Chief Forensic Pathologist

Chief Forensic Pathologist Salary

$306,466.66 - $404,612.57 Annually

Location Perris

Job Type Regular

Job Number 26-73893-01

Department Sheriff Division Coroners Investigation - West

Opening Date 03/04/2026

Closing Date Continuous

Description The Riverside County Sheriffs Office is accepting applications for the Chief Forensic Pathologist in Perris. This position will direct and coordinate the forensic pathology activities of the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrators Office; to determine the cause and manner of death of the deceased who are in custody of the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator; to testify and provide medical evidence at inquests, Coroner reviews and court trials; and to perform other work as required.

The Department Seeks Candidates who possess a minimum of three years of experience as a forensic pathologist.

Single-Position Class This single-position class in the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrators Office reports to a Sheriffs Captain and has primary responsibility for establishing the necessary policies, procedures, standards and controls to ensure the appropriate autopsies and toxicological and clinical laboratory examinations of the deceased are performed and complete detailed reports of findings.

Additional Responsibilities In addition to performing autopsies, this position directs the work of contract pathologists and department staff engaged in performing post-mortem examinations, and serves as the expert witness in court concerning the findings.

At-Will Employment This class has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions provided under Article 6, Section 601E (8) of the County Management Resolution and serves at the pleasure of the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator.

Benefits

• 11% Difficult-to-Recruit differential
• Relocation pay may be available. See the policy here.
• Educational loan repayment assistance is available. See the policy here.

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.

Essential Duties

• Establishes policies, procedures, standards and controls to ensure appropriate autopsies and toxicological and clinical laboratory examinations of deceased are performed.
• Performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to a natural cause, accident, suicide, or homicide, at the hands of another other than by accident 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.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates ancillary staff performing post-mortem examinations.
• Provides formal training, guidance and instructions to staff on skills related to forensic pathology, court testimony, and report writing.
• Keeps informed of current techniques, procedures and equipment in forensic pathology and initiates, conducts and coordinates special research projects.
• Maintains appropriate records related to work activities and assists in preparing the budget based on records and related information.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certificate/License: Possession of a valid Physicians and Surgeons Certificate issued by the State of California.
• Board Certification: Possession of the Forensic Pathologist Board Certification.
• Drivers License: Possession of a valid drivers license.

Knowledge and Ability

• Principles and practices of modern medicine and techniques of autopsy.
• Statutes, ordinances, regulations and medico-legal issues related to the Coroners Bureau.
• 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; plan, organize and direct the activities of a staff; communicate effectively and serve as an expert witness at court trials, inquests, and legal proceedings; write and effectively interpret comprehensive reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with others.

Working Conditions

• Incumbent will routinely be required to attend evening meetings, press conferences, and scenes of deaths.
• Gains confidence of County staff, judicial agencies, legal representatives, the media and the public.
• Viewed as medico-legal expert in Forensic Pathology.
• Demonstrates integrity and professional standards.
• Provides leadership and expertise in highly stressful or crisis situations.
• Complies with and ensures compliance of regulations and policies related to medical exams.
• Answers technical questions in appropriate format for audience whether jury or a medico-legal expert.
• Establishes internal controls and effectively coordinates work activities.
• Initiates resolutions to operational problems.

Application Information

Veterans Preference The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouses) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouses letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans preference.

Reasonable Accommodations The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above.

Proof of Education If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted. If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

Work Authorization Requirement Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

Application Instructions

Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies. Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered. Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the Apply link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veterans preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com. If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental Insurance: A Flexible Benefit Credit is provided on a monthly basis as governed by the Management Resolution or applicable bargaining unit. Vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP) at no cost to employee or eligible dependents.
• Miscellaneous Retirement: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent. Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through