Field Deputy Medical Investigator

As a nationally accredited program with strong educational component in The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) in Albuquerque investigates any death occurring in New Mexico that is sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected or where a person is found dead and the cause of death is unknown. The OMI, which is a special program within the Department of Pathology in the School of Medicine at the University of New Mexico, determines the cause and manner of death in these cases, and provides formal death certification.

OMI is currently seeking candidates for on-call Field Deputy Medical Investigator (FDMI) positions in several outlying counties across New Mexico. This is a unique opportunity to serve your community by assisting in medicolegal death investigations.As an FDMI, you’ll respond to death scenes, examine decedents, collect fluids when necessary, and ensure proper documentation and transport. The role requires physical interaction with deceased individuals, including lifting, moving, and securing bodies—often in challenging and unpleasant conditions. Our ideal candidate is a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing, and is comfortable using computers and Microsoft products. You should be able to build and maintain professional relationships with law enforcement, funeral homes, and transporters, while working independently and following complex protocols. Ethical integrity, confidentiality, and a calm demeanor in sensitive situations are essential.

This is not a full-time role; shifts are typically 12 or 24 hours and based on county-specific needs. Applicants must reside in New Mexico, hold a valid driver’s license, have reliable transportation, and be available during on-call hours in their county. All candidates must pass a drug screening, health screening, and background check.

Selected applicants will attend a paid, mandatory three-day training in Albuquerque, and all necessary equipment—including camera, computer, and protective gear—is provided. Please note: the number of scenes per month is unpredictable, and some investigations may require court testimony. If you currently work with or advocate for the deceased, please disclose this in your application to avoid any conflict of interest.

We will be conducting interviews based off vacancies in counties, currently we have staffing in about 80% of the state. If you have applied and reside in a county that is fully staffed we will keep your application in the University of New Mexico (UNM) application system. In July of every year we close out the position to adjust for pay increases. At that time, you will receive an automated email from UNM that the Field Deputy Medical Investigator (FDMI) position has closed. You will need to reapply in order to keep your application current.

For more information about OMI and the FDMI role, visit https://hsc.unm.edu/omi/.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Annual TB testing may be required if working in a patient care area.
• UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
• Formal deputization as a Deputy Medical Investigator is required upon completion of training.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Pre-employment background investigation required.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

High School Diploma or GED; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and/or kinesiology.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to manipulate heavy objects.
• Ability to write reports containing technical information.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle by day and by night.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
• Knowledge of cameras and photographic procedures.
• Ability to work with distressing and/or unpleasant odors, procedures and circumstances.
• Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions.
• Ability to understand medical/forensic information and terminology.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.