Placer County

Forensic Pathologist - Board Certified (#11825)

We are currently accepting applications for this position.
To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on Current Openings.

$126.02-$157.39 Hourly / $21,843.47-$27,280.93 Monthly / $262,121.60-$327,371.20 Yearly

Forensic Pathologist - Board Eligible (#11824)

$112.02-$139.91 Hourly / $19,416.80-$24,251.07 Monthly / $233,001.60-$291,012.80 Yearly


DEFINITION

To perform autopsies, external examinations, and medical record reviews for Coroner cases; to testify in court as requested; may perform related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from the Physician in that it requires specific training and experience in forensic pathology demonstrated by board certification or eligibility in this specialty area, as well as the performance of duties associated with the medico-legal investigation of death or injuries.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Chief Deputy Coroner.

May exercise technical and functional medical supervision over technical and clinical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Perform a wide variety of medical services including autopsy, external examination of bodies, evaluation of medical records, dictation of autopsy and examination reports, and oversee completion of transcribed reports.
  • Review medical records of decedents to determine cause of death.
  • Direct and ensure the preservation of physical and medical evidence in accordance with policy, professional standards, and state regulations, and ensure chain of custody.
  • Interpret toxicology and laboratory results; analyze tissue/body fluid slides with microscope and interpret findings.
  • Provide "On-Scene" consultation to Deputy Coroners and other law enforcement agencies as needed.
  • Maintain and keep current appropriate case documentation as required.
  • Prepare reports and related correspondence.
  • Provide testimony in court as directed.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in both an indoor morgue facility and/or office environment with controlled temperature conditions, and in the field requiring travel to various locations throughout the County in a variety of outdoor weather conditions. Duties are performed in close proximity to human remains, fluids, and wastes, which may include odors, biological/chemical agents, and communicable diseases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training:
Any combination of experience and trainng that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
No experience is required.

Training:
Graduation from an accredited Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program.

Required License or Certificate:
  • Certification in anatomic and clinical pathology or anatomic pathology.
  • For Forensic Pathologist - Board Eligible: training in the specialty of forensic pathology and qualified to take the examination to obtain Board Certification in Forensic Pathology.
  • For Forensic Pathologist - Board Certified: Possession of Board Certification in Forensic Pathology.
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 
  • Procedures, techniques, and equipment utilized in forensic medicine, including medico-legal autopsy, forensic toxicology, ballistics/firearm examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic anthropology, DNA technology, and interpretation of histology and clinical chemistry necessary to determine the circumstances, cause, manner, and time of death.
  • Rules and regulations applicable to court testimony.
  • Forensic evidence collection techniques and procedures.
  • Relevant laws, legal codes, court procedures, and government regulations.

Ability to: 
  • On a continuous basis, know, understand, and explain operations, procedures, laws, and safety rules related to the Coroner’s Division of the Sheriff’s Office; know and understand all aspects of the job; analyze work papers, reports, and toxicology results; identify and interpret autopsy findings and laboratory analysis; observe and problem solve while performing autopsies, while in the field, and during the forensic examination process; focus on a single task for long periods of time; work with frequent interruptions; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks; intermittently explain findings during court testimony.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at a desk or in a vehicle for extended periods of time; walk and stand for long periods of time; intermittently bend and twist; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; see with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; use telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; intermittently lift light weight; use an air-purifying respirator as required by OSHA.
  • Perform highly skilled post-mortem examinations.
  • Analyze tissue/body fluid slides with microscope and interpret findings.
  • Testify clearly and concisely at public hearings, courts of law, and before the grand jury in a professional and neutral manner
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Work closely with law enforcement personnel.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:
This classification serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority and has no specific term and no right to continuous employment.

Bargaining Unit:
Unclassified

FSLA Status:
Exempt


CLASS: 11825; EST: 11/29/2022;
CLASS: 11824; EST: 11/29/2022;