EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: EDUCATIONAL TOUR, OBSERVERSHIP, INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Skagit County Coroner’s Office offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive into medico-legal death investigations through our paid and unpaid internship programs. This immersive experience is designed for students passionate about forensic science, criminal justice, biological sciences, or related fields, offering a unique glimpse into the daily operations of a coroner’s office.
- Internship Application Form
Students interested in participating in the internship program must FIRST complete the educational tour and observership program to qualify:
- Educational Tour | Application Form
- This opportunity is approximately 2.5 hours long and is open to high school seniors, college students, and community members who are considering a career in forensic science or related field. It includes an overview presentation to introduce learners to the work that the Skagit County Coroner’s Office does each day. Participants will receive a full tour of the facility and staff members will be available to answer any questions.
- Observership Program | Application Form
- An observership is an educational experience that allows the participant to shadow a member of the Skagit County Coroner’s Office staff for a day up to 5 days and learn more about the field and the inner workings of a coroners office. This opportunity is open to high school seniors, college students, and those pursuing a career related to this field. The observer will be under direct supervision by a staff member of Skagit County Coroner’s Office and will have the opportunity to respond and observe a death scene investigation or observe an autopsy.
Due to the privacy and sensitivity of cases, the Skagit County Coroner’s Office is very limited as to how many interns may be accepted. It is preferable for individuals to apply only if seriously interested and/or actively pursuing a death investigation career or similar. It is asked that individuals only apply for the internship if able to devote a large amount of time and flexibility to the program.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years or older
- High school students receiving school credit may be considered for participation.
- Pursuing a career and/or education in criminal justice, forensic science, mortuary science, law enforcement, or medicine.
- Ability to commit to the internship for 3 months with a minimum of 8 hours per week.
- Availability to respond to calls after hours with an investigator (at least 1 day per week) which may include weekends and holidays.
- Must be punctual and respectful of the investigators’ multiple duties and busy schedules.
- Must be comfortable interacting with the public both in person and via phone.
- Familiar with basic death investigation principles and/or physiology/anatomy.
- Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance for public interaction.
- Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, professional conduct, and sound judgment.
Successful applicants must be willing to participate in all aspects and duties of the coroner’s office including but not limited to:
- General office duties (answering phones, logging information, data entry and filing)
- Scene investigation (general investigations under the supervision of a death investigator)
- Autopsy observation and assistance
Internship Experience and Benefits:
- Gain firsthand experience in medico-legal death investigations which includes being actively involved in scene investigations and autopsy examinations.
- Learn the Coroner's Office's responsibilities, duties, and operational policies.
- Invaluable experience in the forensic field.
- Explore career paths, acquire skills that complement academic learning, enhance your resume, and network with professionals in the field of death investigation.
How to Apply:
- Any applicant meeting the above qualifications is required to supply the following:
- The complete application packet with all required attachments may be mailed or hand delivered to the address below or scanned and emailed to hayleyt@co.skagit.wa.us. An incomplete application packet will not be accepted.
Skagit County Coroner’s Office
1700 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
- Every application will be reviewed and considered. Students will receive notification if they have met the minimum requirements and will proceed to the interview process. The student is expected to attend an in-person interview at the Skagit County Coroner’s Office.
- Paid Internships are limited to 1 student every quarter. Since this is a paid position, the applicant will have to formally apply when the position is posted online. The same application requirements apply.
Interns are expected to maintain a log or journal of their experience throughout their internship and will submit it to the Coroner at the conclusion of their internship.
Students are expected to work hard and become an asset to the Office of the Coroner.
Students fortunate enough to qualify for an internship with the Skagit County Coroner’s Office are all expected to meet high standards of personal conduct and professional ethics, as well as maintain attention to punctuality, deadlines, and cooperation with others. The Skagit County Coroner’s Office reserves the right to terminate the Internship/Intern at any time. |
