Associate State Medical Examiner

This is a non-merit position.  Candidates must follow the instructions in the “To Apply” section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. 

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Public Health, is seeking a dedicated and mission-driven Associate State Medical Examiner to join the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner (IOSME). This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in protecting public health, supporting families during difficult times, and contributing to medicolegal death investigations statewide.

Work Location & Schedule

• Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Weekend rotation approximately every seven weeks (limited hours)
• Statewide travel for courtroom testimony and depositions; state vehicle is available 

What You’ll Do

As an Associate State Medical Examiner, you will provide expert forensic pathology services and serve as a key resource for county medical examiners, law enforcement agencies, and the judicial system. Your work will help determine cause and manner of death, document injuries and disease, and advance the integrity of death investigations across Iowa’s 99 counties.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform postmortem examinations to document injuries, determine disease processes, establish cause and manner of death and collect evidence as authorized by Iowa Code section 331.802.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of all medicolegal death investigations under IOSME jurisdiction.
• Prepare timely, thorough autopsy reports using ancillary testing, consultations, and detailed medicolegal review.
• Provide expert testimony in court and depositions regarding autopsy findings and investigative conclusions.
• Communicate autopsy results sensitively and clearly to legal next of kin, investigating agencies and support staff.
• Complete and certify death certificates and cremation permits.
• Promptly communicate and advise county medical examiners and law enforcement agencies regarding scene procedures, autopsy requirements, and death certificate wording.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. 

For additional information on benefits click here.

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Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. 

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.