Forensic Anthropologist (ProjectProgram IV)

The King County Medical Examiners Office (KCMEO) is an interesting and challenging place to work. We deal with all sudden unexpected and unnatural deaths in the 12th most populous county in the nation. Everyone works hard but they also appreciate and respect one another. The work of the Forensic Anthropologist and Anthropology Technician are greatly appreciated by the rest of the team and the Forensic Anthropologist is a member of the leadership team of the addition to working with this team this role works closely with coroners medical examiners and law enforcement throughout the state as well as with the forensic odontologists and the state archaeologist.

The King County Medical Examiners Office is seeking a Forensic Anthropologist who is experienced in medicolegal casework and certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology to analyze human remains to determine biological profile identify and characterize perimortem trauma establish positive identification resolve post-mortem interval questions and provide technical expertise to law enforcement and other internal and external agencies. This position serves as the forensic anthropologist for the state of Washington.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations history King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices strategies and policies that promote fairness justice and opportunity for all in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights opportunities and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020 King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more please visit Duties

• Examine skeletal material from cases originating in King County or submitted by coroners and medical examiners from other counties in Washington
• Prepare reports detailing anthropological examinations and enter all relevant data into the KCMEO case management database
• Supervise the forensic anthropology technician
• Be part of the KCMEO leadership team
• Ensure appropriate operation of the anthropology lab space
• Provide consultation to pathologists in interpretation of skeletal trauma
• Direct the anthropology-related activities of water maceration and preparation of skeletal material photography digital radiography and dental radiography
• Assist with identification of human remains through skeletal analysis and radiography
• Assist with identification of remains through other methods such as facial reconstruction and genealogy
• Assist with the determination of human versus nonhuman remains and forensic versus non-forensic human remains
• Coordinate with forensic odontologists in identification of remains and missing persons
• Coordinate with the Washington State Physical Anthropologist and the Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation in repatriation of Indigenous remains
• Assist with collection of DNA evidence submission to appropriate laboratories and interpretation of results
• Assist with collection of forensic entomology evidence
• Assist with activities related to missing and unidentified persons including development of biological profile and entry into relevant state and national databases
• Assist with field search and recovery of human remains
• Assist with mass fatality response and planning including updates to the King County Mass Fatality Response Plan
• Maintain chain of custody for secure storage tracking and release of remains
• Provide expert testimony in Forensic Anthropology
• Provide training and educational activities for death investigators technicians and law enforcement officials
• Serve as a faculty member in the KCMEO Forensic Pathology Fellowship Training Program and provide training for other groups
• Prepare semiannual reports detailing forensic anthropology services for the Washington State Forensic Investigation Council
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required:

• Certified with the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) at the diplomate level or eligible to sit for this test within one (1) year
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of anthropological and forensic principles procedures and techniques
• Advanced knowledge of the laws regulations procedures and techniques relating to the recovery and exhumation of human remains
• Knowledge of state and federal laws regulations and guidelines for the preservation of historic remains
• Knowledge and understanding of curatorial principles methods procedures and techniques
• Skill in the submission of forensic principles and techniques
• Skill in handling sensitive information in a confidential manner in writing or in person
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Demonstrated proficiency with business applications such as Microsoft Office suite
• Valid Washington State Drivers License or ability to obtain upon hire

• Significant experience with medicolegal cases
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders
• Experience with NamUs entry
• Interest and experience in mentoring and teaching
• Certified with the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) at the diplomate level.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington States best employers.

Guided by our True North we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting support and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply including Native American and people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ people living with disabilities and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race color religion national origin sex (including gender identity sexual orientation and pregnancy) age genetic information disability veteran status or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions including but not limited to recruitment hiring selection for training promotion transfer demotion layoff termination rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

• NEOGOV Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Attach three (3) case reports which you have authored.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state see my resume or see my personnel file are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Necessary Special Requirements

• The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions interviewing and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
• For more information on our selection process please refer to For tips on interviewing please visit are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
• Regular and reliable attendance effective communication skills and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• When Public Health responds to an emergency and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time including nights and weekends with possible deployment to locations other than the department.
• If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Work Schedule

The Forensic Anthologist is a professional classification is FSLA exempt. While the majority of work will take place during office hours there will be times when the incumbent will need to respond to calls or assist partner agencies in the evening and on weekends.

Work Location

King County Medical Examiners Office 908 Jefferson St. Seattle WA 98104. This position works on site at KCMEO and occasionally at scenes in various parts of the state.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

This position is not represented by a Labor Union.

Contact

For questions about this recruitment please contact .