Chief Forensic Pathologist

This position will direct and coordinate the forensic pathology activities of the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator's 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.

This single-position class in the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator's Office reports to a Sheriff's 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. 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.

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.

Additional 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 .

• 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. Certificate/License

Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California.

Possession of the Forensic Pathologist Board Certification.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of modern medicine and techniques of autopsy; statues, ordinances, regulations and medico legal issues related the to Coroner's 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.

For questions regarding this recruitment
Please contact Brittney Mathis at 951-955-5358 or bmathis@rivco.org. Please allow 1-2 business days for response to general inquiries.