Deputy Coroner

Duties

• Conducts investigations to determine mode, manner, cause of death and identity of decedents; checks medical records and other sources to gather information necessary to ascertain cause of death; requests various specialists such as toxicologists, bacteriologists and other skilled persons to aid in arriving at cause of death within defined procedural limits; cooperates with all law enforcement agencies in obtaining evidence in cases of violent death.
• Orders and attends autopsies performed by professional staff and prepares investigative reports on cases handled; arrange for x-rays to be taken on homicide and sudden infant death cases.
• Answers calls where there is a death by violence or a death for which a licensed physician will not sign the death certificate; prepare and sign death certificates and amendments.
• Locates and notifies relatives; releases bodies to funeral homes; processes county cremations.
• Interviews witnesses; generates and serves subpoenas; receives and processes requests for investigative/autopsy reports; responds to inquiries from the public/agencies over the phone and in person; prepares news releases.
• Takes photographs and prepares fingerprints of decedents.
• Obtains possession of, and releases the personal property of decedents.
• Prepares reports of investigations and related activities; maintains and compiles statistical reports; prepares, updates, and closes out investigation case files.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Appears as a witness in court.
• Prepares bodies for autopsy.
• May perform basic maintenance cleaning of computers.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:

• The equivalent of two (2) years of full time, paid investigative experience which provides knowledge of investigative principles and techniques.
• Successful completion of Penal Code Section 832 course, prior to employment; or, successful completion no later than the first anniversary of employment as a Deputy Coroner. Employment beyond the one year probationary period is contingent upon completion of the Penal Code Section 832 course and satisfactory work performance.
• Applicants must successfully complete a firearms course as prescribed by the Sheriff-Coroner within the one year probationary period. Applicants are required to qualify and carry a firearm.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at time of appointment.

***Applicants are encouraged to provide a detailed description of previous employment duties

Physical Requirements

Physical Examination

• A rigid medical examination by the County Physician is required.

Minimum Age

• 21 years of age by the final filing date.

Character

• Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony CONVICTIONS will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor CONVICTIONS may be disqualifying. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background check.

Working Conditions

• Applicants must be willing to deal with death, dead bodies, at times decomposed remains; trauma involved with notification of next of kin; traveling rough terrain to reach death scene; adverse weather conditions; and, to accept call back and stand-by assignments, and work shifts on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week as needed.

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