JOB POSTING – Chief Forensic Pathologist and Medical Examiner

The Opportunity: Chief Forensic Pathologist/ Medical Examiner

Charlotte, North Carolina (Mecklenburg County)

The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiners Office (MCMEO) is currently seeking qualified candidates for our Chief Forensic Pathologist/ Medical Officer opening, to join and lead our Medical Examiners organization.

Position Summary

This position provides Medical Examiner and Forensic Pathology services to the citizens of Mecklenburg County and 2 additional regional counties for cases under ME jurisdiction. The successful candidate will join 3 current full time forensic pathologists in performing approximately 700 autopsies and 850 external examinations annually, issuing reports, completing death certificates, and testifying in court. This position further serves as the department director of an independent County office developing and implementing policies and procedures in compliance with state statutes and contracts. Office support staff includes the business manager and 2 administrative positions, an investigations manager and 11 death investigators, and 5 forensic autopsy/morgue technicians. The position is currently being recruited to plan for future incumbent retirement in 2025 with an anticipated start date of March 1, 2025 to allow a smooth onboarding transition.

MCMEO is a County operated department that functions as part of a state-wide medical examiner system in NC. The office serves the residents of Mecklenburg County and two regional counties under contract with the State of NC. The office is located on the northern side of Charlotte with easy access by several major highways. The free-standing state-of-the-art facility was completed in late 2008 and remains in great condition with some recent remodels and upgrades including the addition of a LODOX machine.

The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the largest urban areas in the southeast United States. Mecklenburg County is home to nearly 1.15 million residents and offers major amenities with professional and minor league sports teams, diverse communities, an incredible park and recreation system, and headquarters to several major corporations. The County is situated between the eastern US coastline and the Appalachian Mountains with beaches and mountain towns and attractions within a 2-3 hour drive. These features make the County a great place to call home where you can LIVE, LEARN, and RECREATE.

About Mecklenburg County Government

Mecklenburg County Government is more than just a place to work. The County provides an environment where you can touch and enrich lives every day in countless ways. From helping families in need to protecting the public's health, working here means you will have the opportunity to be a part of a team providing services for a large metropolitan county with a diverse population and thriving business community. It's not just a place to work - for some, it's an opportunity to serve their neighbors and make a difference in our community. For others, the role they take on fulfills a lifelong pursuit in an area of study. Whatever the reason you choose to work for the County, there is an opportunity for personal growth, professional development, and to truly make a difference in people's lives.

Mecklenburg County is governed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The BOCC is a nine-member board made up of representatives elected from six single-member districts, and three at-large representatives elected by the entire county.

Mecklenburg County contains seven municipalities including the City of Charlotte and the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville. As one of the largest counties in North Carolina, Mecklenburg County is recognized by Niche.com, a market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families, as one of the Best Counties for Families in North Carolina (#2), Best Counties for Young Professionals in North Carolina (#2), and Most Diverse Counties in North Carolina (#3). Mecklenburg County has also been recognized as one of the hottest housing markets in 2024 (#7) by Zillow.

What You Will Do

Each day brings a variety of experiences and may constantly change as you lead an organization to provide forensic services to the constituents of Mecklenburg County. In this role you will set the North Star for the Medical Examiner’s Office and as a player/ Coach and guiding the team, driving strategy, and team engagement to create a collaborative work environment. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office (MCMEO) mission is to provide county morgue and medical examiner/forensic pathology services to the citizens of Mecklenburg County. The MCMEO interacts with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to assist in death investigations, reporting their findings on the cause and manner of death. The MCMEO also provides consultation and forensic pathology services to two regional counties: Cleveland and Gaston.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

5 years of experience as a forensic pathologist performing autopsies and serving as a medical examiner investigating and certifying deaths. At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory role.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited school of medicine with residency training in anatomic pathology (AP) or anatomic and clinical pathology (AP/CP) and I year of fellowship training in forensic pathology (FP).

Licenses and Certifications:

Current board certifications in AP or AP/CP or other combination

Current board certification in Forensic Pathology (FP)

Current NC Medical License to be obtained prior to start of employment

Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License to be obtained prior to start of employment

Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required

Preferred Qualifications

10 years of experience as a forensic pathologist/medical examiner

3 or more years of supervisory experience overseeing morgue operations and other pathologists, serving as a deputy director, or as a chief ME/FP

Work Environment

Works in an office setting with moderate noise.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.