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Coroner Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Coroner information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$10

$38

$116

How much do coroner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for coroner in Santa Rosa, CA is $38.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.54 and $30.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a coroner do?

Coroners are in charge of recording the cause, time, and manner of death of citizens in their jurisdiction. It is the coroner’s job to determine if the manner of death was natural or if foul play was involved. If needed, the coroner will request an investigation. Some coroners may be elected or appointed to the role and may have served previously in other crime prevention or government positions. When a coroner investigates or reports a suspicious death, they may refer to a forensic specialist for assistance. Local laws vary by jurisdiction as to what the coroner has the power to do.

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

To thrive as a Coroner, you need a background in medicine, forensic science, or law, often supported by a medical degree, law degree, or relevant certification depending on jurisdiction. Familiarity with forensic pathology tools, death investigation protocols, and legal documentation systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are key soft skills for interacting with law enforcement, families, and the judicial system. These competencies ensure accurate cause-of-death determinations, proper legal proceedings, and sensitive handling of bereaved families.

What are some common challenges coroners face when working with families of the deceased?

Coroners often encounter emotionally charged situations when interacting with grieving families, as they are responsible for explaining autopsy findings, cause of death, and legal procedures. Balancing compassion with the need to obtain accurate information can be challenging. Additionally, coroners must maintain confidentiality and sensitivity while ensuring that families understand the processes involved, which requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Coroner vs Medical Examiner?

AspectCoronerMedical Examiner
CredentialsMay not require medical degree; often electedMust be a licensed physician, often a forensic pathologist
Work EnvironmentTypically in county or local government officesIn hospitals, morgues, or government agencies
Industry UsageCommon in rural or smaller jurisdictionsUsed in larger cities and counties
Role FocusDetermine cause of death, often with limited medical trainingPerform autopsies, determine cause of death, and testify in court

While both Coroners and Medical Examiners determine causes of death, Medical Examiners are licensed physicians with specialized training in forensic pathology, working primarily in larger jurisdictions. Coroners may not require medical degrees and are often elected officials in smaller areas. Their roles overlap in death investigations, but Medical Examiners typically provide more detailed autopsies and expert testimony.

How do coroners get their jobs?

Coroners are typically elected officials or appointed by local government authorities, often requiring candidates to meet specific qualifications such as relevant medical or forensic training. Many coroners have backgrounds as physicians, forensic pathologists, or law enforcement, and must often pass exams or meet certification standards depending on the jurisdiction.

Is it hard to get a job as a coroner?

Becoming a coroner typically requires relevant medical or forensic training, such as a medical degree or law enforcement experience, and often involves certification or licensing. Competition can be high due to the specialized nature of the role, and positions may be limited depending on the jurisdiction and budget constraints.

What is the job of a coroner?

A coroner is an official responsible for investigating unexplained, sudden, or suspicious deaths, often determining the cause and manner of death. The role typically involves examining bodies, collecting evidence, and working with law enforcement and medical examiners. Coroners may require specific certifications and work in morgues or medical facilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Coroner jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Coroner jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Coroner jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Coroner jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Coroner jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Coroner jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Coroner jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Coroner job openings:

Infographic showing various Coroner job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,064 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Law Enforcement Services Specialist II

County of Sonoma, CA

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$64K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Salary : $64,658.98 - $78,600.94 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26/08-0062-O
Department: Sheriff's Office (SHF)
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 05
Position Information
Join the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office in supporting the community as a Law Enforcement Services Specialist II!
Starting salary up to $37.66/hour ($78,600/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*
Please note: Remote telework is not available for this position.
About the Position
As a Law Enforcement Services Specialist II with the , you will be responsible for providing direct support, resources, and information to Sheriff's Office Patrol and Investigations units, the public, outside law enforcement agencies, County agencies, and insurance companies. Additionally, this position is responsible for:
  • Processing warrants and performing data entry related to citations and warrant arrests
  • Responding to public inquiries via email and phone correspondence
  • Retrieving parole and probation information to provide information related to parole/probation terms and interpreting court minutes when needed
  • Providing copies of booking photos, driver's licenses, officer safety information, location, subject, and decedent information to law enforcement personnel
  • Creating photo line-ups for Sheriff's Office personnel and outside law enforcement agencies
  • Processing, retaining, and distributing information related to calls for service and crime, incident, and coroner reports
  • Processing background checks for candidates applying for employment in law enforcement
  • Providing back up to emergency dispatch in times of emergencies and natural disasters

