Forensic Pathologist III/IV

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the Forensic Pathologist III/IV. This position performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information in order to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide, or is undetermined.

Meet the Team!

The law enforcement professionals of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, with a staff of over 3,600 dedicated men and women, cover the expanse of over 7,300 square miles in southern California. The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving the citizens of its communities with integrity, professionalism, leadership, and loyalty and believes in service above self.

• Performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information in order to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide, or is undetermined.

• Collects medical evidence such as trace evidence and secretions; performs chemical and/or microscopic examination of tissues and fluids, and submits samples of body fluids, tissues and other findings to laboratories for toxicology and clinical laboratory examination when analysis may be required.

• Prepares detailed reports of findings, confers with judicial and law enforcement personnel and assists in interpreting autopsy findings for the purpose of reconstructing events leading to suspected homicides or suicides.

• Signs death certificates, gives testimony at inquests, Coroner Review processes, and in court trials.

• Keeps informed of current techniques, procedures and equipment in forensic pathology; conducts special research projects as assigned.

Forensic Pathologist III 

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California and eligible for Forensic Pathologist Board Certification. Candidates that have been accepted into an accredited fellowship in forensic pathology are eligible to apply for this position at this time.

Forensic Pathologist IV 

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California. Possession of the Forensic Pathologist Board Certification.

Both Levels

License: Possession of a valid Driver's License. Possession of a valid California's Driver's License must be obtained within three months of employment.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of modern medicine and techniques of autopsy; statues, ordinances, regulations and medicolegal issues related to Coroner's Bureau; the current and highly specialized techniques, investigative procedures and equipment applicable to forensic pathology including the applicability of toxicology, ballistics/firearm examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic anthropology, and DNA technology; rules and regulations applicable to court testimony.

Ability to: Perform highly skilled post-mortem examinations; review and evaluate complex investigations, autopsy reports and other specific findings to establish the cause of death; communicate effectively and serve as an expert witness in a court of law, inquests, and legal proceedings; write and effectively interpret comprehensive reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with others.

Work Performance Measures

• Gains confidence of County staff, judicial agencies, legal representatives, the media and the public.

• Viewed as medicolegal expert in Forensic Pathology.

• Demonstrates integrity and professional standards.

• Answers technical questions in appropriate format for audience whether jury or a medicolegal expert.

• Follows policies, procedures, standards and controls established by the Chief Forensic Pathologist.

Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.