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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Oregon salary details

$15

$58

$95

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Oregon is $58.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.01 and $71.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

Is it worth becoming a forensic pathologist assistant?

A forensic pathologist assistant supports medical examiners by preparing bodies, documenting findings, and assisting with autopsies, often requiring a relevant degree and certification. The role offers steady employment in forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices, with opportunities for specialization and advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in forensic science and pathology, but it involves exposure to potentially disturbing scenes and irregular hours.
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Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Oregon 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 $121,674 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator

Washington County

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator

Washington County Health and Human Services Department is currently hiring for a Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator position at Medical Examiner's Office within Public Health Division.

The Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator plans, organizes, supervises, and coordinates the work of Medicolegal Death Investigators and assigned program and administrative staff. This position also conducts and supervises death investigations occurring under violent, questionable, or unexplained circumstances; prepares detailed reports related to the deceased person; and coordinates death-related activities with appropriate medical and law enforcement personnel.

The Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator serves as the lead ABMDI-certified investigator for the Medical Examiner's Office, providing expert-level casework, team leadership, and program oversight. This role requires exceptional investigative skills, professionalism, and consistent, positive engagement with staff, partner agencies, and the community.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform full-duty medicolegal death investigations and set the standard for investigative excellence.
  • Lead with enthusiasm, professionalism, and consistency to build trust and confidence within the team.
  • Establish clear expectations, communicate effectively, and assign tasks based on staff strengths.
  • Maintain accountability for team performance, program operations, and the quality of all case investigations.
  • Provide training, mentoring, and skills development for new and current investigators to ensure advanced competency. Complete performance reviews on time and uphold all Medical Examiner's Office and county policies. Manage employee disciplinary discussions in accordance with county procedures.
  • Be available for consultation during assigned work hours and assist with MEO phone coverage.
  • Respond to inquiries timely and be engaged to all inquiries and meetings during scheduled shifts.
  • Conduct monthly in-person meetings with direct reports, including agendas and documented notes.
  • Review all investigations for completeness and accuracy and deliver constructive feedback.
  • Ensure staff remain engaged and productive throughout each shift.
  • Represent the Medical Examiner's Office at regional and national meetings, task forces, and department workgroups.
  • Maintain clear, timely communication with the supervisor and staff regarding all significant issues and important updates.
  • Maintain strong visibility and collaborative relationships with partner agencies, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch centers.
  • Promote recognition of the MDI team within the department and support positive, solutions-focused change.

The Medicolegal Death Investigators (MDI) receive general administrative support from the Program Specialist and general program supervision from the Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator. These positions partner with the law enforcement offices, the District Attorney's Office, and the State Medical Examiner's Office by conducting death investigations. The MDIs act as the eyes and ears of the forensic pathologists while investigating the circumstances of deaths, providing the pathologist with the data and evidence to determine the cause and manner of death.

Work Schedule:

Due to the nature of the duties, the work is expected to be performed in-person only and is not eligible for remote work. Work locations may vary: primarily at Public Services Building, Hillsboro, OR, frequently travel to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Clackamas, OR, Regional hospitals, and death scenes within Washington County jurisdiction as needed.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Effective communication skills and sound judgment.
  • The ability to collaborate with families, medical personnel, and partner agencies are essential.
  • Be initiative and have integrity, leadership skills, and emotional intelligence.
  • Have 5 years of experience as an American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certified Chief MDI is highly desired.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience:
  • A Bachelor's Degree closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical; AND three (3) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff;OR
  • An Associate Degree closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical; AND five (5) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff;OR
  • HS Diploma or equivalent; AND seven (7) years of experience working as a medicolegal death investigator or coroner investigator. Experience must include two (2) years in the lead or supervision of Medicolegal Death Investigative staff.

A Certification closely related to medicolegal death investigation, such as criminal justice, forensics, crime scene investigation, anthropology, law enforcement, biology, anatomy, and medical from an accredited college/university may substitute one (1) year of experience.

Additional Requirements:
  • Must be registered as a Diplomate level by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) at the time of appointment and maintain certification.
  • Must be able to perform moderately strenuous physical activity and withstand exposure to unpleasant elements at death scenes.
  • Must be able to safely lift 100 pounds from the floor to the waist level.
  • Must pass the respiratory mask fit test.
  • Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.
  • Must successfully complete a criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules, to include a national fingerprint records check.
  • Must be willing to work unscheduled 16-hour shifts. Requires on-call availability beyond assigned shifts.
  • Must successfully complete basic incident management courses and participate in emergency response trainings as requested.
  • Must adhere to Federal and State OSHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.

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