What You BringAs the ideal candidate for this position, you are a positive team player who shows initiative, can work independently, and also possesses many of the following:
  • Excellent customer service skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills
  • Experience using law enforcement and/or court databases
  • Knowledge of laws pertaining to the release of law enforcement-related records
  • Written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with the public, all levels of law enforcement personnel, and other interested parties
  • Empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Proficient computer skills and experience utilizing Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, and Excel primarily)

Working Conditions: This position requires employees to wear a uniform, and employees may be assigned shifts occurring on evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees may be exposed to sensitive and sometimes disturbing material relating to domestic violence, child abuse, and Coroner's Office related reports and photographs.
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:
  • Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • Bilingual Premium Pay* - An additional $1.15/1.50/hour on top of the hourly pay rate for basic/fluent bilingual positions
  • Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
  • Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
  • Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
  • Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Law Enforcement Services Specialist II vacancy in the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education: Any combination of training, experience, and education which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally this would include one year of experience as a Law Enforcement Services Specialist I or the equivalent experience providing administrative support in a law enforcement environment.
Additional Requirements: Candidates certified for employment must be willing to undergo and successfully complete thorough background investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office.
Law Enforcement Services Specialists must certify with the Department of Justice as Full Access Operators to be able to inquire, enter, or update information through the CLETS and the NCIC.
Incumbents in this class may be assigned to work shift assignments in a 24-hour, seven-day a week law enforcement operations center and may rotate among day, swing, and graveyard shifts assignments, which can include weekend and holidays; and are required to wear a uniform.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Related course work or training sponsored by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of: multiple automated criminal justice telecommunication systems and subsystems, public safety departmental procedures, the criminal justice system, policies and procedures related to law enforcement records maintenance activities; legal documents, forms and terminology; general office practices and procedures including filing and the operation of standard office equipment; data processing principles and the use of word processing and personal computing equipment; standards and legal requirements of confidentiality and privacy; a variety of code languages used in automated law enforcement data systems; penal, vehicle, civil, health and safety, welfare and institution, municipal, and other statutory codes and authorities; and codes, ordinances, and legal procedures for coding, processing, and disseminating criminal history and incident information.
Working knowledge of: Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and procedures related to the maintenance and processing of records; standard law enforcement information, and record keeping terminology practices and procedures; principles and techniques of automated information entry, retrieval, and records systems; methods and techniques for inventorying and record keeping principles and procedures; organization, procedures, operating details, and legal provisions pertaining to the department; customer service principles, including the handling of irate and distressed people; computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and/or database; general English usage including style/format, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; basic mathematics (for simple calculations); telephone procedures and etiquette; the basic functions and activities of a law enforcement agency.
Ability to: examine documents for completeness, sufficiency, and conformity; maintain accurate records; understand and interpret instructions, rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to the handling and maintenance of law enforcement records; maintain confidentiality of records, files, and related documents; work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public and law enforcement contact by phone and in person; interpret laws, procedures, policies and rules related to law enforcement administration; frequently use independent judgement related to records management and accuracy with high consequence of error; effectively deal with irate individuals in difficult situations; understand and follow oral and written instructions; make decisions in routine procedural matters; demonstrate good judgment while working within the guidelines of established policies and procedures; communicate clearly and effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds; establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff, public, and outside agencies; locate, identify, and correct technical inaccuracies; make accurate arithmetic calculations; operate a variety of office equipment.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate's personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant's name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process.
Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
Being part of the Sheriff's Office and being expected to keep the public safe requires a thorough background investigation process. This process includes an assessment of prior work history, verifying educational experiences, court reports, public records searches, and understanding past patterns relating to drug usage, financial patterns, etc. This entails gathering a significant amount of information from job candidates and speaking to former employers, friends, family members, etc. Polygraphs, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations are also part of this process. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of t