The current vacancy is in the Medical Examiner's Office. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.
To perform investigational work for the Medical Examiner's Office on reported deaths that come under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner; to assist the forensic pathologists in the performance of autopsies; to receive bodies of dead persons, prepare them for storage, and see to their proper disposition; to be responsible for the chain of custody of evidence that is collected; and to perform related duties as assigned. (This is the entry level of this class series. It differs from Investigator 2 in that employees at this level are gaining the experience that would enable them to perform work which, based on supervisory assessment, is more complex. Incumbents at this level function less independently and receive more supervisory direction.)
If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Responsibilities
Examples of Work Performed
1. Investigate death scenes by inspecting and photographing bodies and surrounding area; collecting physical, toxicological, and other evidence pertaining to the cause and manner of death; collecting information as to the identity of the decedent (when unknown) and next of kin; taking statements from relevant individuals to obtain information as to the medical, psychological, and immediate history of the decedent; evaluating the scene to determine if other personnel/agencies need to be summoned for immediate involvement.
2. Collect, inventory, package, and transport valuables from death scenes; manage the initial disposition of collected valuables and property; responsible for the chain of custody of said evidence.
3. Remove bodies from death scenes; packages and transports required evidence as determined by the Medical Examiner or Chief Investigator.
4. Notify or arranges for the notification of next of kin as to the decedent's death.
5. Analyze body position, weapon position, wound types, physical post-mortem changes, and other factors to evaluate them for general consistency as well as consistency with the individual's history, life-style, and age.
6. May recommend performance/non-performance of autopsies to Chief Investigator and Medical Examiner and may propose possible explanations for cause and manner of death, based on initial investigative findings.
7. Prepares written reports of investigative findings including photographs and sketches of death scenes.
8. Conducts necessary follow-up activities/investigations on cases, such as conducting interviews with physicians, medical records personnel, police witnesses, and survivors; circulating photos and descriptions of unidentified bodies to relief agencies, news media, and neighborhood organizations; investigating impending cremations and relaying authorization from the Medical Examiner to cremate.
9. Assist forensic pathologists with autopsies performed in the Medical Examiner's Office, including such duties as collecting tissue and body fluid samples and collecting finger and palm prints.
10. Attend to the care and disposition of bodies by inventorying and packaging decedent's clothing and valuables; taking height and weight measurements; taking routine fingerprints; gathering toxicology samples; preparing bodies for storage; and completing necessary records and paperwork.
11. Clean and maintain office facilities and equipment.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: High school graduation.
Experience: One year of experience consisting of any combination of investigative experience and medicolegal autopsy experience (or equivalent).
Other: Valid driver's license for the class of vehicles to be driven.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
- Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Investigator 1 will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Investigator 1. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 3 months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact Megan.Simmons@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County
Saint Paul, MN 55130
US
