Mediabistro logo
job logo

Field Investigator (Paid on-call) - Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County,

Anoka County, Anoka, MN, United States


Overview

Job Posting End Date: March 8, 2026 at 11:59pm CST. Hiring range: $3.00 per hour on-call, $100.00 per scene/investigation, $20.00 per hour for planned trainings, meetings or other additional authorized time. Mileage per IRS guidelines. Anoka County seeks a Field Investigator to support forensic pathologists with death scene investigations in Roseau County or Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. This is a part-time, temporary, on-call position.
Position Description: As a Field Investigator, you assist forensic pathologists by performing death scene investigations utilizing Minnesota Stat. 390, U.S. Department of Justice Guidelines, and Medical Examiner policies/procedures. The Field Investigator presumptively identifies decedents, notifies next of kin, and collects and documents death scene evidence to support accurate determination of manner and cause of death. Work is performed under general supervision and requires a solid working knowledge of the subject matter. This role is based in Roseau County or Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota.
Pay & Benefits

$3.00 per hour on-call
$100 per scene visit/investigation
$20.00 per hour for planned trainings, meetings, or other additional authorized time
Mileage reimbursement per IRS guidelines
Pension plan
Advancement/professional development opportunities
Work Location

This on-call position is located in Roseau County or Lake of the Woods County, MN. Candidates must currently reside within one hour of the listed county or be willing to relocate within three weeks of hire.
Job Duties and Responsibilities

Respond to death scenes in a timely manner, often on an on-call basis for a specific area, especially for unexpected deaths. Perform detailed inspection and take appropriate photographs of the body and surrounding area.
Make presumptive identification and facilitate positive identification.
Obtain demographics and medical/social history by interviewing neighbors, family, nursing staff, or primary physician, including family interviews and providing support in times of grief.
Make preliminary determination of cause and manner of death at the scene, determine if forensic autopsy is warranted, and discuss jurisdiction with pathologist as needed.
Assess body position, wound types, postmortem changes, and other pertinent factors; ensure decedent's private property is secure prior to vacating the death scene.
Photograph and document the scene and circumstances; provide concise written reports documenting investigation and findings, including photos and sketches as needed.
Collect, inventory and package property/evidence from the scene, maintaining chain of custody.
Coordinate with law enforcement and other investigative agencies on scene in a professional manner.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed: Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of job-related experience. In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Valid driver’s license and vehicle available for business use.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Degree in Physical or Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, or related field. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality. Ability to investigate, collect, interpret and report information regarding death scenes, medical history, and related areas. Strong communication skills with grieving or highly distraught individuals and coordination with medical and law enforcement entities. Ability to organize multiple activities with precision. Knowledge of pharmacological and medical terminology and disease processes helpful.
Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Laboratory or morgue environment, indoor and outdoor field work sites based on assignment.
Vision, hearing, and other cognitive and physical requirements as described; ability to see colors and shades; ability to detect scents; problem solving and task prioritization; ability to perform repetitive physical tasks and operate standard office and forensic equipment.
Assignments require several hours of varied physical activity in addition to computer use; physical activity may include bending, stooping, reaching, and handling heavy equipment. Regular lifting of 100 lbs. or more. Occasional travel to other county work sites as needed. Travel between sites may require driving a county or personal vehicle. Exposure to bodily fluids, infectious agents, radiation, and other hazards is possible. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Selection Process

It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience. This information will determine which candidates proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is used to view the full job description and apply through the provided links.

#J-18808-Ljbffr