THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge
and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:
GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR G.E.D CERTIFICATE AND A MINIMUM OF AN ASSOCIATE
DEGREE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE, CRIMINAL JUSTICE, NURSING, OR OTHER RELATED FIELDS
AND
ONE YEAR OF EXPERIENCE IN A MEDICAL, NURSING, OR INVESTIGATIVE FIELD
Successful completion of the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Coroner's Death Investigation
Course and PC 832 Arrest Course, within twelve months of appointment. Successful passage of the Registry
Certification (Basic) examination from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI), must
be completed within two years of appointment.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITION: Capable of performing all the classification’s essential functions, as
summarized in the typical tasks section of this job specification with or without reasonable accommodations.
Tasks require the ability to manipulate/maneuver up to 100 pounds of body weight, often combined with
bending, twisting, or working on irregular surfaces; typically involves some combination of climbing and
balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; occasionally requires hiking in mountainous terrain
while carrying equipment. Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities
and differences between shade, degree or value of colors, shapes, forms, textures, or physical appearance
associated with job-related objects, materials, tasks, or people; occasionally requires ability to differentiate
sounds and odors. Environmental Factors: Exposure to variable temperatures, confined workspaces, and
heights; strong unpleasant odors; infectious bio-hazardous materials, such as blood, urine, and semen, which
might cause chronic disease or death; dust, pollens, chemical irritants; toxic substances; individuals who may
be hostile and abusive; evidence that may be disturbing, such as homicide evidence. Hours: May be required
to work flexible hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays and be subject to holdover and callback duty; and to
provide a telephone number or means by which employee can be reached. License Requirement: Possession
and maintenance of valid Class C California Driver License issued by the California State Department of Motor
Vehicles by the time of appointment.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Ability to pass a full background investigation.
KNOWLEDGE: Some knowledge of basic anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology; California Penal Code,
Government Code, Health and Safety Code, and Welfare and Institutions Code relating to the function,
jurisdiction and authority of the Coroner's Office; principles and techniques of death investigations including
interviewing methods and techniques; rules of evidence regarding chain of custody and methods to preserve
and safeguard evidence; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable
software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, and databases.
ABILITY TO: Work closely with Forensic Pathologist when investigating cause, manner, and circumstances of
unattended or traumatic deaths; read and understand medical charts; maintain professionalism in tragic and
emotional situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships; create accurate and
comprehensive reports of the findings of a death investigation; gather, analyze, correlate, and preserve
forensic evidence; testify in court; demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills; work alone
and independently; use critical thinking skills in problem solving; and perform strenuous physical activities
including lifting and moving dead bodies.
