Deputy Coroner

2026 Saline County

Deputy Coroner

Job Description

Exempt:                                 No

Department:                         Saline County Coroner

Reports To:                           Coroner

Location:                               102 S Main, Benton AR  72015

Safety Sensitive:                  This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Deputy Coroner conducts medicolegal death investigations to determine the cause, manner, and time of death for cases falling under the jurisdiction of the County Coroner. This role involves scene investigation, evidence collection, and coordination with law enforcement and medical professionals.  This position also serves as the assistant administrator of the office in the absence of the coroner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Within one (1) year of employment as a deputy coroner, a person employed as a deputy coroner after January 1, 2021, shall complete the training required under ACA 14-15-308 which is a training course in medicolegal death investigation that meets the educational requirements of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigations and present a certificate in medical death investigation from an agency approved by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.


2. Death Scene Investigation: Respond and assist the coroner responding to death scenes 24/7.  Conduct preliminary examinations of bodies, documenting position, lividity and any signs of trauma.


3. Evidence Collections: Gathers physical evidence, medications and toxicological samples as qualified. Photograph scenes as needed.


4. Interviews: Consults with law enforcement, specifically Saline County Criminal investigations, medical staff, witnesses and family members to establish the deceased’s medical and social history.


5. Documentation: Prepare detailed narrative report of findings within 24 hours of death. Ensure the accurate completion of death certificates and other mandated forms.


6. Files records and maintains database on County deaths.


7. Maintains continuing education and attends certification courses on any aspect of death investigation. This duty is performed daily.


8. Required to respond in a timely manner and/ or call evenings and weekends.


9. Requires inter-agency communication daily with law enforcement, funeral homes, crime labs, etc.


10. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or have passed the General Education Development (GED) testing indication high school graduation level.  Documentary evidence shall consist of official transcript, diplomas or GED test report form. Knowledge of a specialized field (however acquired), such as two (2) years related experience and or training and 12 to 18 months related management experience.  Management need not be the supervision of people but relating to project management.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to read and understand documents such as policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence. ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions in person-to-person and small group situations with customers, clients, general public and other employees of the organization.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Per Arkansas Code § 14-15-308, within one (1) year of employment as a deputy coroner, a person employed as a deputy coroner after January 1, 2021, shall complete the training required under ACA 14-15-308 which is a training course in medicolegal death investigation that meets the educational requirements of the Americal Board of Medicolegal Death Investigations and  present a certificate in medical death investigation from an agency approved by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. A deputy coroner who does not comply with this requirement, shall not continue employment or activity as a deputy coroner, including without limitation signing death certificates or assisting in death investigations. 

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Knowledge of medical and/or investigative background; knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body;

SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED

Intermediate: Database, Presentation/PowerPoint, Spreadsheet, Word Processing/Typing

USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS

Regular use of complex machines and equipment (desktop/laptop computer and software, road and production machines and equipment, driver's license/cdl, etc.)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Disagreeable working conditions. Exposed to several of the elements in degree 2, which are present continuously enough to make the conditions disagreeable. May involve heavy travel and/or work is in the evening during the night hours.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, wet or humid conditions, extreme heat; occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Highly repetitive, moderately physical. Highly repetitive type of work which requires somewhat diversified physical demands of the employee.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, talk or hear; and frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell; occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; regularly lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The position involves regular and irregular hours needed to perform related duties.  Work hours may be extended in case of an emergency, disaster, manpower shortage, workload and work-in-progress.  This position is designated as a "safety sensitive position" as defined by Act 593 of 2017. An essential function is the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

The duties listed above are intended only to show the various types of duties that will be performed.  The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  All positions within the Coroner’s Office are assigned by the Coroner and/or a designated representative and are subject to be changed when consider in the best interest of the Office.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Saline County and the employee and is subject to change by the employer if the need of the employer and requirements of the job change.

DEPUTY CORONER

• Starting at $41,555 annually for a new hire.


• Scheduled work hours are set by the elected official, and this position will have an on-call schedule that will rotate on a schedule with other employees.


• This position is designated as a “safety sensitive” position as defined by Act 593 of 2017. An essential function of this position is the ability to work in a contact state of alertness and in a safe manner.

• Bilingual pay available one proficiency has been established.


• Group health, dental and life insurance is paid by the County for the employee’s coverage provided the employee obtain a wellness check within designated timeframe. 


• The County contributes 15.32% towards the employee’s retirement through the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System

POSTED 2/03/2026

CLOSES AT 4:30 PM ON 2/10/2026 OR OPEN UNTIL FILLED

SALINE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER