Salary : $88,247.00 - $132,371.24 Annually
Location : Monroe, NC
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 440002
Department: County Manager's Office
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:00 PM Eastern

General Statement

The SPRAC Chief Investigator, under limited supervision, provides leadership and regional oversight of medico-legal death investigation operations across a multi-county area. Ensures consistent investigative practices, supports Local Medical Examiners and investigative staff, and coordinates case management, on-call response, and complex investigations. Serves as a key liaison between agencies, families, and the public, ensuring accurate, professional, and compassionate communication. Oversees records management, policy development, training initiatives, and continuous quality improvement efforts while supporting operational readiness, technical systems, and long-term program development.
Essential Functions
Provides regional oversight and operational support for medico-legal death investigation services across a multi-county area. Monitors the activities of approximately 50 Local Medical Examiners, offering professional guidance and promoting consistency in investigative practices. Addresses operational issues as they arise and supports Local Medical Examiners with questions related to case handling and procedures. Assists with long-range planning to support service delivery and regional growth. Directly supervises investigative staff and participates in recruitment, candidate evaluation, and interview processes. May assume expanded responsibilities in accordance with legislative changes, including supporting the selection, training, oversight, and performance management of Local Medical Examiners.
Performs investigative and case management functions, including serving on an on-call rotation to receive and manage death notifications across multiple counties when Local Medical Examiners are unavailable. Gathers preliminary case information, provides guidance on next steps, and coordinates appropriate response actions and notifications. May respond to death scenes in complex or high-priority cases and conducts case triage, including determining acceptance or declination for autopsy in accordance with established criteria.
Facilitates communication with decedents' families and the public by providing clear, accurate, and compassionate explanations of autopsy findings, medical conclusions, and toxicology results. Ensures all communications adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards, and responds to public inquiries following established protocols.
Oversees records and systems management by monitoring data entry in state-mandated and internal case management systems. Ensures accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of case documentation, reporting, and data validation.
Supports policy development and continuous quality improvement initiatives by analyzing workflows and operational processes to identify gaps and implement enhancements. Assists in updating investigative policies and procedures to ensure alignment with current practices, legal requirements, and organizational needs.
Participates in training and preparedness efforts, including mass fatality planning and response. Assists in the development and delivery of training programs for new employees and Local Medical Examiners to ensure competency and consistency in operations.
Provides technical and operational support by serving as a liaison for communications systems, including radio, telecommunications, and information technology. Coordinates resources and logistics to maintain uninterrupted service delivery and operational effectiveness.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biology, Microbiology, Public Health, Police Science, or closely related field, and eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in medico-legal death investigation, forensic operations, or a closely related field with one (1) or more years of supervisory experience overseeing investigative or forensic staff; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses or Certifications:

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.
Possession of an American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators certification (ABMDI) or the ability to obtain within (2) years of hire.
Special Requirements:

Must be available approximately fifteen (15) days monthly for assignments after normal work hours including nights, weekends and holidays.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Licenses or Certifications:

Appointed as a Medical Examiner.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions including computers, digital cameras for scene documentation, stretchers, body bags, evidence collection kits, radios, phone, etc. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert 50 pounds or less of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an environment where errors on their part can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for them or others. The employee will be exposed to risks involved at death scenes, including blood borne pathogens.