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Forensic Pathologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Forensic Pathologist is a single position assigned to the Sheriff's Office and performs related duties as assigned. Typical Tasks Develop and manage a regional pathology model, including ...

Mecklenburg County Government Forensic Pathologist Who We Are Mecklenburg County Government is more than just a place to work. The County provides an environment where you can touch and enrich life ...

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Forensic Pathologist information

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$41.5K

$219.3K

$320K

How much do forensic pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathologist in the United States is $219,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $183,000.00 and $274,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Forensic Pathologists Do?

Forensic pathologists are specially-trained physicians who work with law enforcement to determine the cause of a suspicious death in a case. They perform an autopsy to examine the body; they test blood and tissue samples, check for indications of injuries caused by firearms or other weapons, and seek other trace evidence that may provide information to the case. Before they make determinations on the cause of death, forensic pathologists also study the victim’s medical history and evaluate other evidence collected at the crime scene and witness statements. Once they compile and analyze the evidence, they prepare a report and may need to testify the reasons behind their findings in court.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist, you need a medical degree, board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Familiarity with autopsy techniques, laboratory information systems, and evidence handling protocols is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication skills help in accurately determining causes of death and presenting findings. These competencies ensure reliable forensic investigations, support legal proceedings, and uphold public health and justice.

What are some of the unique challenges forensic pathologists face when working with law enforcement and legal teams?

Forensic pathologists often collaborate closely with law enforcement and legal professionals, which can present unique challenges such as communicating complex medical findings in a way that non-medical personnel can understand. They may be called upon to testify in court, requiring strong presentation skills and the ability to defend their conclusions under cross-examination. Balancing the need for scientific objectivity with the expectations and pressures from various stakeholders can also be demanding. Additionally, managing a high caseload while ensuring meticulous attention to detail is essential in this role.

What is a forensic pathologist?

A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in determining the cause and manner of death by examining deceased individuals. They perform autopsies, analyze medical records, and may collect evidence to help law enforcement investigate suspicious or unexplained deaths. Forensic pathologists often testify in court as expert witnesses and play a critical role in criminal investigations. Their expertise helps bring clarity to legal cases and provides closure for families.

What is the difference between Forensic Pathologist vs Medical Examiner?

AspectForensic Pathologist

Required CredentialsMedical degree, pathology residency, forensic pathology fellowship, medical license
Work EnvironmentAutopsy suites, laboratories, crime scenes
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, forensic labs
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar roles in death investigations

While both forensic pathologists and medical examiners investigate unexplained deaths, forensic pathologists perform autopsies and analyze evidence in labs, whereas medical examiners are typically elected officials overseeing death investigations. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but their responsibilities differ slightly based on jurisdiction and specific duties.

What cities are hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Pathologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Forensic Pathologist jobs? The top employers for Forensic Pathologist jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Pathologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Pathologist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist jobs? For Forensic Pathologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forensic Pathologist

$168.98 - $253.46/hr

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Posted 27 days ago


Stanislaus County rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

248th of 642 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

About the Opportunity ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department is dedicated to serve and protect the community through the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct by ENFORCEMENT, PREVENTION and EDUCATION in partnership with our community. Our Community demands the best service we can provide, so we continually search for candidates who have a strong desire to make a positive impact on it. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department offers multiple career opportunities in an organization that maintains Pride in Service, Dedication to Duty and Excellence in Performance.

Our state of art coroner's facility was dedicated in November of 2015. This 9,000 square foot facility has a large main autopsy room with advanced filtration and odor mitigation. It includes hospital grade lighting with a high definition camera system.

In addition, we have a separate isolation autopsy room and another dedicated operating room for tissue recovery. Our facility stands out above and beyond other coroner facilities in California as it was designed with comfort and convenience in mind. We have a large main cooler, smaller secondary, and a separate freezer.

There is a dedicated laboratory room onsite with a histology station and workspace for our Forensic Odonatologist. Pathologists have their own private office and dedicated dictation room. As a convenience, we have a 2,000 square foot fitness facility onsite.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE Application Deadline: Continuous but may close at any time Oral Examination: TBA To learn more about the Sheriff's Office, Visit stanjobs.org THE POSITION The Forensic Pathologist will perform forensic pathology services including but not limited to: management and development of a regional pathology model, autopsies at the direction of the Sheriff-Coroner or his designee, general case investigation, external examinations, professional medical consultations related to such work, medical record reviews, and expert witness testimony. The Forensic Pathologist is a single position assigned to the Sheriff's Office and performs related duties as assigned. Typical Tasks Develop and manage a regional pathology model, including providing professional pathology services to other jurisdictions; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the legal profession, public, staff, and governmental agencies; Perform and oversee autopsies; Perform general case investigation, including preparation of comprehensive reports; Provide expert witness testimony and testify in Local, State, and Federal Court proceedings; At the direction of the Sheriff-Coroner or his designee, respond to death scenes, consultations and autopsies as needed during non-business hours; Maintain cooperative relationships with transplant organizations; Communicate with families and other interested parties to explain autopsy findings; May provide administrative, operational, and supervisory direction to staff; and Participate in countywide death review teams and hospital peer committees concerning traumatic death

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience) KNOWLEDGE Current methods and techniques in Forensic Pathology and related scientific aspects of death investigation; Procedures, techniques, and equipment utilized in forensic medicine, including medico-legal autopsy, forensic toxicology, ballistic/firearms examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic anthropology, DNA technology, and interpretation of histology and clinical chemistry; Identification procedures; Laws, legal codes, court procedures, and governmental regulations; Modern office procedures and equipment; and Proper usage of English grammar and punctuation. SKILLS/ABILITIES Perform highly skilled post-mortem examinations; Review and analyze complex investigation data; Prepare comprehensive case reports; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Operate a variety of computer programs; Multi-task, prioritize and problem solve; and Travel to various sites when necessary. We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Graduation from an accredited medical school including a Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program; AND Certification by the American Board of Pathology; AND Three years of experience in forensic pathology; AND Possession of a valid Physicians and Surgeons Certificate issued by the Board of Medical Examiners of the State of California; AND Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License. Note: No felony convictions. Must be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State prison.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-567-4412 to make other arrangements. Failure to submit proof will result in disqualification.

Application and Selection Procedures APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application.

The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. EXAMINATION PROCESS Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.

Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position. Oral Examination.

Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts. Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification.

Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months. GENERAL INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained.

This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide. RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions.

Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.

Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others. Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required. Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License and meet County insurability requirements.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed. DISCLAIMER Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position.

This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.


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