Chief Forensic Investigator

The incumbent conducts forensic death investigations and supervises forensic investigators statewide. Duties include but are not limited to: death scene investigations and reporting, lifting and transporting bodies and interacting professionally with law enforcement, medical facilities and agencies, private physicians and family members. The incumbent performs administrative and human resources related functions. Work schedule includes day and evening shift hours with some overnight/weekend on-call coverage.

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

1. Possession of an American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (ABMDI) certificate.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Investigates circumstances of death at the scene by questioning police, witnesses, medical personnel, and others present; collecting and preserving evidence; photographing the scene and the body.
   
• Determines compliance with forensic investigation laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
   
• Conducts background investigations to gather additional information, such as interviewing relatives of the deceased to ascertain medical history, recent health and other pertinent factors concerning the circumstances surrounding the death; contacts decedent’s physician, hospital personnel, dentists, law enforcement, attorneys, and others who may have pertinent information.
   
• Prepares body for transport while preserving body evidence, transports the body to the office, tags and photographs the body in the autopsy room.
   
• Coordinate with a tissue procurement agency, the forensic pathologist, and relatives of the deceased to facilitate anatomical gifts.
   
• Prepares various investigative reports of findings to include statistical data, body condition, body receipts, personal effects receipts, and other forms associated with the disposition of the body.
   
• Testifies in court concerning the circumstances surrounding the cause of death.
   
• May assist in the conduct of autopsies by labeling specimen containers, opening and suturing the body, and cleaning the area and instruments; may take x-rays of bodies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Chief Forensic Investigator
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Three years experience in planning, developing, coordinating and implementing forensic investigations.
2. Three years experience in determining compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
3. Six months experience in forensic photography which includes scene, autopsy, and macro imaging documentation as well as awareness of legal developments relating to digital and multimedia evidence.
4. Six months experience in civil, criminal or administrative proceedings.
5. Six months experience in providing testimony before boards, commissions, administrative bodies or court officials.
6. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
7. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.
8. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

A satisfactory background check (including a fingerprint based background check administered by the Delaware State Police) is required as a Condition of Hire. The selected candidate will be required to submit a buccal swab for DNA upon employment and subjected to randomized drug testing during the term of their employment.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at statejobs.delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.