Forensic Pathologist

El Paso County (CO); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 280,000 - 316,000; Full time

Job summary

El Paso County in Colorado Springs is seeking a board-certified forensic pathologist to join five colleagues in our state-leading autopsy program. The role requires performing complete forensic autopsies, preparing reports, and testifying in court, with regular in-person presence.

We offer a stable schedule with shared weekend/holiday coverage, a comprehensive health plan, pension, and opportunities for teaching and CME funding.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited medical school.
• Graduate from an accredited pathology residency and forensic fellowship or forensic fellowship in progress.

Responsibilities

• Performs complete forensic autopsies and evaluates medical and law enforcement information to establish cause and manner of death.
• Prepares detailed autopsy reports and confers with family, law enforcement, and judicial personnel.
• Completes death certificates.
• Testifies in criminal and civil trials.
• Advises death scene investigators and other county coroners as needed.
• Produces appropriate records related to forensic autopsies.
• Remains informed of developments in forensic pathology.

Job description

Join our collaborative team of five forensic pathologists in Colorado Springs, Colorado, your new havenfor work-life balance, with over 300 days of sunshine every year! Our doctors work a variety of cases originating in both our home jurisdiction of El Paso County – the state’s largest county – and approximately 20 southeastern counties that request our autopsy services.

We have excellent relationships with law enforcement and attorneys’ offices, and our support roles are fully staffed. Morgue days, at-home call, and community outreach activities are shared by all physicians in our dog-friendly, laidback office. We’re the only office in the state with in-house toxicology, dermestid beetles, and views of Pikes Peak, America’s mountain. Additionally, we have in-house histology, a VertiQ case management system, Lodox imaging, and the Dragon dictation system. Our workplace features on-site neuropathology and forensic odontology consultations; offsite anthropology consultation; resident and medical student teaching opportunities; and CME, conference, and licensure funding. Our office has been NAME accredited since the 1980s.

El Paso County backs its belief in treating employees well with an excellent health plan, a generous pension, and historic raises and bonuses. Whether you’re looking for an active urban, chill mountain, or quiet suburban lifestyle, Olympic City USA has it all for anyone who is lucky enough to consider Colorado Springs “home”.

Hiring Range: $280,000.00 - $316,000.00 annually

This position will have a varied work schedule, with shared weekend and holiday coverage; subject to change.

Performs forensic autopsies for the El Paso County Coroner and surrounding jurisdictions. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

• Performs complete forensic autopsies and evaluates medical and law enforcement information and additional studies in order to establish cause and manner of death.
• Prepares detailed autopsy reports and confers with family, law enforcement, and judicial personnel to assist with interpreting autopsy findings.
• Completes death certificates.
• Testifies in criminal and civil trials.
• Advises death scene investigators and other county coroners as needed
• Produces appropriate records related to forensic autopsies.
• Remains informed of developments in forensic pathology.
• Serves as member of disaster team when designated by Coroner.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised:

This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of applicable laws and statutes governing forensic services.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology; knowledge of State and Local laws regarding deaths and human remains.
• Knowledge of the Coroner system and medical terminology.
• Skilled in performing forensic autopsies, death scene investigations, and recording results of findings and associated medicolegal death investigation.
• Strong organization skills and ability to perform detailed work with significant accuracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with County staff, elected officials and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently.
• Ability to maintain composure during very stressful situations.
• Ability to use standard office equipment; proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• Graduate from an accredited medical school.
• Graduate from an accredited pathology residency and forensic fellowship or forensic fellowship in progress.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Board-certified in anatomical pathology by the American Board of Pathology.
• Board-certified by the American Board of Pathology in forensic pathology within two years of start of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications as applicable to the position.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Duties are performed in an office, laboratory, morgue, and occasionally at the death scene; some travel is required. May be exposed daily to chemical and biological hazards. Work may be performed under constant emotional stress from dealing with decedents. Constantly utilizes eye, hand, and finger coordination to perform job tasks. Adequate vision is required, due to need to examine and classify evidentiary materials and to process and interpret photographic and electronic images. Position requires frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, balancing, climbing, and often while simultaneously lifting. May be activated to respond to disaster situations, potentially in rough, unimproved terrain and in extreme weather.

The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job‑related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the department or office's needs and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.