Performs a variety of complex and technical duties and tasks pertaining to conducting death investigations, performing post-mortem examinations, and providing expert testimony.

About Benton County

Located in south-central Washington at the confluence of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers, and the third largest county in Eastern Washington, Benton County enjoys nearly 250 days of sunshine with nearby mountains, wildlife areas and parks. Benton County is home to Washington’s wine industry and is a popular destination for conferences, sport tournaments, festivals, and other attractions. With a generally lower cost of living, Benton County attracts the brightest minds due to the Hanford Reservation with historically more doctoral degrees per capita than anywhere in the nation. Only a short drive from Seattle and Portland, Benton County offers a high quality of life, short commute times, and with a county population of approximately 215,000 many of the amenities of city life. The Tri-Cities Airport in nearby Pasco is the fourth largest air carrier airport in Washington State, with non-stop flights to several large cities and major air carrier hubs.

About the Coroner’s Office

The Benton County Coroner’s Office is accredited through the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, and it prides itself as one of the best coroner’s offices in Washington State. The coroner’s facility and autopsy suite are clean and well maintained; the staff is professional, caring and dedicated to ensuring all investigations are done to the highest standard.

(Duties listed are illustrative and not intended as an exhaustive listing. This classification specification reflects the general concept and intent of the position and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the requirement that may be inherent in the position.) 

Directs and performs timely post-mortem examinations, retaining samples, specimens, and tissues necessary for analysis, examination, and documentation as prescribed by existing standards and practices of forensic pathology.

Prepares or oversees the preparation of written autopsy and other post-mortem examination reports using appropriate reporting form, and convention. Issues reports or records in writing of the cause and manner of death where such determinations are not dependent upon further investigation. 

Confers with and provides expert testimony on cases performed as required.

Meets with family members of decedents as requested.

Visits the scene of death or site of discovery of remains to provide professional assistance as needed.

Pursues self-development and continuing personal development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Graduation from an accredited school of medicine and completion of an accredited forensic pathology fellowship training program; or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employment at Benton County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.

Licensed as a physician in Washington State. 

Valid Washington State Driver's License, or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment. 

Forensic Pathology Board Certification from the American Board of Pathology, or the ability to obtain within two years.

Expert knowledge of forensic medicine and pathology to include both medical and legal aspects surrounding sudden and unnatural death as it relates to area(s) of assignment. 

Expert knowledge of laws, rules, policies, and regulations affecting certification of death, release of bodies, custody of the deceased persons and related matters.

Expert knowledge of methods, practices, equipment, policies, and procedures of handling deceased individuals, data collection, statistical analysis, and reporting writing principles and techniques.

Expert time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully. 

Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information.

Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and to express ideas and recommendations effectively, orally, and in writing. 

Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.

Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message. 

Ability to safely operate Benton County vehicles assigned to the Coroner’s office.