Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in California

Salary: $65,166.40 - $80,142.40 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26482008
Department: Medical Examiner, County
Division: Medical
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary
Forensic Autopsy Specialist
Are you interested in assisting with autopsies determining the causes of sudden, unexpected deaths? Don't let this opportunity pass you by - Apply Now!
Interviews will take place beginning the week of September 28 2026.
Job offers will take place beginning the week of October 5, 2026.
The Medical Examiner's Office has an immediate opening for a Forensic Autopsy Specialist. As a Forensic Autopsy Specialist, you will assist Deputy Medical Examiners with autopsies and accept, process, and release deceased persons.
Click to view the complete job description for Forensic Autopsy Specialist.
Interviews and Hiring Process:
Job offers for selected candidates will be made shortly after the interviews. Candidates should be prepared to immediately complete background paperwork, upon receipt of a job offer.
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Please note that dates are approximate and are dependent upon the successful completion of each step of the process.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications:
1) Successful completion of an accredited Pathologists Assistant Training Program, OR,
2) An associate's of science degree or higher in Mortuary Science or Human Science (e.g. biology, nursing, medical/surgical assisting, emergency medicine, anatomy, physiology), or related field, AND one of the following:

1. A current, valid California Embalmer's License; OR,
2. One (1) year full-time work experience working with a medical examiner/coroner's office, assisting with autopsies, which involved frequent direct contact with deceased persons, OR,
3. One (1) year full-time specialized applicable experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities above (e.g., occupations such as medical technicians, medical laboratory technicians, hospital technicians or mortuary technicians that include the handling of human remains).

Note: Work experience must include developing knowledge of human anatomy, skills in identifying or using surgical instruments, and knowledge of aseptic techniques.
Special Notes:
Working Conditions
Exposure to deceased persons, caustic chemicals and fumes, decomposed tissue, and noxious odors. Exposure to computers and X-ray equipment. May be required to work varied shifts (7am-5pm), holidays and weekends (7-3:30pm); no night shifts.
To learn more about working for the Medical Examiner's Office, please review video below:
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Evaluation Process:
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in the supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation:
Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
Condition of Employment:
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.
Strategic Plan:
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our .
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offerspreferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
Disaster Service Workers
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary
01
Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough, complete, and truthful manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score. Please note that if you are invited to a selection interview(s) by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. Do you understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02
Have you successfully completed an accredited Pathologist Assistant Training Program? Proof of completion is required at the time of application.

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have an associate's of science degree or higher in Mortuary Science or Human Science (e.g. biology, nursing, medical/surgical assisting, emergency medicine, anatomy, physiology), or related field?

• Yes
• No

04
Which of the following best describes your experience? Check all that apply.

• I have a current, valid California Embalmer's License.
• I have one (1) or more years of full-time work experience working with a medical examiner/coroner's office, assisting with autopsies, which involved frequent direct contact with deceased persons.
• I have one (1) or more years of full-time specialized applicable experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated on the job description for Forensic Autopsy Specialist (e.g., occupations such as medical technicians, medical laboratory technicians, hospital technicians or mortuary technicians that include the handling of human remains).
• None of the above.

05
This position requires exposure to deceased persons, caustic chemicals and fumes, decomposed tissue, and noxious odors. This position also requires exposure to computers and X-ray equipment.Are you willing to work in an environment as described above?

• Yes
• No

06
Please indicate your experience with X-rays:

• No experience
• Less than one (1) year of experience
• One (1) year of experience
• More than one (1) year of experience

07
Please indicate your experience working directly with patients/decedents:

• No experience
• Less than one (1) year of experience
• One (1) year of experience
• More than one (1) year of experience

08
Please indicate your experience collecting and preserving biological specimens or evidence:

• No experience
• Less than one (1) year of experience
• One (1) year of experience
• More than one (1) year of experience

09
Please indicate which agencies you have had direct contact with during the course of your duties.

• Law Enforcement Agency
• Medical Examiner/Coroner's Office
• Hospital
• Convalescent/Nursing Home
• Mortuaries
• Foreign Consulates
• None of the above

10
How did you first hear about this job opportunity?

• County of San Diego website
• Careers in Government website
• Cypress College/Fullerton College
• County Employee
• County Employee Resource Group - CSDFEA, SDCLA, etc.
• CA Funeral Directors' Association website
• Mana San Diego
• National Funeral Director's Association (NFDA)
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
• Voice and Viewpoint
• Linked In
• Other

11
If you answered "Other" above, please indicate where you first heard about this job opportunity in the space below.
Required Question