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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$58

$94

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Colorado is $58.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.77 and $70.77 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 is a forensic pathologist assistant?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic pathologist assistant?

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 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 Colorado? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Colorado? For Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,011 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Medicolegal Death Investigator (Part-Time)

Pueblo County, CO

Pueblo, CO • On-site

$25.71 - $38.56/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: $25.71 - $38.56 Hourly
Location : Pueblo, CO
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 02915
Department: County Coroner
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
POSITION SUMMARY
Performs medico/legal death investigations for the County Coroner's Office.
Work involves investigating and reporting on deaths from unknown natural causes, homicide, accident, suicide. Work includes assisting and coordinating efforts with various agencies and entities. Employees proceed independently to complete investigations, developing information and following up on matters on their own and using judgment to deal with most problems encountered in the work; supervision and case direction are provided by the Chief Deputy Coroner Investigator.
Please note: Shifts for this role will be for weekend coverage only: Friday-Saturday OR Sunday-Monday
This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Responds to death scene assignments. Secures the death scene; makes physical examination of deceased; photographs and performs evaluation of the scene. Identifies the deceased.
  • Interviews witnesses, family members, physicians, employers, friends, professionals and others associated with the deceased; compiles statements, documents, related factual evidence, medical records and other records that may be related to the death.
  • Facilitates body removals; assists when needed.
  • Notifies next of kin of deceased.
  • Schedules, coordinates and attends autopsies with pathologist, law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney's Office.
  • Assists pathologist as needed.
  • Writes and compiles reports using obtained information so as to assist the Coroner in determining cause of death.
  • Ensures proper release of information to public through press releases and/or media interviews.
  • Provides training and education in the field of forensic death investigation to other law enforcement, health agencies, schools, community service agencies and the general public.
  • Acts as a liaison with law enforcement personnel, the District Attorney's Office, funeral directors, hospitals, next of kin and news media.
  • Locates collects and preserves evidence; arranges for technical analysis of evidence as appropriate.
  • Works with Public Administrator to protect property.
  • Writes comprehensive reports of investigations and confers with the Coroner and attorneys regarding cases.
  • Assists at Coroner's inquests; testifies in court; serves subpoenas; advises prosecuting attorneys of facts likely to be presented in testimony.
  • Performs basic vehicle maintenance; picks up supplies.
  • Performs related work as required.
  • Performs other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.

WHAT YOU HAVE
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
OPTION #1: Bachelor's Degree & years of experience
  • Bachelor's degree with a concentration in a human science field* required
  • Two years or more of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required

OPTION #2: Associate's Degree & years of experience
  • Associate's degree with a concentration in a human science field* required
  • Three years or more of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required

OPTION #3: High School Diploma/GED & years of experience
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalency required
  • Four years or more of combined related experience (such as, death/scene investigation, autopsy/surgical assisting, law enforcement, nursing, emergency medical services, organ/tissue procurement) including supervisory/managerial experience required

ITEMS FOR ALL OPTIONS:
NOTE: *Human science field such as Biology, Criminalistics, Forensic Science, Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Forensic Anthropology, Anatomy and Physiology or related field
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES:
  • Valid driver's license at the time of application and a valid Colorado driver's license at time of hire required
  • American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation (A.B.M.D.I.) preferred
  • Colorado Coroner's Association (CCA) as a Colorado Death Investigator preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must successfully pass background check
  • Department may set special training and education requirements in medico/legal death investigation to meet A.B.M.D.I. requirements

NOTE: For preferred qualifications, the substitution of any combination of relevant and related education, training, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability may be considered, including by way of example, specific experience or skill-based qualifications that may substitute for certain educational requirements, or a combination of relevant education and experience, including supervisory experience
WHAT PUEBLO COUNTY OFFERS
• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• Remote & Hybrid working opportunities
• County Retirement Program
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership
• Truly inclusive and diverse environment
• Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building)
• May be eligible for up to 12-weeks Paid Parental Leave Benefits (full-time employees)
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SUMMARY
2026 PAID HOLIDAYS
  • New Year's Day - January 1st
  • Day after New Year's Day - January 2nd
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 19th
  • Memorial Day - May 25th
  • Employee Appreciation Day - June 3rd
  • Juneteenth Day - June 19th
  • Independence Day (observed) - July 3rd
  • Day before Labor Day - September 4th (Early Release at 12:00pm)
  • Labor Day -September 7th
  • Francis Xavier Cabrini Day - October 5th
  • Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day - October 12th
  • Veteran's Day - November 11th
  • Day before Thanksgiving - November 25th (Early Release at 12:00pm)
  • * Thanksgiving Day - November 26th
  • * Day after Thanksgiving -November 27th
  • * Christmas Eve Day - December 24th
  • * Christmas Day - December 25th
  • Day before New Year's Day - December 31st (Early Release at 12:00pm)
  • One Personal Day (County employees will have one paid personal day off in 2026. This paid day off is to be chosen by the employee and approved by their Elected Official or Department Director.)

* = Regular Part-Time Employees who are scheduled to work on a 2026 Holiday will receive Holiday Pay for two (2) of the Holidays of their choice (marked with the single asterisk * above) as approved by their Elected Official or Department Director
  • When a holiday falls on a Saturday, Friday will be celebrated as the County holiday
  • When a holiday falls on a Sunday, Monday will be celebrated as the County holiday
  • Early releases are at the discretion of the Elected Official or Department Director and may vary based on the operational needs of their offices/departments.
  • All time off work taken by County employees for the days designated as Early Release shall be considered holiday time off for purposes "worked time" in determining Overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
  • If an employee is absent the day preceding or following the holiday without prior approval, the employee will not be paid for the holiday
  • The following time off types will not contribute to the daily or weekly overtime calculation: Unpaid Days Off, Unpaid Personal Days, and Unpaid Early Release Days.
  • Any employee that is required to work by their supervisor on a designated Unpaid Day Off,
    a designated Unpaid Personal Day or during a designated Unpaid Early Release period shall be paid for work required and performed during such days and periods.
  • No employee may work during an Unpaid Day Off, an Unpaid Personal Day, or during an Unpaid Early Release period without the express authorization of their supervisor. This Resolution contemplates and authorizes supervisors to direct work during Unpaid Days Off, Unpaid Personal Days, or Unpaid Early Release Periods for community safety and County government essential activities such as snow removal, social worker visits for child welfare and other family emergencies, response to emergency calls by facilities and fleet employees, and required court appearances by County employees.
  • For weeks in which an Unpaid Day Off or an Unpaid Early Release takes place, County Exempt employees are designated as Non-Exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Those employees so designated will be required to clock in and out of work via email to their Director for all days worked during weeks that include an Unpaid Day Off.
  • No employees shall be permitted to work over 40 hours during a week that includes an Unpaid Day Off or an Unpaid Early Release without the express written authorization of their Director or Elected Official.

*** The above 2026 Holiday Schedule Resolution was originally approved by the Board of County Commissioners on December 15th, 2025 and then revised on February 12th, 2026 & March 12th, 2026***
DEPARTMENTS SCHEDULED TO WORK ON HOLIDAYS
Due to operational requirements, some employees will be required to work on holidays. The employee must take the holiday by the end of the month following the holiday at a date approved by their Elected Official or Department Director
SICK LEAVE
Regular full-time employees accrue eight (8) hours per month with a maximum accrual of 960 hours.
VACATION LEAVE
  • Upon initial date of hire: earn eight (8) hours per month with a maximum accrual of 144 hours.
  • After 5 years: earn twelve (12) hours per month with a maximum accrual of 216 hours.
  • Ater 10 years: earn sixteen (16) hours per month with a maximum accrual of 288 hours.

RETIREMENT
All Regular Full-Time employees and Elected Officials are required to participate in the County Retirement Plan upon completion of one (1) month of continuous employment. A pre-tax deduction of 8.25% will be deducted from the employee's monthly pay.
EMPLOYER MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION
Pueblo County's contribution toward the purchase of your benefit options on a tiered approach and based on which medical plan you elect.
If Benefit Selections:
  • Are greater than the employer contribution dollar amount, the difference is deducted from paycheck
  • Are equal to the employer contribution dollar amount, there is no effect on pay
  • Are less the employer contribution dollar amount, additional pay or cash back is not optional
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MEDICAL INSURANCE - ANTHEM BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD (optional)
Medical, Dental, & Vision Rates are for the 2026 Plan Year (effective January 1st, 2026)
HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLANEmployee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $823.00 $1,543.00 $2,12900
Employer Contribution $852.00 $1,428.00 $1,938.00
Employee Contribution $-29.00 $115.00 $191.00
PPO
Employee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $889.00 $1,713.00 $2,351.00
Employer Contribution $860.00 $1,453.00 $1,969.00
Employee Contribution $29.00 $260.00 $382.00
HMO/DedEmployee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $999.00 $1,926.00 $2,661.00
Employer Contribution $876.00 $1,484.00 $2,014.00
Employee Contribution $123.00 $442.00 $647.00
LOW HMOEmployee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $1,038.00 $2,002.00 $2,768.00
Employer Contribution $881.00 $1,495.00 $2,030.00
Employee Contribution $157.00 $507.00 $738.00
DENTAL INSURANCE - AMERITAS (optional)
Employee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $27.00 $60.00 $91.00
Employer Contribution $7.00 $17.00 $25.00
Employee Contribution $20.00 $43.00 $66.00
VISION INSURANCE - ANTHEM BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD (optional)
Employee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $6.00 $12.00 $19.00
Employer Contribution $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Employee Contribution $6.00 $12.00 $19.00
Note: There is no Employer Contribution to Vision Insurance
LONG TERM DISABILITY - THE STANDARD (required)
Coverage pays 60% of your wages up to $4,800 with a 90-day waiting period.