Deputy Coroner

Job Description:

Deputy Coroner

Description

About the Opportunity

THE POSITION The Deputy Coroner investigates and reports on causes of death that fall within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner and assists with autopsies and post-mortem examinations. This individual also removes bodies from the scene of death and delivers them to the County Coroner facility. This position also keeps the morgue and autopsy room and equipment in clean and orderly condition. This position is subject to shift work, weekend, overtime, standby, and callback assignments. Performs related duties as assigned.
To learn more about the Sheriff's Office, click here .

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community and Health Services Bargaining Unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months for a total of eighteen months. The probationary period does not apply to unclassified positions.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

• Receive calls from law enforcement agencies, doctors, and other medical facilities reporting death or potential cases;
• Make the initial determination, if a death will fall within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff-Coroner;
• Investigate deaths by gathering facts, conducting interviews, and requesting medical records from medical facilities;
• Visually and physically conduct preliminary external examinations of the decedent;
• If required, respond to the scene and take possession of the body and appropriate evidence and/or personal property;
• Inventory, secure, seal, and/or store real and personal property belonging to decedent or physical evidence;
• Locate, inform, and instruct Next of Kin regarding the death, autopsy results and funeral information;
• Complete the necessary Coroner's paperwork including associated narrative reports;
• Initiate or update Death Certificate via the California Electronic Death Registry System (EDRS);
• If required, assist forensic pathologist with autopsies and duties typically performed by autopsy technician; and
• Prepare investigation reports, review autopsy reports and sign certificates of death.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE

• The procedures involved in assisting a physician in post-mortem examinations;
• Investigative principles and techniques used in cause-of-death investigations;
• Recognition and preservation of evidence;
• Techniques involved in handling and preparing bodies for post-mortem examination or burial;
• The care of surgical instruments and equipment used in the performance of autopsies;
• Laws, regulations and policies relating to the Sheriff-Coroner function which may involve use of the Health and Safety Code, Government Code, California Penal Code, Vehicle Code and Probate Code as they relate to the duties of a Deputy Coroner; and
• Hygienic methods and practices, including septic and antiseptic procedures.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Understand and explain laws, regulations, and policies governing coroner operations;
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with department personnel, law enforcement agencies, other coroner offices, medical offices and the media;
• Work around death and handle remains of deceased persons under unpleasant conditions, and deal with distraught persons;
• Observe and accurately record information relating to deaths; Learn basic anatomy and medical terminology;
• Collect and analyze data and materials to draw logical conclusions, including writing and dictating reports, and filing documents with the Public Health Department; Follow written and oral instructions;
• Lift and move objects, including cadavers weighing at least 150 pounds; Cope with death and the grieving process;
• Work in all types of weather conditions;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, such as a multi-function phone system, copying machine, fax machine, Dictaphone and tape recorder used in the performance of death investigation work; and
• Operate a motor vehicle.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following
required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

PATTERN I

• Successful completion of thirty (30) semester units from an accredited college or university in biology, anatomy, criminal justice, or curriculum that would provide knowledge of principles and techniques in cause-of-death investigations, post-mortem examinations or closely related work.

PATTERN II

• One (1) year of full-time experience (or equivalent) as a deputy-coroner investigator at a Medical Examiner/Coroner Office or crime scene investigator for a California law enforcement agency.

PATTERN III

• One (1) year of full-time experience (or equivalent) as an Autopsy Assistant/Technician assisting with autopsies in a forensic pathology setting.
  

In addition to either Pattern I, II or III:

• Successfully complete the 832 (PC 832) Arrest and Firearms Course and Coroners’ Death Investigation training courses pursuant to 830.35(c) PC (as prescribed by POST) within twelve (12) months from the date of employment; AND
• Physical/manipulative abilities required by the department; AND
• Mental/cognitive abilities required by the department; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• Must be of good moral character with no felony convictions and must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State prison.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-567-4412 to make other arrangements before 5 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification.

This is a Veteran's Preference Program eligible job classification.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: October 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Oral Examination: The week of November 17, 2025

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 10/30/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$70,449.60 - $85,633.60 Annually