Forensic Pathologist III/IV

Salary: $223,604.49 - $351,836.34 Annually
Location : Perris
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-73894-01
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 01/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

ABOUT THE POSITION
This recruitment is intended to establish a pool of qualified candidates for the Forensic Pathologist III/IV. The pool will not be used to fill any immediate vacancies but will instead be utilized to fill future vacancies within the Sheriff's Office.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the Forensic Pathologist III/IV. This position performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information in order to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide, or is undetermined.
Meet the Team!

The law enforcement professionals of the Riverside County 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.
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
• Performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information in order to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to natural causes, accident, suicide, homicide, 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.
• Keeps informed of current techniques, procedures and equipment in forensic pathology; conducts special research projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Forensic Pathologist III
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California and eligible for Forensic Pathologist Board Certification. Candidates that have been accepted into an accredited fellowship in forensic pathology are eligible to apply for this position at this time.

Forensic Pathologist IV
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California. Possession of the Forensic Pathologist Board Certification.
Both Levels

License: Possession of a valid Driver's License. Possession of a valid California's Driver's License must be obtained within three months of employment.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of modern medicine and techniques of autopsy; statues, ordinances, regulations and medicolegal issues related to Coroner's Bureau; the 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; communicate effectively and serve as an expert witness in a court of law, inquests, and legal proceedings; write and effectively interpret comprehensive reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
Work Performance Measures
• Gains confidence of County staff, judicial agencies, legal representatives, the media and the public.
• Viewed as medicolegal expert in Forensic Pathology.
• Demonstrates integrity and professional standards.
• Answers technical questions in appropriate format for audience whether jury or a medicolegal expert.
• Follows policies, procedures, standards and controls established by the Chief Forensic Pathologist.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Contact
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Brittney Mathis at bmathis@rivco.org or 951-955-5358.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

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 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.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:
Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for individuals who are unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave Benefits. The wage replacement rate is determined by current law, offering 60-70% of the wages earned during the SDI eligibility period.
Additionally, employees receive employer-paid Long-Term Disability Benefits, which cover 66.67% of pre-disability earnings, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. There is a 365-day waiting period before these benefits become active. Employees may coordinate these benefits with other available leave balances to receive up to 100% of their regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.
01

I understand that I will be required to submit to a security clearance background check conducted by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office as part of the employment requirements of this position.

• Yes
• No

02

I am aware that any false statements made on this questionnaire will cause my name to be removed from the eligibility list or be cause for non-selection by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. I further understand that all information and responses I provide in this application will be subject to verification through a polygraph examination should I move forward in the selection process. I also acknowledge this record is confidential and will be the property of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently on any form of court ordered Formal or Summary probation?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you currently have any felony convictions on your criminal record?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you ever been convicted of any crime involving domestic violence, or are you currently the subject of a domestic violence restraining order?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you ever been convicted of a DUI/Wet Reckless? If yes, how long ago?

• Never
• Within the last twelve months
• One year or more, but less than two years
• Two years or more, but less than three years
• Three years or more, but less than four years
• Four years or more

07

When was the last time you used PCP?

• Never
• Within the last twelve months
• One year or more, but less than five years
• Five years or more, but less than ten years
• Ten years or more, but less than fifteen years
• Fifteen years or more, but less than twenty years
• Twenty years or more

08

When was the last time you used Heroin?

• Never
• Within the last twelve months
• One year or more, but less than five years
• Five years or more, but less than ten years
• Ten years or more, but less than fifteen years
• Fifteen years or more, but less than twenty years
• More than twenty years

09

When was the last time you used LSD?

• Never
• Within the last twelve months
• One year or more, but less than five years
• Five years or more, but less than ten years
• Ten years or more, but less than fifteen years
• Fifteen years or more, but less than twenty years
• Twenty years or more

10

When was the last time you used Ecstasy or GHB?

• Never
• Within twelve months
• One year or more, but less than two years
• Two years or more, but less than three years
• Three years or more, but less than four years
• Four years or more, but less than five years
• Five years or more, but less than six years
• Six years or more

11

Select the answer that best describes your status:

• I possess a valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California and possess or am eligible for a Forensic Pathologist Board Certification.
• I have been accepted into an accredited fellowship in forensic pathology
• Neither option applies currently

12

I understand that I will be required to successfully complete an accredited fellowship in forensic pathology and be eligible for a Forensic Pathologist Board Certification as part of the employment requirements of this position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question