Morgue Operations Coordinator

Summary

Woodbury County benefits include: IPERS. Great Health Insurance Benefit, Free Dental, Life & LTD Insurance, Sick leave benefits, Vacation, 10 Paid Holidays, 2 Personal Days, and a moving allowance is negotiable.

The Morgue Operations Coordinator is responsible for the efficient, accurate, and professional performance of daily operations and administrative duties for the Woodbury County Medical Examiner (ME) morgue facility. This role provides direct support to the Medical Examiner and ME Investigators by overseeing morgue logistics, chain of custody procedures, mass-casualty planning, scheduling, documentation workflows, and coordination with families, funeral homes, law enforcement, and county/state partners. The Coordinator ensures decedent management, communication, and morgue operations meet state requirements and uphold respectful, secure standards.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
The following duties are typical for this position.   These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  
Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Manage daily morgue operations including intake, storage, release, documentation, and facility readiness.
• Maintain morgue cleanliness, linens, supplies, and equipment.
• Develop and maintain morgue policies, procedures, logs, emergency plans, and documentation systems.
• Ensure secure access to the morgue; maintain controlled access lists.
• Coordinate morgue operational budgeting and planning with County Budget and Finance Director.
• Log, secure, and release all decedent belongings following strict chain-of-custody procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation for decedent property and toxicology specimens.
• Lead mass-fatality planning, including coordination with IOSME/state/local agencies.
• Assist with onsite operations during mass-casualty incidents.
• Supervise MEIs as directed by the County Medical Examiner.
• Create and maintain schedules for ME Investigators and submit payroll documents.
• Maintain training records and track continuing education opportunities.
• Assist ME and MEIs with case documentation workflows and distribution of reports.
• Maintain records for unclaimed bodies, inpatient deaths requiring ME review, and IDN cases.
• Serve as point of contact for funeral homes, families, and law enforcement; coordinate viewings.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and assist with transport coordination.
• Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, documentation accuracy, and respectful interactions.
• Pay weekly claims for the ME office through the accounts payable system. 
• Performs duties as an ME investigator as assigned. 
• Attendance is required. 

Non-Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Perform various morgue or ME Department related tasks, assignments, or special projects as directed by the Medical Examiner.
Minimum Education and Experience Required to Perform Essential Functions:

• College degree with major coursework in nursing, medicine (or other healthcare related field), criminal justice, law enforcement with at least 2 years’ experience as a certified nurse, medical care provider, forensic science technician, emergency medical services technician, or in law enforcement with investigations experience.  Supervisory experience preferred but not required.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a related functional area preferred.
• Understanding of medicolegal death investigation processes (training provided).
• Knowledge of general office equipment and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and good recordkeeping ability.
• Computer skills including Word and Excel.
• Ability to set priorities and follow through to completion.
• Must successfully pass a background check, physical examination, back screen, and drug screen prior to employment.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Mental and Physical Competencies Required to Perform Essential Functions: Language Ability Ability to read, interpret, and apply written and verbal procedures, safety rules, morgue operating instructions, and documentation protocols. Ability to communicate effectively with families, funeral homes, law enforcement, and county personnel using clearly spoken English. Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure. Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent, and interpret graphs. Basic bookkeeping principles for payroll and morgue documentation tracking. Behavior Skills Ability to maintain professional conduct, punctuality, confidentiality, and sensitivity in interactions with grieving families and partner agencies. Ability to manage time sensitive requests and maintain compliance with County work rules. Reasoning Ability  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written and oral instructions. Ability to manage standardized morgue procedures, respond to unexpected situations professionally, and maintain accurate chain-of-custody documentation. Cognitive Demands Ability to follow detailed but routine morgue protocols, set priorities, and maintain effective working relationships with ME staff, families, funeral homes, and public agencies. Equipment Used Computer for data entry, spreadsheets, Word processing; calculator; copier/scanner; morgue equipment including PPE, storage systems, and inventory tracking tools.  Physical Demands Work includes sitting, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying objects. Exposure to biohazards, bodily fluids, and deceased individuals with required PPE.        Environmental Adaptability Work is performed within morgue and office environments and includes exposure to biological and environmental risks mitigated through PPE and safety protocols. Special Requirements  Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities. Must pass background check, physical exam, vision/back screen, and drug screen. Use of clearly spoken English is required

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses