between County Morgue vs Medical Examiner?

AspectCounty MorgueMedical Examiner
CredentialsNone required, often forensic or mortuary trainingMedical degree (MD), forensic pathology certification
Work EnvironmentMortuary or morgue facilities, handling deceased bodiesMedical offices, crime labs, autopsy suites
Employer & IndustryCounty government, mortuary servicesCounty or state government, forensic pathology
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for death investigations and mortuary dutiesFocuses on cause of death, autopsies, legal cases

The main difference is that County Morgue workers typically handle the storage and preparation of deceased bodies, often with mortuary training, while Medical Examiners are licensed physicians who determine causes of death through autopsies and forensic analysis. Both roles are essential in death investigations but differ in qualifications and responsibilities.

Can I work at a county morgue with no experience?

County morgue positions often require some training or certification, such as a death investigation or morgue assistant program, but entry-level roles may be available to those without prior experience. Candidates typically need to demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive situations; on-the-job training is common. Having a background in healthcare, criminal justice, or related fields can be beneficial but is not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

What qualifications do you need to work at the county morgue?

To work at a county morgue, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require post-secondary education in forensic science, pathology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, ability to handle sensitive situations, and familiarity with medical or forensic tools; certifications such as a medical examiner or mortuary science license may also be required depending on the position.

What are popular job titles related to County Morgue jobs in Michigan?

For County Morgue jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching County Morgue jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for County Morgue jobs in Michigan are:

County Morgue jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Morgue job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Medical Examiner Investigator

Livingston County

Howell, MI • On-site

$44.32/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Summary of Position:

Performs forensic investigations through the utilization of accepted procedures, documents death scenes, and to assist in the collection of evidence in support of the Medical Examiner's office. Performs field interviews at death scenes and conducts research both in the office and in the field. Transport bodies when necessary to morgue. Medical Examiner investigators should have a combination of education and skills encompassing areas of medicine and law.

  • This position is an on-call position that is paid at an hourly rate when called in.
  • Must be able to be onsite within 1 hour of call.
  • 15-20 on-call shifts per month, and shifts include nights & weekends.

Benefits:

  • Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
  • Up to $300 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
  • Employee Assistance Program

* Pro-rated based on the DOH

Pay Rate Information:

The Medical Examiner Investigator is a non-union, part-time position and starting pay is $34.99/hr. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 9 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $44.32/hr. The Medical Examiner Investigator is an on-call position with a requirement to arrive at site within one hour of call.

Essential Functions:

  1. Receives reported notices of death through various means including but not limited to central dispatch, electronic activation, EMS and local law enforcement.
  2. Interviews for information surrounding the terminal event including physical descriptions of decedents and their personal habits.
  3. Develops a plan for obtaining additional information and appropriate actions to be taken.
  4. Reviews cases with the Medical Examiner.
  5. Organizes a case record for the deceased in cases where it is to be processed by the Medical Examiner's Office, including medical and family history, reports of circumstances and evidence surrounding the death, continues to follow up on cases until a final disposition is reached; prepares a summary report.
  6. Prepares divisional forms, as required by the situation; contacts the police when required by the circumstances of the death, contacts the funeral home where the body is to be released giving the case number, pronounced time of death and name and phone number of doctor's who is to sign the death certificate.
  7. Researches next of kin, family or friends to identify the decedent; develops physical description of the decedent by viewing the body; researches missing persons reports comparing physical descriptions.
  8. Assists with processing work either in the field or at the office, assembling material evidence such as drugs, medicines, poisons, X-rays of the ballistic location in the decedent, fingerprints, weapons, etc.
  9. Remains on call for dispatch to death scenes to perform necessary tasks.
  10. Operates and utilizes various office equipment and machines including telephone, computer, printer, copier, fax machine, vehicles, etc.
  11. Assists in the performance of autopsies, completing forensic procedures including fingerprinting, maintaining records, releasing human bodies and their personal effects, enforcing infection control procedures, etc.

Licensing or Certifications:

  • Valid MI Driver's License;

Knowledge of:

  • Documentation principles;
  • Microsoft Office products;
  • Investigative principles;
  • Forensic principles and practices;
  • Scene Safety and Scene management;
  • Equipment related to medical examiner programs;
  • Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations;
  • Research principles; and,
  • Continuous quality improvement principals.

Physical Requirements:

  • Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing.
  • Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects.
  • Incumbents may be subjected to fumes, odors, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, and potentially lethal diseases and animals.
  • May be exposed to hazardous materials found in a home or general office environment.
  • Use of household cleaning products and disinfectants may be required.

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