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Death Investigator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

ASSOCIATE MEDICAL EXAMINER

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$250K - $290K/yr

... of death, including determining jurisdiction, performing autopsies, and reviewing laboratory work and investigative reports. Essential Functions: The following duties are normal for this position.

ASSOCIATE MEDICAL EXAMINER

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$250K - $290K/yr

... of death, including determining jurisdiction, performing autopsies, and reviewing laboratory work and investigative reports. Essential Functions: The following duties are normal for this position.

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Personal Injury attorney

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Coordinate with private investigators or accident reconstruction specialists to determine fault ... wrongful death cases. Our team has successfully represented hundreds of clients and recovered ...

Diagnose electrical issues and investigate root cause * Complete trainings & earn certifications ... Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance * Disability Insurance: Short-Term & Long-Term * ...

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Death Investigator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$31.2K

$73.5K

$127.9K

How much do death investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for death investigator in Decatur, GA is $73,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Death Investigator, you need a strong understanding of forensic science, criminal justice, and anatomy, typically supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with evidence collection tools, case management systems, and sometimes certification from organizations like the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) is common. Keen attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help investigators accurately document findings and coordinate with law enforcement and families. These skills ensure thorough, objective investigations that uphold legal standards and provide closure for affected parties.

What are death investigators and what do they do?

Death investigators are professionals who examine the circumstances, causes, and manner of deaths that occur under unusual, suspicious, or unexplained circumstances. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and forensic pathologists to gather information from death scenes, interview witnesses, and review medical histories. Their job is to determine whether a death was due to natural causes, an accident, suicide, or homicide, and to provide crucial evidence for legal and public health purposes. Death investigators may work for government agencies, medical examiner offices, or coroner systems.

What Does a Death Investigator Do?

A death investigator or medicolegal investigator works for a coroner or medical examiner’s office. Your responsibilities in this career revolve around helping the coroner or ME determine the cause of death of a person. Typically, your duties are to report to the scene of a death and assist with the forensic investigation. You investigate the scene and collaborate with law enforcement and medical professionals, but you ensure that you remain independent in your investigation. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, your responsibilities include informing the family of the deceased.

What is the difference between Death Investigator vs Medical Examiner?

AspectDeath InvestigatorMedical Examiner
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require forensic or criminal justice trainingMedical degree (MD or DO), pathology residency, board certification
Work EnvironmentCrime scenes, morgues, officesHospitals, morgues, courtrooms
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, medical examiner officesCounty or state medical examiner offices, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for investigative roles in death casesCompared for medical and autopsy responsibilities

The main difference is that a Death Investigator typically works on crime scenes and initial investigations, often with law enforcement, while a Medical Examiner is a licensed physician who performs autopsies and determines cause of death. Both roles are essential in death investigations but require different qualifications and work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Death Investigators during scene investigations?

Death Investigators often encounter challenging environments, such as emotionally charged scenes, difficult weather conditions, and complex circumstances involving multiple agencies. Balancing the need for thorough evidence collection with sensitivity toward grieving families can be demanding. Additionally, they must maintain meticulous documentation and clear communication with law enforcement, medical personnel, and forensic experts to ensure accurate case resolution.
What are popular job titles related to Death Investigator jobs in Decatur, GA? For Death Investigator jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Death Investigator jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Death Investigator jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Death Investigator jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Death Investigator job openings:

Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist)

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Decatur, GA

$260K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago


Job description

Description This is a sensitive government position. Please review the GBI Employment Disqualifiers before applying for this position. Employment for the selected candidate(s) is contingent upon the successful completion of a GBI background investigation including criminal, credit and driver's history checks, polygraph examination, fingerprinting and drug screening.

The GBI follows the Federal statute regarding illegal drug use and is a drug-free workplace. Although some states have legalized recreational drug use, applicants who currently use illegal drugs or controlled substances will be subject to disqualification from employment with the GBI. The State Medical Examiner's Office, within the Division of Forensic Sciences, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is seeking qualified applicants to fill the Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist) position at the GBI Coastal Regional Laboratory in Pooler, Georgia.

The successful applicant will join a system that encompasses two regional medical examiner offices located in Pooler (Savannah) and Dry Branch (Macon), Georgia, in addition to the headquarters facility, located in Decatur, Georgia [Atlanta]. Collectively, these three offices provide complete forensic pathology services to 154 of the 159 counties in Georgia. In addition to the listed salary, the selected applicant will be paid an additional $50,000/yr.

locality pay that will be paid out semi-monthly in addition to the annual salary. The locality pay is valid only if the selected applicant is working at the Coastal Regional Laboratory in Pooler, GA. The State Medical Examiner's Office has a total of 19 medical examiners throughout the state, when fully staffed, including two (2) board-certified pediatric pathologist staffed at headquarters.

This office also operates the Child Abuse Investigative Support Center, which provides consultative services to law enforcement, district attorneys, the Division of Family and Children's Services, and other agencies, where inflicted injury is suspected in living children. The Coastal Regional Laboratory in Pooler, GA performs approximately 725 autopsies per year. The Coastal Regional Laboratory medical examiner's staff currently has funding for two (2) Medical Examiner positions and currently has an in-house support staff of four (4) death investigations specialists (cross-trained medicolegal death investigators and autopsy technicians) and one (1) administrative assistant.

The average caseload per pathologist, when fully staffed, is between 225-275 cases (not autopsy equivalents) per year. This office is located within the GBI Coastal Regional Crime Laboratory, which include on-site Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Firearms Analysis, and Forensic Toxicology. The statewide GBI Crime Laboratory also includes Forensic Impressions and Trace Evidence.

