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Entry Coroner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Entry Coroner information

What is an entry coroner?

Entry coroners are professionals who are at the beginning of their careers in the field of forensic pathology and death investigation. They are responsible for assisting in determining the cause and manner of deaths, often by conducting preliminary investigations, gathering evidence, and working closely with law enforcement and medical examiners. Entry coroners may be involved in examining bodies, documenting findings, and completing reports under the supervision of more experienced staff. This role requires strong attention to detail, compassion, and the ability to handle sensitive situations.

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

To thrive as an Entry Coroner, you need a background in forensic science or a related field, along with knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and legal procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with autopsy tools, evidence collection systems, and case management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring accurate cause-of-death determinations, maintaining legal integrity, and supporting public health and justice systems.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level coroners, and how can they prepare for them?

As an entry-level coroner, you may encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as working with grieving families and handling sensitive death investigations. It can also be demanding to coordinate with law enforcement, pathologists, and other agencies while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in your reports. Building resilience, developing strong communication skills, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help you navigate these challenges. Additionally, ongoing education in forensic procedures and legal requirements will support your professional growth and effectiveness in this role.

How to become an entry coroner assistant with no experience?

To become an entry-level coroner assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and basic knowledge of medical terminology; some positions may require on-the-job training or certification in death investigation procedures.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry coroner?

Becoming an entry-level coroner typically requires relevant education, such as a medical degree or forensic training, and often involves completing internships or certifications. Competition can be moderate, and strong attention to detail and knowledge of forensic procedures are important for entry into the field.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Coroner jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Coroner job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Coroner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution.

Medicolegal Death Investigator I (MEX59) - Central District

State of Virginia

Hanover, VA • On-site

$29 - $33/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Investigate deaths under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, including handling death reports, responding to death scenes, and collecting data.

  • Inspect bodies, obtain specimens, review medical records, and prepare reports related to death investigations.

  • Handle evidence, assist with identification of remains, determine the need for autopsy or further examination, and respond to disaster events as required.


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 50 rated states


Job description

Medicolegal Death Investigator I (MEX59) - Central District

Apply now Job no: 5109611
Work type: Wage (Hourly)
Location: Hanover, Virginia
Categories: Public Safety, Law / Judiciary

Title: Medicolegal Death Investigator I (MEX59) - Central District

State Role Title: Law Enforcement Officer III

Hiring Range: $29.00 to $33.00

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-CENTRAL

Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/medical-examiner/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME),
Central District, located in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is seeking a wage Medicolegal
Death Investigator. This is a wage position and averages 29 hours per week,
not to exceed 1500 hours in a year and is not eligible for benefits. This
Medicolegal Death Investigator position is responsible for investigating deaths
that fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Duties
include handling phone calls reporting deaths, responding to death scenes, data
collection, real time database direct entry, preparing reports, review of medical
records and other documents, handling evidence, moving remains, assisting with
identification of remains, and determining necessity for autopsy or further exam at
district office. Inspecting bodies and obtaining specimens for examination is
required.
Will also require occasional travel throughout the district and state, ability to
respond to disaster events as requested, ability to traverse rocky, uphill or
otherwise unstable geographic locations, ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs-500+lbs
body weights. Involves possible exposure to hazardous substances/dangerous
materials. Will also require occasional travel throughout the district and state,
ability to respond to disaster events as requested, ability to traverse rocky, uphill
or otherwise unstable geographic locations, ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs
500+lbs body weights. Involves possible exposure to hazardous substances/dangerous materials. This position will work varying, rotating shifts that include day, evening, overnights, weekends and holidays to maintain 24-hour coverage.
All medicolegal death investigators must obtain registry certification from the
ABMDI prior to the completion of two years of employment. Registry or Board
certification from the ABMDI must be maintained after two years of employment.
This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Highway Safety Grant for a one-year period ending 9/30/26. The availability of funding is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of laws and standards of medicolegal death investigation,
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology,
Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing,
Demonstrated written communication and typing skills.

Additional Considerations

Experience in law enforcement or Medical Examiner/Coroner office
Experience in death scene investigations
Experience in identification of human remains
Experience in applying medicolegal death investigation technique and standards
ABMDI Registry or Board certification

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be
considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive
manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous
experience that relates to the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history
background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central
Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource
management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race
including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency
Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must
submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the
state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Contact Information

Name: Daniel Baker

Phone: 804.629.3618

Email: danmiel.baker@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 20 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 03 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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