Summary

Under indirect supervision, on an on-call and/or scheduled basis, responds to and participates in the on-scene investigation of unnatural and/or unattended deaths, and prepares reports for the Office of the Medical Investigator as required. Remains available to respond to reportable deaths on a 24-hour basis, as per call schedule.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Travels to the scene of homicides, suicides, accidental, questionable, and/or unattended deaths as required, on behalf of the Office of the Medical Investigator, in accordance with established call schedule.
2. Takes custody of remains in accordance with prescribed protocol and procedure; performs initial on-scene examination of remains; takes photographs and collects information relevant or related to cause and manner of death.
3. Conducts joint investigations of cause of death in association with law enforcement officials attending the scene.
4. Occasionally conducts external examination of bodies and collects bodily fluids, as may be required in individual cases.
5. Collects data and prepares reports on death investigations to the central office, in accordance with pre-established policy and procedure, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
6. Conducts follow up investigations as required.
7. Occasionally attends and provides evidence/testimony as required at pre-trial and/or court hearings, as may be required in individual cases.
8. Practices appropriate safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED; no previous experience required.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and/or kinesiology.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to manipulate heavy objects.
• Ability to write reports containing technical information.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle by day and by night.
• Knowledge of death investigation protocol and procedure.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
• Knowledge of bereavement counseling techniques.
• Skill in fingerprinting cadavers and identifying trauma wounds.
• Knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures.
• Ability to work with distressing and/or unpleasant odors, procedures and circumstances.
• Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions.
• Ability to understand medical/forensic information and terminology.
• Ability to operate on a scheduled 24-hour on-call basis.
• Ability to provide legal depositions and testimony.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Annual TB testing may be required if working in a patient care area.
• UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
• Formal deputization as a Deputy Medical Investigator is required upon completion of training.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Pre-employment background investigation required.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work may, on occasion, involve exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Requires heavy physical activity. Must be able to physically lift, roll and move bodies as necessary in preparation for transportation.
• Work may be performed on scenes that are often in tight, cramped, burned, or difficult locations.
• Work may on occasion involve exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that may require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Will work in a death environment with occasional noxious odors.
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 12/14/2021