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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

... forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff ... assist the Pathologist or Medical Examiner with the evaluation and postmortem examination ...

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

... forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff ... assist the Pathologist or Medical Examiner with the evaluation and postmortem examination ...

These are structured, objective assessments that assist the VA in determining disability benefits ... A.), PhD in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology, Master?s in Communication Disorders (MCD), or ...

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Arizona salary details

$13

$51

$83

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Arizona is $51.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.53 and $62.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Forensic Pathologist Assistant Do?

A forensic pathologist assistant assists during autopsies and criminal investigations by collecting specimens for analysis in a laboratory. In this career, you often collect and photograph evidence on-site. Your duties also involve careful and thorough documentation to preserve the chain of evidence. You may work in the field, a morgue, or a laboratory setting. You are typically part of a team led by a medical examiner or coroner. Most forensic pathologist assistants find employment with local or state governments.

What are Forensic Pathologist Assistants?

Forensic Pathologist Assistants are trained professionals who support forensic pathologists in the examination of bodies to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases involving suspicious or unexplained circumstances. Their duties include assisting in autopsies, preparing and maintaining detailed reports, collecting and preserving evidence, and sometimes testifying in court. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and other forensic specialists to help provide critical information for legal investigations. These assistants require specialized education, typically a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by specific on-the-job training.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, experience in laboratory procedures, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with autopsy tools, laboratory instruments, and case management software is essential, and certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure accurate, efficient support for forensic pathologists and contribute to reliable medico-legal investigations.

What is the difference between Forensic Pathologist Assistant vs Forensic Autopsy Technician?

AspectForensic Pathologist AssistantForensic Autopsy Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree, certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner offices, morgues, labsMorgues, medical examiner offices, forensic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in autopsies, prepare reports, support pathologistsAssist with specimen collection, prepare bodies, maintain equipment

While both roles support forensic autopsies, Forensic Pathologist Assistants typically have formal education and assist pathologists directly, whereas Forensic Autopsy Technicians focus on specimen handling and body preparation with less formal education.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic pathologist assistants in their daily work?

Forensic pathologist assistants often encounter emotionally challenging situations due to frequent exposure to traumatic cases, including homicides and accidental deaths. They must maintain meticulous attention to detail while assisting with autopsies, documenting findings, and managing sensitive evidence. Additionally, the role requires strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, which can be demanding in high-pressure or time-sensitive environments. Strong communication and collaboration with pathologists, law enforcement, and other medical professionals are essential to ensure accuracy and integrity throughout the investigative process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Arizona are:
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What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,243 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Forensic Investigator (Grade 11)

Yuma County

Yuma, AZ

$24.62 - $30.78/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Summary This position is advertised from the minimum to the mid-point hourly rate. Salary will be determined based on education and experience at the time of offer. **Applications are sought on behalf of the Sheriff's Office in Yuma County.

Yuma County Human Resources does not review any applications submitted for this position. All applications are forwarded to Sheriff's Office in Yuma County** NATURE OF WORK Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in conducting forensic operations and investigations within the Medical Examiner's section of the Sheriff's Office; this position has department specific responsibility. Nature of Work (Illustrative Only) Responds to death scenes; investigates the cause and manner of death in cases of unattended natural death, accident, suicide, or homicide; conducts interviews with family members, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals and others regarding circumstances of death; determines what scenes to investigate and what evidence to examine and/or collect; examines and photographs crime scenes; conducts an external examination of body and document findings; collects, submits, retrieves, and documents pathological, toxicological/histological specimens; removes deceased body from the death scene and transports to designated location; documents transfer of body and property; obtains or coordinates positive identification of bodies through visual personal identification affidavit, x-ray, dental records, descriptive evidence, and fingerprint records; files paperwork internally and to the Arizona Office of Vital Records, to include certified death certificates; prepares and maintains records and reports, including unidentified decedent data; collects, inventories, and preserves all evidentiary materials and personal effects of the deceased; maintains logs for cremation death certificates and removals; may assist the Pathologist or Medical Examiner with the evaluation and postmortem examination; maintains sanitary conditions of the facility, equipment and instruments and properly disposes biological and biohazardous materials; performs routine clerical duties, such as, filing, answering phones and working with a variety of office and technical equipment; comply with all HIPAA regulations and related policies and regulations; maintains regular and reliable attendance; performs other duties as assigned Experience and Education Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, forensic science, medicine/health care, or related field and one (1) year of investigative experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: May be required to successfully complete a background check, polygraph examination, and drug test prior to appointment; must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: Yuma County and Sheriff's Office Policies and Procedures; Federal and state laws pertaining to forensic operations/activities; human anatomy and medical terminology, forensic investigative methods and laws in criminology; law enforcement principles, practices, methods, techniques and equipment; practices and procedures of evidence collection, including specimen and tissue retrieval; geography, roads, and streets of Yuma County. Skills in: Applying forensic principles, and determining cause and manner of death; collecting, processing, and preserving death scene evidence; packaging and organizing property and evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval; use of autopsy/forensic, safety, and personal protective equipment; safety handling and disposal of biological and biohazardous materials; preparing complete and accurate reports and records; dealing impartially with people of different social economic, and ethnic backgrounds; operating computerized technology and job-related software applications. Ability to: Read, learn, understand, apply and follow rules, regulations, instructions and forensic practices and procedures; exercise initiative and independent judgment in selecting proper field forensic techniques; obtain and analyze information/factors regarding a death and to determine cause/manner of death; plan, organize and prioritize multiple investigations; follow written and verbal instructions; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationship with supervisors, employees, other agencies, and the public, including law enforcement and physicians; perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in general office environment, in the field at death scenes, and in a laboratory/morgue setting; work a variety of scheduled shifts, irregular hours, and/or on-call status, as necessary; may work non-standard hours, to include shift work, holidays, and weekends; exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, inclement weather, temperature extremes, body fluids, communicable diseases; hazardous materials/chemical, various evidence, and unpleasant odors; exposure to remote and isolate areas when examining a scene; climb rocks and other uneven terrains to access a scene; walk, stand and sit for long period of time; crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, crouch, and reach to gather evidence during an investigation; move, lift, carry, drag, push and/or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds; prolong periods of attention to detail information; visual and muscular dexterity to operate: a motor vehicle, computer equipment, and two-way radio; utilize two-way radio to hear and respond to: radio communications, voice instructions, and/or commands; operate a motor vehicle and travel to/from various locations. EOE/AA/ADAAA/M/F/V/D DRUG FREE WORKPLACE