Job Details

Forensic Autopsy Specialist

Are you interested in assisting with autopsies determining the causes of sudden, unexpected deaths? Don't let this opportunity pass you by - Apply Now!

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.

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:

• Successful completion of an accredited Pathologists Assistant Training Program, OR
• 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:
• A current, valid California Embalmer's License; OR,
• 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,
• 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.

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 fair 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.