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Forensic Death Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff ... Nature of Work (Illustrative Only) Responds to death scenes; investigates the cause and manner of ...

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

... forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff ... Nature of Work (Illustrative Only) Responds to death scenes; investigates the cause and manner of ...

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Forensic Death Investigator information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do forensic death investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic death investigator in the United States is $77,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic death investigator?

Forensic death investigators are professionals who examine deaths that occur under unusual, suspicious, or unexplained circumstances. They work closely with medical examiners, law enforcement, and other forensic specialists to determine the cause and manner of death. Their duties often include visiting death scenes, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed reports. Forensic death investigators play a crucial role in criminal investigations and in ensuring that deaths are thoroughly and accurately examined.

What is required to be a forensic death investigator?

To become a forensic death investigator, candidates typically need a background in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field, along with experience in death scene investigation. Certification from professional organizations and knowledge of medical terminology, evidence collection, and report writing are often required. Some positions may also require a valid driver's license and the ability to work irregular hours or in challenging environments.

How much do forensic death investigators make?

Forensic death investigators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in morgues or medical examiner offices, utilizing skills in pathology and crime scene analysis. Salaries can increase with advanced training and years of service.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Death Investigator, you need a strong background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Proficiency with crime scene analysis tools, evidence collection protocols, and case management systems is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting evidence and working with law enforcement and legal professionals. These skills and qualifications ensure precise, unbiased investigations that contribute to accurate determinations of cause and manner of death.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic death investigators during the course of an investigation?

Forensic Death Investigators often encounter challenging situations such as working in emotionally charged environments, dealing with unpredictable schedules, and managing exposure to distressing scenes. They must maintain objectivity while collecting evidence, accurately documenting findings, and communicating with both law enforcement and grieving families. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving forensic technologies and adhere to strict legal and ethical guidelines to ensure that their findings are admissible in court.

What does a forensic death investigator do?

The job duties of a medicolegal or forensic death investigator are to examine a body and the place of death and determine a cause of death. In this career, your responsibilities include coming to a conclusion about the cause of death and collecting and cataloging evidence for legal purposes. A forensic death investigator investigates in the field at a crime scene or another place of death. You then bring your findings back to a laboratory to perform relevant tests that aid in your investigations.

What cities are hiring for Forensic Death Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Death Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Death Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Death Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Death Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Death Investigator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Death Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,448 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma County

Yuma, AZ

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Summary This position is advertised from the minimum to the mid-point hourly rate. Salary will be determined based on education and experience at the time of offer. **Applications are sought on behalf of the Sheriff's Office in Yuma County.

Yuma County Human Resources does not review any applications submitted for this position. All applications are forwarded to Sheriff's Office in Yuma County** NATURE OF WORK Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in conducting forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff's Office; this position has department specific responsibility. Nature of Work (Illustrative Only) Responds to death scenes; investigates the cause and manner of death in cases of unattended natural death, accident, suicide, or homicide; conducts interviews with family members, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals and others regarding circumstances of death; determines what scenes to investigate and what evidence to examine and/or collect; examines and photographs crime scenes; conducts an external examination of body and document findings; collects, submits, retrieves, and documents pathological, toxicological/histological specimens; removes deceased body from the death scene and transports to designated location; documents transfer of body and property; obtains or coordinates positive identification of bodies through visual personal identification affidavit, x-ray, dental records, descriptive evidence, and fingerprint records; files paperwork internally and to the Arizona Office of Vital Records, to include certified death certificates; prepares and maintains records and reports, including unidentified decedent data; collects, inventories, and preserves all evidentiary materials and personal effects of the deceased; maintains logs for cremation death certificates and removals; may assist the Pathologist or Medical Examiner with the evaluation and postmortem examination; maintains sanitary conditions of the facility, equipment and instruments and properly disposes biological and biohazardous materials; performs routine clerical duties, such as, filing, answering phones and working with a variety of office and technical equipment; comply with all HIPAA regulations and related policies and regulations; maintains regular and reliable attendance; performs other duties as assigned Experience and Education Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: May be required to successfully complete a background check, polygraph examination, and drug test prior to appointment; must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: Yuma County and Sheriff's Office Policies and Procedures; Federal and state laws pertaining to forensic operations/activities; human anatomy and medical terminology, forensic investigative methods and laws in criminology; law enforcement principles, practices, methods, techniques and equipment; practices and procedures of evidence collection, including specimen and tissue retrieval; geography, roads, and streets of Yuma County. Skills in: Applying forensic principles, and determining cause and manner of death; collecting, processing, and preserving death scene evidence; packaging and organizing property and evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval; use of autopsy/forensic, safety, and personal protective equipment; safety handling and disposal of biological and biohazardous materials; preparing complete and accurate reports and records; dealing impartially with people of different social economic, and ethnic backgrounds; operating computerized technology and job-related software applications. Ability to: Read, learn, understand, apply and follow rules, regulations, instructions and forensic practices and procedures; exercise initiative and independent judgment in selecting proper field forensic techniques; obtain and analyze information/factors regarding a death and to determine cause/manner of death; plan, organize and prioritize multiple investigations; follow written and verbal instructions; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationship with supervisors, employees, other agencies, and the public, including law enforcement and physicians; perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in general office environment, in the field at death scenes, and in a laboratory/morgue setting; work a variety of scheduled shifts, irregular hours, and/or on-call status, as necessary; may work non-standard hours, to include shift work, holidays, and weekends; exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, inclement weather, temperature extremes, body fluids, communicable diseases; hazardous materials/chemical, various evidence, and unpleasant odors; exposure to remote and isolate areas when examining a scene; climb rocks and other uneven terrains to access a scene; walk, stand and sit for long period of time; crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, crouch, and reach to gather evidence during an investigation; move, lift, carry, drag, push and/or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds; prolong periods of attention to detail information; visual and muscular dexterity to operate: a motor vehicle, computer equipment, and two-way radio; utilize two-way radio to hear and respond to: radio communications, voice instructions, and/or commands; operate a motor vehicle and travel to/from various locations. EOE/AA/ADAAA/M/F/V/D DRUG FREE WORKPLACE