Forensic Pathologist

Bannock County was established in 1893 and was named after the Native American tribe indigenous to the area. Bannock County is the sixth-most populous county in Idaho and as of the 2020 census had a population of 87,018. The City of Pocatello is the county seat and largest metropolitan area in the county. Bannock County proudly provides meaningful work, looks out for the safety and wellbeing of employees and their families, provides opportunities for development, encourages trust in the organization, offers a positive workplace, and maintains work/life balance. The County also performs many essential functions in the community.

Job Summary

Responsible for carrying out the essential duties of a Forensic Pathologist as needed for contracted services, including full autopsies, limited autopsies, inspections, and any additional testing required to assist with determining the cause of death.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Examines human bodies in order to determine the cause and manner of death using various sources of information as well as the performance of autopsy;
• Determines the cause of violent, accidental, sudden, traumatic, unusual deaths as well as others as requested by Coroners;
• Reviews cases with the coroner of jurisdiction and provide input based on medical judgment to determine if autopsy is needed.
• Inquires into the cause and circumstances of human deaths and establishes the identities of deceased persons;
• Performs pathological and toxicological analyses and prepares documents for permanent records;
• Observes and records the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence;
• Observes, records and preserves any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication and suicide notes, DNA evidence, fingerprints, trace evidence fibers, etc.;
• Assists in directing emergency responses to disasters that require coroner services;
• Provides assistance to law enforcement agencies and organ procurement agencies in cooperation with the Coroner;
• Provides expert testimony in criminal proceedings related to deaths and consults with and advises the Prosecutor's office;
• Formulates policy in regard to medical operations, directs its execution and evaluates work;
• Communicates standards and protocols to the Chief Operations Manager;
• Represents the county in various activities and interacts with the general public and other agencies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Keeps informed of new and improved methods in forensic pathology and medicine and instructs staff in such methods;
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Instructional opportunities with Idaho State University (ISU).

Job Requirements

• Must be a licensed physician to practice medicine in the state of Idaho or be eligible for licensure in the state of Idaho (must obtain Idaho license within 3 months of employment)
• Must be a board-certified Forensic Pathologist.
• Knowledge of anatomy, pathology, anthropology and other related disciplines for identification and investigative purposes;
• Knowledge of firearms and other instruments of death;
• Knowledge of vehicular crash analysis;
• Knowledge of rules of evidence and court procedures;
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of criminal investigation and crime scene processing;
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws related to the operation of the county coroner's function;
• Skill in performing autopsies and examination of human bodies;
• Ability to operate scanning/imaging and or photographic, audio-visual, x-ray and related equipment;
• Ability to find, gather and collect information and data;
• Ability to compile, code, categorize, calculate, audit, verify information or data;
• Ability to maintain composure and respond effectively and efficiently in stressful, emergency, volatile, or crisis situations;
• Ability to deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact and professionalism;
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers, supervisors and members of other agencies;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, particularly as a witness in a courtroom;
• Ability to use a computer with word processing, spreadsheet and database software;
• Ability to follow safety procedures and perform the duties of the job without endangering self or others:
• Adhere to NAME autopsy performance standards and requirements.
• This position is considered safety sensitive and the incumbent is subject to random drug testing;
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Idaho driver's license.

Work Environment and Essential Physical Abilities

• Position involves risks which require the use of special safety precautions and or equipment, e.g. working around potentially contagious diseases, operating machines, hazardous chemicals etc.;
• Duties of the position include some physical exertion such as long periods of standing walking over rough terrain, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities; moving of heavy objects which require above average agility and dexterity;
• The incumbent is subject to call out in emergency situations.

Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. For inquiries please contact Dotti Owens, M.A., D-ABMDI, (208-501-6154).