N.D. Cent. Code § 11-19.1-03
The board of county commissioners shall appoint a coroner for a term of five years. The board shall notify the state forensic examiner in writing of any appointment under this section. If the office of coroner becomes vacant by death, resignation, expiration of the term of office, or otherwise, or if the coroner becomes permanently unable to perform the duties of office, the board of county commissioners shall appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy, who shall give and take the oath of office as prescribed for coroners. If the duly appointed, qualified, and acting coroner is absent temporarily from the county or is unable to discharge the duties of office for any reason, the coroner may appoint an individual with the qualifications of coroner to act in the coroner's absence or disability, upon taking the prescribed oath for coroners.
N.D.C.C. § 11-19.1-03