What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Examiner position at Whatcom County?
Whatcom County seeks an experienced and proven leader to serve as Medical Examiner, providing forensic pathology services, determining causes of death, and providing expert testimony in legal cases. Currently, the office performs an average of 20 autopsies per month.
The Medical Examiner will lead a team of Investigators, Autopsy Technicians, an Operations Manager, and temporary extra-help staff. They will effectively collaborate with law enforcement, legal, and public health agencies to meet the work, mission, goals and vision of the County.
The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office investigates deaths to determine jurisdiction and establish cause and manner of death for persons dying of unnatural circumstances in Whatcom County. The Medical Examiner’s Office team is composed of skilled, multi-disciplinary staff with a Medical Examiner, Operations Manager, Autopsy technician, three Medicolegal Death Investigators, and additional part-time staff.
Medical Examiner services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include death scene investigation, removal, locating and notifying next of kin, performing autopsies, interpreting toxicology results, identification of decedents, consulting with partners to determine opinions for archeologically significant remains and assisting the Washington State Archeologist to coordinate repatriation and reinternment, determination of nonhuman remains, necropsies, and providing consultative services to law enforcement agencies and to the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
The Office is responsible for signing death certificates for jurisdictional deaths, reviewing disposition authorizations, maintaining appropriate records, evidence collection, chain of custody, and safeguarding the personal property found with decedents. The Office also maintains responsibility for the disposition of the remains of unclaimed indigent persons who have died in Whatcom County.
If you are interested in working in our beautiful corner of the country, we'd love to hear from you! This position is open until filled but first priority review will be given to applications received by February 27, 2026.
For additional job details please see:
- Whatcom County Medical Examiner
- Recruitment Brochure
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and be eligible for or currently hold WA State license. Current WA state licensure preferred.
- 3 years of forensic pathology and supervisory/management experience
- Certification as a forensic pathologist by the American Board of Pathology
The ideal candidate should possess a dynamic blend of effective leadership skills and a record of providing medically and scientifically accurate, well-organized documentation and testimony. Effective communication and the ability to establish relationships with and across a broad network of stakeholders and partners while navigating a political landscape. A creative problem solver, ability to advocate for and implement improvements in a resource-constrained environment.
Must have an overarching dedication and commitment to public service and desire to improve the quality of life for Whatcom County residents.