Forensic Pathology Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $300,560.00 - $335,150.40 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 25415909
Department: Medical Examiner, County
Opening Date: 09/26/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
The County of San Diego Medical Examiner's Department is currently recruiting for Deputy Medical Examiners.
Apply Today for an exciting career with an award-winning agency!The application process is open until filled.
Board-certified Forensic Pathologists with non-forensic subspecialty training (i.e., Neuropathology, Cardiac Pathology, Pediatric Pathology, etc.) are encouraged to apply!
The hiring step for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
Future Salary Increases:
** June 2027 - 4.60% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.60% Market Adjustment)
Recruitment Bonus:
$1,250 Upon completion of the hiring process
$1,250 After successful completion of the probation period
**May be eligible for relocation allowance up to $8,000.
Employee Referral Program:
***Hard-to-recruit positions qualify for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided.***
Deputy Medical Examiners determine the cause of death for the deceased in the custody of the Medical Examiner. Deputy Medical Examiner IIis the journey-level class for the Deputy Medical Examiner series. Incumbents in this class possess Board Certification in Forensic Pathology and are specialized physicians responsible for conducting post-mortem examinations to determine the probable cause of death. They confer with the Chief Medical Examiner, Chief Deputy Medical Examiner, and law enforcement agencies to assist them in interpreting autopsy findings for the purpose of reconstructing events leading to a suspected or actual homicide or suicide.
Desirable Traits
In addition, the department desires candidates that can communicate effectively, is a knowledge worker, is customer focused, values and respects others, is driven to excel, enjoys teamwork and collaboration, desires and values continuous learning, demonstrates ethical behavior, and is supportive of change.
Hiring Process and Timeline
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• 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. A valid license to practice medicine in the State of California is required at the time of appointment (State of California Business and Professions Code 2135); AND,
2. At least one (1) year of experience in the field of medical legal death investigations and possession of Board Certification in Forensic Pathology.

Please read the job description for more information.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide 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 will help 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.
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. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified candidates will be placed on a twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and 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
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
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 offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the to access the tool.
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 .
Disaster Service Worker
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
Before completing the Supplemental Questionnaire, read the job summary and requirements. If you do NOT meet these requirements please do NOT apply. 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
Are you Board Certified in Forensic Pathology?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess at least one year of full-time experience in the field of medical-legal death investigations?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you possess a valid license to practice medicine in the State of California?

• Yes
• No

05
If you do not possess a valid license to practice medicine in the State of California, have you applied for licensure?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have any non-forensic pathology subspecialty training? If so, what subspecialty(ies)? If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
07
Describe if you have board certification or are board eligible in the subspecialty(ies) listed above. If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
08
Discuss your experience in conducting investigative procedures necessary to determine the circumstance, manner and cause of death reportable to the medical examiner. If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
09
Describe your experience which demonstrates your knowledge of toxicology, histology, and techniques of autopsies. If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
10
Describe your experience in providing testimony in court and grand jury proceedings. If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
11
You must submit a copy of your Curriculum Vitae and Board Certification. Have you attached a copy of your Curriculum Vitae and Board Certification in Forensic Pathology at step 1 of your application? Note: Applications without Curriculum Vitae's will not be considered.

• Yes, it is attached to my application.
• No, I plan on emailing a copy of my Curriculum Vitae and Board Certification to the assigned analyst

12
Were you referred by a County employee to apply for this position? Note: effective September 9, 2022, County employees are eligible to earn cash awards for any candidates they refer to hard to recruit positions that are then hired.

• Yes
• No

13
If you responded "Yes" to the above, in the space provided please list the name of the County employee that referred you.
14
How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• National Association of Medical Examiners website
• International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners website
• Governmentjobs.com
• San Diego County Website
• Family, Friends, & Neighbors
• County ERG
• Veteran's Outreach
• Careers in Government
• Voice & Viewpoint
• LinkedIn
• Other

15
If you indicated "other" in question #14, please list in the field below where you first heard about this job? If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the field below.
16
Thank you for your interest in employment with the County of San Diego.
Required Question