Chief Forensic Pathologist

About The Position

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the Chief Forensic Pathologist in Perris. This position will direct and coordinate the forensic pathology activities of the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator's Office; to determine the cause and manner of death of the deceased who are in custody of the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator; to testify and provide medical evidence at inquests, Coroner reviews and court trials; and to perform other work as required.

Responsibilities

• Establishes policies, procedures, standards and controls to ensure appropriate autopsies and toxicological and clinical laboratory examinations of deceased are performed.
• Performs autopsies and evaluates historical and law-enforcement investigative information to establish cause and time of death and whether death was due to a natural cause, accident, suicide, or homicide, at the hands of another other than by accident or is undetermined.
• Collections medical evidence such as trace evidence and secretions; performs chemical and/or microscopic examination of tissues and fluids, and submits samples of body fluids, tissues and other findings to laboratories for toxicology and clinical laboratory examination when analysis may be required.
• Prepares detailed reports of findings, confers with judicial and law enforcement personnel and assists in interpreting autopsy findings for the purpose of reconstructing events leading to suspected homicides or suicides.
• Signs death certificates, gives testimony at inquests, Coroner review processes, and in court trials.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates ancillary staff performing post-mortem examinations.
• Provides formal training, guidance and instructions to staff on skills related to forensic pathology, court testimony, and report writing.
• Maintains appropriate records related to work activities and assists in preparing the budget based on records and related information.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of experience as a forensic pathologist.
• Forensic Pathologist Board Certification.
• Valid Physician's and Surgeon's Certificate issued by the State of California.
• Valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of modern medicine and techniques of autopsy; statues, ordinances, regulations and medico legal issues related the to Coroner's Bureau; current and highly specialized techniques, investigative procedures and equipment applicable to forensic pathology including the applicability of toxicology, ballistics/firearm examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic anthropology, and DNA technology; rules and regulations applicable to court testimony.
• Ability to: Perform highly skilled post-mortem examinations; review and evaluate complex investigations, autopsy reports and other specific findings to establish the cause of death; plan, organize and direct the activities of a staff; communicate effectively and serve as an expert witness at court trials, inquests, and legal proceedings; write and effectively interpret comprehensive reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with others.