Medical Examiner Director of Operations chez Pierce County, WA

About the Department

Position Duties

Pierce County is looking for a dedicated Medical Examiner’s Office Director of Operations who has:

• Deep knowledge of medicolegal death investigation and autopsy principles and operations, and administrative systems supporting a NAME-accredited medical examiner’s office.
• Skilled in performance management, budget oversight, and operational planning for multidisciplinary teams in a 24/7 environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and inspire staff across investigative, technical, and administrative units through clear expectations, feedback, and process improvement initiatives.
• Committed to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and respect, with a focus on continuous learning, professional development, and exceptional public service.
• Comfortable navigating complex and sensitive situations with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment, and representing the office in collaborative partnerships with law enforcement, public health, and community stakeholders.

A complete classification can be found here.

Our strategic leader will focus on:

• The work of three diverse but interrelated teams with daily operations and plans for surge capacity, mass fatality management, and emerging diseases with public health implications.
• Project and program management to ensure PCMEO’s overall mission, goals, and strategic objectives are fulfilled through office-wide projects, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Medical Examiner’s Office Highlights:

• Collaborative, friendly 26-member staff comprised of four teams: Investigations, Technical, Administrative, and Pathology.
• Fully accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).
• Stand-alone secure facility with free on-site parking.
• Updated, modern personal office space.
• CT Scanner installation in progress.
• Current Lodox full-body x-ray system.
• Modern case management system.
• Annual office caseload estimated at 850+ Autopsy Equivalents.
• Four forensic pathologists.

Learn more about the Medical Examiner's Office here.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Forensic Science, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Seven years of directly related experience, including three years of supervisory experience.
• Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in managing all non-physician aspects of a NAME-Accredited medical examiner’s office.
• Experience in forensic science, pathology, laboratory sciences, laboratory management, or other medical facility.

Additional Information:

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Other Qualifications

About Pierce County:
Pierce County is a vibrant region where career opportunities intersect with an exceptional quality of life. With stunning natural landscapes, from the shores of Puget Sound to the majestic Mt. Rainier National Park, the area offers endless outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and golfing on nationally ranked courses. Urban amenities abound as well, with thriving arts, cultural, and culinary scenes that complement the area’s natural beauty. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Washington State, Pierce County is a hub of innovation and community collaboration, making it an exciting place to grow your career and make a lasting impact.
 
Pierce County is committed to a "Forward Together" mission that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion while tackling critical community challenges. The focus on affordable housing, reducing homelessness, expanding behavioral health services, and creating good-paying jobs ensures a high quality of life for all residents. This dedication to fostering inclusive communities, safe infrastructure, and equitable access to opportunities makes Pierce County a place where careers thrive, and individuals can make meaningful contributions to a resilient, vibrant future.