Medical Legal Death Investigator Supervisor
About this Position
The Medical-Legal Death Investigation Supervisor plays a vital leadership role at the intersection of public health, public safety, and justice in Lane County. This position is responsible for supervising and supporting the medical-legal death investigation team while also having the ability to occasionally perform complex death investigations involving traumatic, suspicious, unattended or unexplained deaths.
This team is not a desk-only group. Our MLDI’s are responsible for 24/7 response to death scenes, coordinating with law enforcement, medical providers, the State Medical Examiner, and the District Attorney’s Office, while ensuring investigations are conducted with accuracy, integrity, and compassion. The work directly supports grieving families, informs legal and public health decisions, and upholds the community’s trust in local government.
As the supervisor, you will guide and mentor professional death investigators, set investigative priorities, ensure compliance with Oregon statutes and professional standards, and continually improve investigative practices, documentation, and service delivery. You will also serve as a key liaison with community partners and internal stakeholders, helping ensure clear communication, cultural awareness, and professionalism in some of the County’s most sensitive work. This position is also responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the unit’s employees and operations.
This role is ideal for an experienced medical-legal death investigator or forensic professional with proven leadership skills. We are looking for an established supervisor who values hands-on work, team development, and public service, familiarity with unionized work environments is a plus. If you are motivated by purpose, capable of navigating high-stakes situations with calm and clarity and committed to serving the community with dignity and accountability, we encourage you to apply.
About the Division
Christopher J. Parosa is Lane County's elected district attorney. His office is responsible for the prosecution of all crimes in Lane County Circuit Court.
Divisions in the District Attorney's Office include Criminal; Juvenile; Family Law (Child Support Enforcement), Victim Services, and Death Investigations.
Our Mission: Strive to improve public safety and quality of life by prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, securing the appropriate support for children and families, and determining the cause and manner of death in all cases of traumatic or unattended death.
Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm. On call as needed to support division and team.
*This is a non-represented position
QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience:
- Eight years of education and/or experience in medical investigation, other investigation, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or a related field, including one year of experience in a supervisory, management, or leadership role; or a combination sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
- Valid Oregon Driver’s License.
Special Requirements:
- You are required to submit a cover letter for this posting. If not provided, your application and materials will be rejected.
- In a cover letter, share with us your experience and expertise in the following areas:
- Leadership/management experience
- Communication style/approach
Notes:
- This position is subject to a full criminal offender record check.
- Must have valid Oregon driver license by time of appointment.
- Must be able to respond to scene of investigation within one hour.
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
CLASSIFICATION DETAILS:
Medical Legal Death Investigator, Supervisor Classification Details
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Strategic Plan
In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.
The 2025 -2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.