Deputy Coroner

Murphy, ID
Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office

Salary: $20.00 per hour.

Open until filled

Position Summary:

Performs investigations and collects evidence relating to “sudden deaths” which refers to a death in which a physician has not been in attendance of the deceased or a death under questionable, unknown circumstances; determines identity of the deceased; identifies next of kin and notifies them of the death; assists families in resolving concerns relating to the death; and performs related duties as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Responds to calls for service relating to sudden and unexplained deaths;
  • Confers with police, doctors, hospital staff, families of the deceased, insurance investigators, attorneys and funeral homes;
  • Examines the scene to search for evidence to determine the identity of the deceased, cause and manner of death;
  • Gathers, preserves and stores evidence while maintaining the integrity of the evidence through proper collection, handling, security, and chain of custody.
  • Conducts scene investigations in cases involving possible homicide or suicide;
  • Photographs and document the scene and deceased individual(s);
  • Collects samples of bodily fluids from the deceased individual(s) and submits them to the appropriate agency for testing;
  • Takes responsibility for the personal property of decedents who have no known relative, next of kin or heir;
  • Works with the Owyhee County Treasurer’s department to assist with decedent property dispositions;
  • Schedules and attends autopsies to supply the medical examiner with facts and information relating to the case;
  • Attends inquests and court proceedings to provide relevant testimony;
  • Contacts next of kin and notifies them of the death;
  • Aids and comfort to family members of the deceased;
  • Keeps Coroner informed regarding the status of cases; and
  • Prepares written reports on cases listing pertinent case facts in manner, cause of death and bodily examination.

Requirements:

  • Deputy Coroners are required to carry a cellular phone, answer calls and respond to call-outs;
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver’s license;
  • They will provide and maintain a personal vehicle so they may respond to calls for service;
  • Must pass a criminal background check.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must successfully complete a background check with no criminal history record
  • Must live in Owyhee County, Idaho
  • Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology;
  • Knowledge of medical terminology;
  • Knowledge of computers, Microsoft Word, Excel and internet programs;
  • Skill in providing comfort and assistance to people grieving the loss of family or friends;
  • Skill in communicating in a clear and concise way in stressful situations;
  • Skill in both written and oral communication;
  • Ability to not only witness, but manage death scenes in order to observe and document details;
  • Ability to remember large amounts of information in a high stress environment;
  • Ability to analyze difficult investigatory problems, adopt effective course of action and draw appropriate conclusions;
  • Ability to use photographic equipment;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, funeral homes, emergency personnel, hospital staff, members of the public, co-workers, managers and other agency staff.