Salary
$46.60 - $60.93 Hourly
Location
Elkhorn, WI
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2026-00037
Department
Medical Examiner
Opening Date
03/17/2026
Closing Date
4/7/2026 5:00 PM Central
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Position Summary
This position is responsible for determining jurisdiction of cases, investigating and reporting on the cause and manner of death, and overseeing the daily office activities and department staff.
SUPERVISION
This position directly supervises the Deputy Medical Examiners by carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
SCHEDULE
Days: Monday - Friday*
Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm*
- Nights and weekends as needed
Hours Per Shift: 8
Shifts Per Pay Period: 10
Position FTE: 1.00
Applications are being accepted from current County employees as well as members of the public.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Supervise, organize, schedule, assign, distribute, and evaluate the work of the Deputy Medical Examiner staff. This includes providing direction on the handling of case investigations.
Training and develop investigative staff on operational policies and procedures. Coordinate workplace safety compliance and continuing education/training activities.
Conduct investigations of deaths in Walworth County in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes. This shall include evaluating death scenes, examining and preserving evidence, investigating the circumstances of death by obtaining personal data and medical history via records and interviews; examining bodies; and establishing initial assessment of cause and manner of death as natural, suicidal, accidental, or homicidal.
Assist in the identification of decedent, and determine and coordinate proper disposition of the body, including removal and transportation of the body to the morgue.
Notify next of kin personally or in conjunction with law enforcement/other agencies.
Answer family questions and concerns over deceased individuals.
Prepare reports documenting the facts and findings of all death investigations and other activities regarding the deceased.
Investigate cause and manner of death and prepare and issue certificates, disinterment permits, subpoenas and other legally binding documents for embalming and cremation.
Assist in the collection, preservation, and chain of custody of bodies, criminal and physical evidence, specimens, and property.
Release bodies and property to the appropriate agency, funeral director, or family member and secure documentation of the transaction.
Take photographs of bodies and other evidence at autopsies or death scenes as required.
Establish and maintain effective working and public relations with various local and state law enforcement agencies, other county departments, medical personnel, funeral service professionals and the public.
Answer telephone lines and effectively handle requests or properly route the calls to appropriate staff in the Medical Examiner’s Office, other county offices or outside agencies.
Testify in civil and criminal cases when necessary.
Respond to reports of death on a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week basis. Schedule the rotation of Deputy Medical Examiner staff to assist in this assignment.
Prepare the county budget allotted to the Medical Examiner’s office.
Attend training meetings and seminars and maintain current knowledge of methods and procedures through professional literature or publications.
Prepare and approve bi-weekly payroll documentation for Deputy Medical Examiner staff.
Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education And/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in areas such as biological or medical science, anatomy, physical therapy, medical terminology, nursing, or a closely related field or four (4) years of work experience in medico-legal death investigation, medical or biological sciences, police sciences, as a pathology or autopsy assistant, or a closely related area preferably in a medical examiner or coroner’s office. A minimum of three (3) years of managerial experience, ideally in medicolegal death investigation. Completion of both basic and advanced medicolegal death investigation training required. Proven knowledge of Wisconsin State Statutes concerning investigations of deaths, investigative techniques, principles, and practices used in determining cause and manner of death.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid driver's license.
Proof of minimum liability auto insurance coverage.
Certification as a Medicolegal Death Investigator preferred. If certification is not held at time of hire it must be obtained within twelve (12) months of the date of hire as a condition of continued employment; failure to obtain said license or certification will be grounds for termination.
Interactions and Communications
Provides specialized information and/or recommendations to others regarding an area of expertise.
Decision Making
This position has authority to make decisions that are consistent with policies and precedents; supervision and managerial direction is available as requested. These decisions directly impact performance at the department wide level and information is provided with additional research and observations, which contributes to the decision-making process.
Thinking and Problem Solving
In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges in this position tend to be diverse, but are typically covered by precedent or established practice.
Tools & Equipment Used
Telephone Copy Machine
Calculator FAX Machine
Camera Personal Computer/Printer
Body Lift
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employees may come into contact with airborne and blood borne pathogens.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must be able to move and transfer human bodies of various weights. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
Selection Process
To Include
Formal Walworth County Electronic Application
Education & Experience Review
Oral Department Interview
Reference Check
Background Check
Verification of Drivers License
Post Offer Physical Exam
Drug Screen
Other Job Related Tests May Be Required.
WALWORTH COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY
J - Department Heads
BARGAINING UNIT: Department Heads
DATE: January 1, 2019
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: All employees of Walworth County are at-will employees. Special provisions are contained in Section 15-6 (f) of the Walworth County Code of Ordinances.
BASIS OF PAYMENT: Salaried, FLSA Exempt. You are not eligible for overtime or compensatory time. You are required to account for all time absent from your regular work schedule.
