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Volunteer Autopsy Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Volunteer Autopsy Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$20

$28

How much do volunteer autopsy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer autopsy assistant in Riverside, CA is $20.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Volunteer Autopsy Assistant, and how do they support the forensic pathology team?

Volunteer Autopsy Assistants typically help with preparing the autopsy suite, handling and labeling specimens, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring that equipment is cleaned and ready for use. They work under the supervision of forensic pathologists and technicians, assisting with non-technical tasks to ensure that procedures are conducted efficiently and respectfully. Collaboration and clear communication with medical staff are essential, and volunteers gain valuable exposure to forensic procedures and protocols, which can be beneficial for those considering a career in forensic science or pathology.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Autopsy Assistant, you need a basic understanding of anatomy, attention to detail, and ideally some coursework or training in biological sciences. Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and specimen handling procedures is typically required. Dependability, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities ensure accurate support for pathologists, maintain safety, and uphold the dignity and confidentiality of the deceased.

How to become a coroner assistant with no experience?

To become a volunteer autopsy assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and an interest in forensic or medical fields. Gaining relevant knowledge through courses in biology or anatomy, and volunteering at medical or forensic facilities, can improve your chances; some positions may require background checks or basic training. Experience is not always necessary, but a strong interest and willingness to learn are important.

What do autopsy assistants do?

Autopsy assistants support pathologists during autopsies by preparing the body, handling instruments, and documenting findings. They may also assist with cleaning and maintaining autopsy equipment and work in a medical examiner's or pathology laboratory environment, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and proper handling of biological materials.

What are Volunteer Autopsy Assistants?

Volunteer Autopsy Assistants are individuals who support pathologists and medical examiners during autopsies, typically on a voluntary and non-paid basis. Their responsibilities may include preparing the autopsy suite, assisting with specimen collection, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that proper procedures are followed for safety and documentation. They generally do not perform any surgical procedures but play a critical role in the smooth operation of autopsy procedures. These roles often require specific training in safety protocols and may be limited to students or individuals pursuing careers in forensic science or medicine.

Can you volunteer in forensics?

Volunteer autopsy assistants support forensic pathologists by preparing bodies, maintaining the autopsy environment, and assisting with documentation. This role typically requires knowledge of anatomy, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols, often gained through relevant training or certifications. Volunteering in forensics provides valuable experience for those interested in forensic pathology or criminal investigation careers.

What qualifications do you need to be an autopsy assistant?

Autopsy assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring post-secondary education in biology, anatomy, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, ability to handle sensitive situations, and familiarity with medical terminology; certification is not usually required but can be beneficial. Experience working in a medical or laboratory environment may also be advantageous.
What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Autopsy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Volunteer Autopsy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Autopsy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Autopsy Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Autopsy Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,398 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Deputy Coroner Investigator

Deputy Coroner Investigator

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$73K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

475th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Coroner Division is recruiting for Deputy Coroner Investigators who assume authority at the scene of a death and are responsible for investigations concerning deceased persons whose deaths fall under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner. Above average strength, endurance, and agility are needed due to the nature of the work, as the positions require hiking and climbing, as well as the ability to lift, drag and haul heavy objects and dead bodies weighing as much as 300 pounds or more to remove them from the scene of death using acceptable removal techniques. For more detailed information, refer to the Deputy Coroner Investigator job description.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific, benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 1) Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony and must successfully pass an extensive background investigation which includes a fingerprint check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation. 2) Must meet California P.O.S.T. Commission approved peace officer standards, requiring above average strength, endurance, and agility

3) Must be available to work throughout the County and various shifts; including weekends and holidays, as well as on call/standby as needed. 4) A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position. Proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

5) Must possess and maintain a certificate or successfully complete a California P.O.S.T. basic Coroner's Academy/Death Investigation Course within one (1) year of hire. 6) Must possess a P.C

832 certificate (Laws of arrest, search and seizure) or successfully complete by the end of the probationary period. 7) Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Minimum Requirements Qualifying experience must have been obtained within the last five (5) years.

Must meet one of the following options: Option A: One (1) year of full-time experience as an investigator at a Medical Examiner/Coroner or other law enforcement agency in any of the following capacities: Deputy Coroner Investigator, Medical Examiner Investigator, Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Deputy Marshal, or District Attorney Investigator. Option B: Two (2) years of full-time experience as an Autopsy Assistant assisting with autopsies in a forensic pathology setting. Option C: Two (2) years of embalming experience as a Licensed Embalmer with a current California Embalmer License.

Option D: One (1) year of full-time experience with primary responsibility for processing crime scenes in the field for a law enforcement agency, including the identification, documentation, collection of property and physical evidence, and writing investigative reports. Experience equivalent to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Crime Scene Specialist -or- Sheriff's Service Specialist primarily processing crime scenes. Option E: One (1) year of full-time experience primarily conducting low-level death investigations for a law enforcement or coroner agency, which includes field response, in-patient deaths, delayed reportable deaths, investigative report writing, fingerprinting, and assisting with the search of unidentified persons.

Experience equivalent to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Service Specialist within the Coroner Division. Option F: Two (2) years of participation in the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Coroner Division Volunteer Program, including successful completion of the Investigations Pathway Training and a minimum of 120 volunteer hours. Letter verifying program participation and completion of required hours must be submitted with the application.

Option G: Two (2) years of full-time experience as a Certified Paramedic, Registered Nurse, or Licensed Vocational Nurse which involved direct patient care of seriously ill and/or terminally ill patients. Desired Qualifications An excellent candidate understands this position deals with highly sensitive issues, requiring empathy, discretion, and organizational skills. This candidate will successfully pass an in-depth background investigation and is aware that this position requires working various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Experience in a California Coroner's or Medical Examiner's Office is highly desirable. Selection Process Examination: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to provide as much relevant and detailed work experience as possible, as resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of the application materials.

Application Procedure: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 pm, Monday, July 20, 2026. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email.

We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627.

Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment.

Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, use this link to access the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form and submit within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process.


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