Forensic Autopsy Specialist

County of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Diego is seeking a Forensic Autopsy Specialist to assist Deputy Medical Examiners with autopsies and to accept, process, and release deceased persons. This role supports the Medical Examiner's Office in determining causes of death and ensuring timely case completion.

Interviews will begin the week of September 28, 2026, with offers starting the week of October 5, 2026. Eligible candidates should expect a thorough background process and pre-employment medical screening as part of

Qualifications

• Successful completion of an accredited Pathologists Assistant Training Program.
• An associate's degree or higher in Mortuary Science or Human Science, and one of: CA Embalmer's License; or one year autopsy experience; or one year specialized applicable experience.
• Must develop knowledge of human anatomy, instrument handling, and aseptic techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist Deputy Medical Examiners with autopsies.
• Accept, process, and release deceased persons.
• Participate in standard safety and dissection procedures.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Surgical instruments

Aseptic technique

Education

Pathologists Assistant Training Program

AS degree in Mortuary Science or Human Science

Job description

Forensic Autopsy Specialist

Are you interested in assisting with autopsies determining the causes of sudden, unexpected deaths?

Interviews will take place beginning the week of September 28 2026.

Job offers will take place beginning the week of October 5, 2026.

The Medical Examiner's Office has an immediate opening for a Forensic Autopsy Specialist. As a Forensic Autopsy Specialist, you will assist Deputy Medical Examiners with autopsies and accept, process, and release deceased persons.

Interviews and Hiring Process

Job offers for selected candidates will be made shortly after the interviews. Candidates should be prepared to immediately complete background paperwork, upon receipt of a job offer.

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Please note that dates are approximate and are dependent upon the successful completion of each step of the process.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Successful completion of an accredited Pathologists Assistant Training Program, OR,
2. An associate's of science degree or higher in Mortuary Science or Human Science (e.g. biology, nursing, medical/surgical assisting, emergency medicine, anatomy, physiology), or related field, AND one of the following:
1. A current, valid California Embalmer's License; OR,
2. One (1) year full-time work experience working with a medical examiner/coroner’s office, assisting with autopsies, which involved frequent direct contact with deceased persons, OR,
3. One (1) year full-time specialized applicable experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities above (e.g., occupations such as medical technicians, medical laboratory technicians, hospital technicians or mortuary technicians that include the handling of human remains).

Note: Work experience must include developing knowledge of human anatomy, skills in identifying or using surgical instruments, and knowledge of aseptic techniques.

Special Notes

Working Conditions

Exposure to deceased persons, caustic chemicals and fumes, decomposed tissue, and noxious odors. Exposure to computers and X-ray equipment.

May be required to work varied shifts (7am-5pm), holidays and weekends (7-3:30pm); no night shifts.

To learn more about working for the Medical Examiner's Office, please review video below:

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a more diverse and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Evaluation Process

Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in the supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Accommodation

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Strategic Plan

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge, and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

• Veteran’s Preference Policy
• Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!

Disaster Service Workers

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.