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Death Investigation Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Lincoln County, OR

Patrol Deputy

Newport, OR · On-site

$34.05 - $45.75/hr

Conduct death investigations including those of natural causes, accidental, and murder: * Is exposed to biohazards and communicable diseases inherent at these and other scenes utilizing protective ...

Lincoln County

Deputy Sheriff - Lateral

Newport, OR · On-site

$34.05 - $45.75/hr

Conduct death investigations including those of natural causes, accidental, and murder: Is exposed to biohazards and communicable diseases inherent at these and other scenes utilizing protective ...

Lincoln County

Patrol Deputy

Newport, OR · On-site

$34.05 - $45.75/hr

Conduct death investigations including those of natural causes, accidental, and murder: Is exposed to biohazards and communicable diseases inherent at these and other scenes utilizing protective ...

Lincoln County, OR

$34.05 - $45.75/hr

Conduct death investigations including those of natural causes, accidental, and murder: * Is exposed to biohazards and communicable diseases inherent at these and other scenes utilizing protective ...

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Death Investigation information

See Oregon salary details

$30.1K

$81K

$145.4K

How much do death investigation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for death investigation in Oregon is $80,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,900.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a death investigator?

Death investigators are professionals who examine deaths that occur under unusual, suspicious, or unexplained circumstances. They work to determine the cause and manner of death by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with medical examiners, law enforcement, and forensic experts. Their work is crucial in criminal investigations, public health, and legal proceedings. Death investigators may be employed by medical examiner or coroner offices, and their duties can include scene investigation, documentation, and sometimes testifying in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a death investigator?

To thrive as a Death Investigator, you need a background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, often supported by specialized training or certification such as ABMDI. Familiarity with digital evidence management systems, forensic photography, and laboratory analysis tools is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in accurately assessing scenes and collaborating with law enforcement and medical personnel. These skills ensure thorough, unbiased investigations that support legal processes and provide closure for families.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in death investigation roles?

Professionals in death investigation often encounter challenging and sensitive situations, including exposure to traumatic scenes and the need to communicate with grieving families. Managing emotional resilience while maintaining objectivity is crucial in this field. Additionally, working closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and other agencies requires strong collaboration and communication skills. The role may also involve irregular hours and responding to cases at any time, making flexibility and adaptability important qualities for success.

What is the difference between Death Investigation vs Forensic Pathology?

AspectDeath InvestigationForensic Pathology
CredentialsTypically requires a law enforcement or medical examiner certification, sometimes a medical degreeRequires a medical degree (MD or DO) and specialized training in pathology
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, morgues, medical examiner officesHospitals, morgues, medical examiner offices
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, medical examiner offices, coronersMedical examiner offices, hospitals, forensic laboratories
Primary FocusInvestigating causes of death, determining time and manner of deathPerforming autopsies to determine cause and manner of death

While both roles involve death investigations, death investigators focus on scene analysis and cause determination often within law enforcement, whereas forensic pathologists perform autopsies and provide expert medical opinions. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the forensic and medical examiner fields.

How hard is it to become a death investigator?

Becoming a death investigator typically requires a background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, along with relevant training and certification. The process involves completing education, gaining experience in law enforcement or forensic roles, and often passing specialized training programs, making it a challenging but structured career path.

What does a death investigation do?

A death investigation involves examining the circumstances of a person's death to determine the cause and manner of death. It typically includes collecting evidence, performing autopsies, and documenting findings, often requiring knowledge of forensic science and legal procedures. Investigators work closely with law enforcement and medical examiners to ensure accurate and thorough investigations.

What are popular job titles related to Death Investigation jobs in Oregon?

For Death Investigation jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Death Investigation jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Death Investigation jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Death Investigation jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Death Investigation job openings:

Death Investigation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Death Investigation job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, and 46% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,995 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Washington County
See more jobs at Washington Countyexternal

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator

Washington County Health and Human Services Department is currently hiring for a Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator position at Medical Examiner's Office within Public Health Division.

The Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator plans, organizes, supervises, and coordinates the work of Medicolegal Death Investigators and assigned program and administrative staff. This position also conducts and supervises death investigations occurring under violent, questionable, or unexplained circumstances; prepares detailed reports related to the deceased person; and coordinates death-related activities with appropriate medical and law enforcement personnel.

The Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator serves as the lead ABMDI-certified investigator for the Medical Examiner's Office, providing expert-level casework, team leadership, and program oversight. This role requires exceptional investigative skills, professionalism, and consistent, positive engagement with staff, partner agencies, and the community.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform full-duty medicolegal death investigations and set the standard for investigative excellence.
  • Lead with enthusiasm, professionalism, and consistency to build trust and confidence within the team.
  • Establish clear expectations, communicate effectively, and assign tasks based on staff strengths.
  • Maintain accountability for team performance, program operations, and the quality of all case investigations.
  • Provide training, mentoring, and skills development for new and current investigators to ensure advanced competency. Complete performance reviews on time and uphold all Medical Examiner's Office and county policies. Manage employee disciplinary discussions in accordance with county procedures.
  • Be available for consultation during assigned work hours and assist with MEO phone coverage.
  • Respond to inquiries timely and be engaged to all inquiries and meetings during scheduled shifts.
  • Conduct monthly in-person meetings with direct reports, including agendas and documented notes.
  • Review all investigations for completeness and accuracy and deliver constructive feedback.
  • Ensure staff remain engaged and productive throughout each shift.
  • Represent the Medical Examiner's Office at regional and national meetings, task forces, and department workgroups.
  • Maintain clear, timely communication with the supervisor and staff regarding all significant issues and important updates.
  • Maintain strong visibility and collaborative relationships with partner agencies, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch centers.
  • Promote recognition of the MDI team within the department and support positive, solutions-focused change.

The Medicolegal Death Investigators (MDI) receive general administrative support from the Program Specialist and general program supervision from the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator. These positions partner with the law enforcement offices, the District Attorney's Office, and the State Medical Examiner's Office by conducting death investigations. The MDIs act as the eyes and ears of the forensic pathologists while investigating the circumstances of deaths, providing the pathologist with the data and evidence to determine the cause and manner of death.

Work Schedule:

Due to the nature of the duties, the work is expected to be performed in-person only and is not eligible for remote work. Work locations may vary: primarily at Public Services Building, Hillsboro, OR, frequently travel to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Clackamas, OR, Regional hospitals, and death scenes within Washington County jurisdiction as needed.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Effective communication skills and sound judgment.
  • The ability to collaborate with families, medical personnel, and partner agencies are essential.
  • Be initiative and have integrity, leadership skills, and emotional intelligence.
  • Have 5 years of experience as an American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certified Chief MDI is highly desired.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:
  • A Bachelor's Degree closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical; AND three (3) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff;OR
  • An Associate Degree closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical; AND five (5) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff;OR
  • HS Diploma or equivalent; AND seven (7) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff.

A Certification closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical from an accredited college/university may substitute one (1) year of experience.

Additional Requirements:
  • Must be registered as a Diplomate level by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) at the time of appointment and maintain certification.
  • Must be able to perform moderately strenuous physical activity and withstand exposure to unpleasant elements at death scenes.
  • Must be able to safely lift 100 pounds from the floor to the waist level.
  • Must pass the respiratory mask fit test.
  • Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.
  • Must successfully complete a criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules, to include a national fingerprint records check.
  • Must be willing to work unscheduled 16-hour shifts. Requires on-call availability beyond assigned shifts.
  • Must successfully complete basic incident management courses and participate in emergency response trainings as requested.
  • Must adhere to Federal and State OSHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.

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