The Pooler Medical Examiner's Office features a Lodox x-ray scanner and a BodyTom mobile CT scanner for in-house advanced imaging. The statewide Medical Examiner's Office has access to ABFA certified anthropology, ABFO certified forensic odontology, and Forensic Entomology consultants, as well as neuropathology and other specialized pathology consultations through the local hospital systems. Pooler is a city in Chatham County and it is about 10 miles from Savannah, GA along interstates 95 & 16.

Savannah, Georgia is situated among several waterways and is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Tybee Island. Savannah is well known and adored for its natural beauty, coastal cuisine, historic architecture, and attractions. Savannah charms its residents and visitors with its endearing quirks and unparalleled Southern hospitality.

The rich culture and history of Savannah are carefully preserved and intermingled with a hip lifestyle that appeals to newcomers and locals across generations. Many have found that Savannah is has the ideal amenities to settle for and a great place to call home. Learn more at: http://www.savannahchamber.com/ or http://www.savannah.com/

The GBI Medical Examiner's Office is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. To learn more about the GBI Medical Examiner's Office, visit http://gbi.georgia.gov/medical-examiners-office. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)

Job Duties DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Associate Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist) performs medicolegal autopsies under the provisions of the Georgia Death Investigation Act; generates examination reports for dissemination in a timely and efficient manner; provides expert courtroom and deposition testimony in judicial proceedings; and consults with law enforcement agencies and attorneys who work within the criminal system. The Associate Medical Examiner may perform other duties as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Medical Doctor licensed to practice medicine in the state of Georgia or the ability to obtain Georgia licensure as required by state law AND Successful completion of an Anatomic Pathology residency and Forensic Pathology fellowship from an accredited institution AND Board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology OR Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology.

AND Board certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology. CONDITION(S) OF EMPLOYMENT Selected candidates who have not yet achieved board certification in Forensic Pathology must sit for and successfully pass the board certification examination in Forensic Pathology at the earliest available administration upon becoming eligible. Failure to sit for and/or successfully pass the Forensic Pathology Board exam will result in an evaluation of continued employment.

Selected candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business which may require working weekends and/or holidays. Selected candidate must also be available to receive and respond to telephone inquiries from home, while acting in an on-call status. Supplemental Information SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary range for the position is $260,000-$280,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Advancement within the salary structure is commensurate with cumulative experience and achievement of full board certification for those who are hired but not yet fully board certified. The starting salary is commensurate with board certification status and work experience: From date of completion of Forensic Pathology Fellowship through the 5th full year of postgraduate employment, w/o board certification, the salary will be: $260,000.00 per year. From date of completion of Forensic Pathology Fellowship through the 5th full year of postgraduate employment, with AP & FP board certification, the salary will be: $270,000.00 per year

From the beginning of the 6th postgraduate year forward, w/AP & FP board certification, the salary will be: $280,000.00 per year. In addition to the listed salary, the selected applicant will be paid an additional $50,000/yr. locality pay that will be paid out semi-monthly in addition to the annual salary

The locality pay is valid only if the selected applicant is working at the Coastal Regional Laboratory in Pooler, GA. Advancement within the salary structure is commensurate with cumulative experience, and achievement of full Board Certification status for those who are hired but are not yet fully Board Certified. NEW - GEORGIA MEDICAL EXAMINER LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM The Georgia Medical Examiner Loan Repayment Program is now available to qualified licensed physicians working as full-time Medical Examiners with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Recipients must agree to work full-time, on or after January 1, 2023, for GBI as a Medical Examiner for an opportunity to have a portion of their student loan debt to be paid through this loan repayment program. Loan repayment begins after twelve consecutive months of qualified employment. Qualified Medical Examiners may receive up to five years of student loan repayment for five years of employment with the GBI's Division of Forensic Science Medical Examiner's Office.

Graduated loan repayment award amounts are based on eligible participating year in the repayment program: First year maximum amount is $12,000 Second year maximum amount is $18,000 Third year maximum amount is $24,000 Fourth year maximum amount is $30,000 Fifth year maximum amount is $36,000 The maximum limit is $120,000 with five years of qualifying employment. GBI offers a generous benefits package. Employees earn vacation time and sick leave and are granted 13 paid holidays each year.

There are a variety of benefit options to choose from, including vision, dental, health and life insurance. We also offer an employee retirement plan and deferred compensation options. Competitive benefits package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage Annual vacation, sick, and education leave 13 paid holidays Employee retirement plan Deferred compensation options Conference allowance Reimbursement of all GA licensure and board certification fees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer Georgia Medical Examiner Loan Repayment Program * The GBI reserves the right to close this job announcement once a qualified applicant pool has been identified.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or by e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Applicants who are not selected for an interview will not receive notification.

The GBI follows the Federal statute regarding illegal drug use and is a drug-free workplace. Although some states have legalized recreational drug use, applicants who currently use illegal drugs or controlled substances will be subject to disqualification from employment with the GBI Applicants must present a professional image during all phases of the GBI hiring process, to include when interviewing, either in-person or virtually. The attire and appearance of applicants interviewing must be what is generally accepted as both professional and appropriate for a business work environment.

Foreign Education: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. This evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation that includes each completed course/subject and the U.S

credit equivalent. Applicants must submit a copy of the credential evaluation as part of the application process. For a listing of services that can perform this evaluation, see the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website at http://www.naces.org/members.htm

THE GBI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER