Chief Forensic Pathologist

Salary : $306,466.66 - $404,612.57 Annually
Location : Perris
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-73893-01
Department: Sheriff
Division: Coroner's Investigation - West
Opening Date: 03/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

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
• Educational loan repayment assistance is available. See the policy

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• 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.

MINIMUM 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.

SUPPLEMENTAL 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.
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.
APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE: A Flexible Benefit Credit is provided on a monthly basis as governed by the Management Resolution or applicable bargaining unit. Vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP) at no cost to employee or eligible dependents.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023, the employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

1. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
2. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
3. A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

401(a) MONEY PURCHASE PLAN: County contribution of $50 per pay period towards choice between two 401(a) plan providers.

ANNUAL LEAVE (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 36 months = 8.92 Hours
36 to 108 or more months = 12.00 Hours

Maximum Annual Leav