Chief Forensic Pathologist
County of Sacramento
StalePosted Jan 13
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Posted: March 4, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Chief Forensic Pathologist
County of Riverside
Sheriff
Location
Riverside, California, 92502-1569
Salary
$147.34 - $194.53
per hour
Type
Full-Time
More Healthcare & Medical jobs →Closes
Open until filled
Job Description
Summary
The Chief Forensic Pathologist leads the forensic pathology team in the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, overseeing autopsies and investigations to determine how and why people died, especially in cases involving the coroner's office.
This role involves directing staff, creating policies for exams and tests, and providing expert testimony in court.
It's ideal for an experienced forensic pathologist who enjoys leadership, detailed scientific work, and contributing to legal processes.
Key Requirements
- Medical degree and board certification as a forensic pathologist
- At least three years of experience as a forensic pathologist
- Ability to perform autopsies and determine cause and manner of death
- Skills in evaluating investigative information from law enforcement
- Experience collecting and analyzing medical evidence, including toxicology
- Proficiency in testifying as an expert witness in court proceedings
- Leadership ability to direct staff, contract pathologists, and establish policies
Full Job Description
The Riverside County Sheriff's 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 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.
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.
Requirements
• 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.
Qualifications
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.
Additional Information
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.
• 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.
Please contact Brittney Mathis at 951-955-5358 or bmathis@rivco.org. Please allow 1-2 business days for response to general inquiries.
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