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Trainee Forensic Death Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pueblo County

Medicolegal Death Investigator (Part-Time)

Pueblo, CO · Hybrid

$25.71 - $38.56/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provides training and education in the field of forensic death investigation to other law enforcement, health agencies, schools, community service agencies and the general public. Acts as a liaison ...

State of Maryland

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

Three years of experience investigating the circumstances of death at death scene incidents. Notes ... Science, or Forensics from an accredited college or university and one year of experience ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX · On-site

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students ...

Harris County

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX · On-site

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students ...

Harris County, TX

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students ...

Harris County, TX

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students ...

Harris County

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX · On-site

Vision To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students ...

Harris County

Forensic Neuropathologist

Houston, TX · On-site

Vision To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit ... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and medical students ...

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Trainee Forensic Death Investigator information

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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do trainee forensic death investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee forensic death investigator in the United States is $87,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trainee forensic death investigator do?

A Trainee Forensic Death Investigator assists in examining deaths that occur under unusual or suspicious circumstances. They help collect and document evidence at death scenes, work closely with law enforcement and medical examiners, and may participate in autopsies. Their responsibilities also include gathering information from witnesses and families, preparing detailed reports, and learning how to determine causes and manners of death. The role is highly detail-oriented and involves significant on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced investigators.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a trainee forensic death investigator?

To thrive as a Trainee Forensic Death Investigator, you generally need a background in forensic science, biology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with evidence collection tools, digital recordkeeping systems, and laboratory analysis techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate investigation, proper handling of evidence, and effective collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals.

What types of cases and situations does a trainee forensic death investigator encounter during training?

As a Trainee Forensic Death Investigator, you will typically encounter a wide range of cases, including natural deaths, accidental deaths, suicides, and homicides. During your training, you will often work alongside experienced investigators, helping to process death scenes, collect evidence, and interact with law enforcement and medical personnel. The role requires you to develop strong observational skills and resilience, as some cases can be emotionally challenging. You'll also gain experience in documentation, interviewing witnesses, and learning the protocols for reporting findings, all while being mentored by senior staff.

What is the difference between Trainee Forensic Death Investigator vs Forensic Death Investigator?

AspectTrainee Forensic Death InvestigatorForensic Death Investigator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; ongoing trainingForensic science degree or related certification; specialized training
Work EnvironmentUnder supervision, in labs or crime scenesIndependent investigations, crime scene analysis
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, law enforcement agenciesForensic labs, law enforcement agencies

The Trainee Forensic Death Investigator is an entry-level role focused on gaining experience and training, often under supervision. In contrast, a Forensic Death Investigator is a fully qualified professional responsible for conducting investigations independently. The trainee position emphasizes learning, while the investigator role involves applying specialized skills to determine cause of death and support legal processes.

How to become a trainee forensic death investigator?

To become a trainee forensic death investigator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant training or education in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field. Some positions require completion of specialized training programs or certifications, and strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work in a forensic environment are important.
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Trainee Forensic Death Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Forensic Death Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Medicolegal Death Investigator- Forensic Center

The University of Tennessee

Memphis, TN

$22.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Market Range: 10

Hiring Salary: $22.77/Hourly

The Medicolegal Death Investigator assists with the investigation of deaths reported to the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, Office of the Medical Examiner, particularly as it pertains to the seeking, gathering, and documentation of pertinent circumstantial, historical, and other medicolegal data. Aids the Medical Examiner with identification of the decedent, determination of cause and manner of death, preservation of evidence, and anticipated future questions.  This position is considered essential and is required to report to work as scheduled during weather or other related emergencies or when the university has otherwise suspended or delayed operations.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree. (Master's Degree preferred) (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years acceptable and proven experience in death investigation; law enforcement; and/or Licensed Paramedic/EMT; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal six (6) years of related experience. Must have valid Driver's license. 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators is required within one (1) year of hire date.    (COPY OF LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)        

TYPICAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Work is generally performed in a clinical setting or exam room.  Position will occasionally be exposed to environmental elements such as heat, rain, or cold when conducting on-site crime scene investigations.  Position will also be exposed to biohazards and chemicals necessary for the autopsy procedures during the pre- and post-mortem process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of laws and standards of medico legal investigation, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and forensic pathology.
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations affecting the operation of the Medical Examiner's Office.
  • Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of customer service and telephone etiquette.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures; Knowledge of the rules of evidence and court procedures.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; Ability to interface with personnel from various outside entities including law enforcement. 
  • Ability to draw logical conclusions and exercise independent judgement.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

WORK SCHEDULE: Must be available to work rotating shift, overnight, weekends, and holidays.

  1. Receives and responds to the initial report of a death or request for cremation.
  2. Creates an office record with the preliminary information.
  3. Seeks and gathers facts and additional data necessary to establish the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction.
  4. Communicates and coordinates with the Medical Examiner, family members, employers, witnesses, and personnel from law enforcement, hospital, medical, civil, mortuary, insurance, and other fields.
  5. Responds as appropriate to the death or injury scene or body location; Inspects and documents by means of notes, diagrams, sketches, and photography the appearance and condition of the locale, body, and other pertinent objects on or near or associated with the body.
  6. Makes preliminary external examination of the body as appropriate with reference to identification of findings and factors related to time, place, manner, and cause of injury, disease, or death, and with reference to routine physical characteristic documentation and identity.
  7. Obtains pertinent past and present medical, social, family, and other history from persons and sources associated with the decedent, including family, physicians, hospitals, coworkers, employers, and law enforcement agencies.
  8. Prepares for collection and removal the body and any pertinent valuables or evidentiary materials and removes or transports the body or materials to the appropriate location or facility.
  9. Ensures the preservation and storage of evidentiary items and materials, available records, the body, and any associated clothing, valuables, or personal effects.
  10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

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