SCHEDULED TIME OFF: Accrued based on straight-time hours each pay period. All accrued scheduled time off hours are available for use, subject to approval of your supervisor. As a full-time employee you earn scheduled time off (pro-rated for part-time) equivalent to the following:
15 days per year after 1 year of Walworth County Service
20 days per year after 5 years of Walworth County Service
25 days per year after 15 years of Walworth County Service
- may be considered for additional Scheduled Time Off (STO) based on continuous related experience per Ord. Sec. 15-515 (e)
PERSONAL TIME OFF: Employees will receive 64 hours of personal time off as a lump sum at the beginning of each year (pro-rated for part-time and newly-hired employees). At the end of each calendar year, an employee may request to move remaining personal time off hours to the extended sick leave bank. If no request is made, any remaining hours shall be paid out on the employee's last pay date of the calendar year.
EXTENDED SICK LEAVE BANK: Used for time off of work for more serious health conditions that require three or more consecutive days off or when on an approved leave of absence.
HOLIDAYS: Ten paid holidays each year.
INSURANCE: Health, Dental, Life, Vision, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability insurance benefits are available on the first of the month following 30 days of service, provided you complete enrollment forms within 30 days of hire.
Health Insurance: You can choose Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 1 is a standard co-pay plan. Tier 2 is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). The County will contribute an amount approved by the County Board, payable as a lump sum to your HSA for Tier 2. You may also elect to contribute to your HSA up to the IRS maximum. You may elect either family or single coverage. The monthly premium will be split between the County and the employee.
An employee may waive county-paid health insurance in exchange for an annual stipend of $6,200, subject to the terms of Sec. 15-6 (f) (2) of the Walworth County Code of Ordinances.
Dental Insurance: You may elect either family or single coverage. The county shall pay 100% (single or family) of the premium for a full-time employee enrolled in dental insurance.
Life Insurance: The County provides you with term life insurance in an amount equal to $50,000. You have the option of purchasing additional coverage for yourself, spouse, and/or dependent children.
Short Term Disability Insurance: The County provides you with Short Term Disability Insurance with premiums paid by the employer.
LTD Insurance: The County provides you with Long Term Disability Insurance. The monthly premium is 0.83% of your insured monthly wages. The County shall pay 67% & the employee shall pay 33% of the premium.
Vision Insurance: You may elect to participate in Vision insurance. The employee electing coverage shall pay 100% (single or family) of the premium for vision insurance.
WISCONSIN RETIREMENT: You are covered under the Wisconsin Retirement System if you are expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours per year for a period of one year or more. The WRS provides you with separation, disability or retirement benefits upon termination. The payment is split between the county and employee, as prescribed by state law. Employees expected to work less than 1200 hours per year will not receive this benefit.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: After completing 6 months of employment, you are eligible to participate in the Educational Assistance Program and receive partial reimbursement for tuition upon completion of approved courses.
TAX-SHELTERED BENEFITS: You may elect to participate in the following tax-sheltered benefits:
Deferred Compensation (S457 plan)
Medical Spending Account (S125 plan)
Dependent Care Plan (S125 plan)
Health Savings Account (S223 plan)
WORKERS COMPENSATION: You are covered by Workers Compensation for any illness or injury arising out of your employment. Medical expenses and compensation for lost time are paid from the workers' compensation plan. In addition, the County will supplement the workers' compensation lost-time payment for up to 1 year, making you whole on a "net-check" basis.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: You are required to participate in direct deposit of your paycheck to a banking institution of your choice.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: You and your family are encouraged to use the Employee Assistance Program for help in addressing confidential family and financial matters. EAP services are provided through Curalinc. Please call 888-881-5462 for help.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: You will receive pay for up to 3 days for the purpose of bereavement over the death of your spouse, child, step-child, parent, step-parent, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, or other member of the immediate household (excluding renters).
You will receive up to 1 day of pay for the death of your brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.
JURY DUTY: Your regular wages will be made-whole for any time you are required to serve on jury duty.
MILITARY LEAVE: Your regular wages will be made-whole for up to two weeks for you to meet your annual two-week reserve duty obligation. Extended military leaves are provided in accordance with state and federal laws.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE: You are required to request a leave of absence in writing and a minimum of 15 calendar days prior to your expected absence. All leaves are subject to approval of the Human Resources Department and are at the discretion of the County's representative, except as otherwise required by law. Under emergency situations, the leave papers must be submitted within 5 days after the absence begins. Periods of absence less than 5 days may be approved by your department head.
Note: This Summary provides only a brief outline of your benefits. All benefit terms and conditions are subject to the specific provisions of plan documents, policies, and/or legal rules and regulations. These benefits are subject to change from time to time by action of the County Board and/or Human Resources Committee.
01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
02
Please indicate below your highest level of education completed.
- No High School Diploma/GED
- High School Diploma/GED
- Some College/Tech School
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctoral Degree
03
Please indicate what area your degree is in.
04
Have you completed both basic and advanced medicolegal death investigation training?
05
Do you hold certification as a Medicolegal Death Investigator?
Required Question
Employer Walworth County
Address P.O. Box 1001
100 W. Walworth Street
Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 53121
Phone 262-741-7950
Website http://www.co.walworth.wi.us
