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Coroner Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Coroner Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do coroner assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for coroner assistant in Riverside, CA is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become a deputy coroner?

Becoming a deputy coroner typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in law enforcement, healthcare, or forensic fields, and sometimes specialized training or certification. Candidates often need to pass background checks and may be required to complete on-the-job training or courses related to death investigation procedures. The difficulty varies depending on local requirements and competition for positions.

What are Coroner Assistants?

Coroner Assistants are professionals who support coroners in investigating deaths, particularly those occurring under unusual or suspicious circumstances. Their duties can include assisting with autopsies, collecting and preserving evidence, documenting findings, and sometimes communicating with families and law enforcement. They play an important role in ensuring that investigations are conducted thoroughly and respectfully, often working in both the morgue and in the field. Coroner Assistants must follow strict protocols to maintain the integrity of evidence and support the legal process surrounding cause-of-death determinations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Coroner Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coroner Assistant, you need a background in forensic science, anatomy, or a related field, often supplemented by experience or training in mortuary or medical environments. Familiarity with autopsy tools, evidence collection procedures, and case management software is typically required. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills are crucial for handling sensitive information and interacting with families and legal authorities. These skills ensure accurate and respectful handling of investigations, supporting both legal processes and families during difficult times.

Do coroners have assistants?

Coroner assistants, often called autopsy assistants or forensic assistants, support coroners and forensic pathologists by preparing bodies, collecting evidence, and assisting during autopsies. They typically need knowledge of anatomy, forensic procedures, and may require certifications or training in mortuary science. These roles help ensure efficient and accurate death investigations within the coroner's office.

What is an assistant coroner?

An assistant coroner supports the coroner in investigating deaths, collecting evidence, and preparing reports. They often assist with autopsies, interviews, and documentation, requiring knowledge of forensic procedures and attention to detail. This role typically involves working in a morgue or medical examiner's office and may require relevant certifications or training.

What are some common challenges faced by Coroner Assistants during death investigations?

Coroner Assistants often encounter emotionally challenging situations as they handle the physical aspects of death investigations, such as assisting with autopsies, collecting evidence, and documenting findings. The role frequently requires working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, due to the unpredictable nature of cases. Maintaining professionalism and attention to detail under stressful conditions is crucial, as their work directly supports accurate determinations of cause and manner of death. Additionally, Coroner Assistants must effectively communicate and collaborate with medical examiners, law enforcement, and grieving families, requiring both technical and interpersonal skills.

What Does a Coroner Assistant Do?

A coroner assistant or technician handles responsibilities related to maintaining tools and equipment in a coroner’s office and assisting the coroner with autopsies of a body. You are responsible for the setup of equipment and the proper disposal of organs, tissues, and fluids. You ensure that the facility keeps appropriate sanitary conditions, help with clerical duties, take documentation photos, help determine and document the cause of death, complete the death certificate, and assist with identifying and releasing bodies. A coroner assistant also coordinates with law enforcement on high profile cases and interacts with the public.

How do you become a coroner's assistant?

To become a coroner's assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from experience in healthcare, law enforcement, or forensic fields. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive situations are important, and some positions may require background checks or certifications related to death investigation or forensic procedures.
What are the most commonly searched types of Coroner jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Coroner jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Coroner Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Coroner Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coroner Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Coroner Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Coroner Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Coroner Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Coroner Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,309 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Deputy Coroner Investigator

Deputy Coroner Investigator

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$73K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

396th of 705 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Coroner Division is recruiting for Deputy Coroner Investigators who assume authority at the scene of a death and are responsible for investigations concerning deceased persons whose deaths fall under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner. Above average strength, endurance, and agility are needed due to the nature of the work, as the positions require hiking and climbing, as well as the ability to lift, drag and haul heavy objects and dead bodies weighing as much as 300 pounds or more to remove them from the scene of death using acceptable removal techniques. For more detailed information, refer to the Deputy Coroner Investigator job description.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific, benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 1) Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony and must successfully pass an extensive background investigation which includes a fingerprint check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation. 2) Must meet California P.O.S.T. Commission approved peace officer standards, requiring above average strength, endurance, and agility

3) Must be available to work throughout the County and various shifts; including weekends and holidays, as well as on call/standby as needed. 4) A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position. Proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

5) Must possess and maintain a certificate or successfully complete a California P.O.S.T. basic Coroner's Academy/Death Investigation Course within one (1) year of hire. 6) Must possess a P.C

832 certificate (Laws of arrest, search and seizure) or successfully complete by the end of the probationary period. 7) Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Minimum Requirements Qualifying experience must have been obtained within the last five (5) years.

Must meet one of the following options: Option A: One (1) year of full-time experience as an investigator at a Medical Examiner/Coroner or other law enforcement agency in any of the following capacities: Deputy Coroner Investigator, Medical Examiner Investigator, Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Deputy Marshal, or District Attorney Investigator. Option B: Two (2) years of full-time experience as an Autopsy Assistant assisting with autopsies in a forensic pathology setting. Option C: Two (2) years of embalming experience as a Licensed Embalmer with a current California Embalmer License.

Option D: One (1) year of full-time experience with primary responsibility for processing crime scenes in the field for a law enforcement agency, including the identification, documentation, collection of property and physical evidence, and writing investigative reports. Experience equivalent to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Crime Scene Specialist -or- Sheriff's Service Specialist primarily processing crime scenes. Option E: One (1) year of full-time experience primarily conducting low-level death investigations for a law enforcement or coroner agency, which includes field response, in-patient deaths, delayed reportable deaths, investigative report writing, fingerprinting, and assisting with the search of unidentified persons.

Experience equivalent to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Service Specialist within the Coroner Division. Option F: Two (2) years of participation in the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Coroner Division Volunteer Program, including successful completion of the Investigations Pathway Training and a minimum of 120 volunteer hours. Letter verifying program participation and completion of required hours must be submitted with the application.

Option G: Two (2) years of full-time experience as a Certified Paramedic, Registered Nurse, or Licensed Vocational Nurse which involved direct patient care of seriously ill and/or terminally ill patients. Desired Qualifications An excellent candidate understands this position deals with highly sensitive issues, requiring empathy, discretion, and organizational skills. This candidate will successfully pass an in-depth background investigation and is aware that this position requires working various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Experience in a California Coroner's or Medical Examiner's Office is highly desirable. Selection Process Examination: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience as possible, as resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of the application materials.

Application Procedure: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 pm, Monday, July 20, 2026. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email.

We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627.

Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment.

Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, use this link to access the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form and submit within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process.


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