The County of San Diego Medical Examiner's Department is currently recruiting for
Medical Examiner Investigator I

Interested in conducting investigations into the circumstances of death? This may be the job for you!

Don't miss out on the opportunity of an exciting career with an award-winning agency and work at a state-of-the-art facility.

Interviews will take place the week of October 5, 2026. Job offers will be made the following week.

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.

Future Salary Increases:

** June 2027 – 5.07% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 2.07% Market Adjustment)

Positions in this class are eligible for the following premiums:

$.80/hour premium for working swing or graveyard shifts
$.75/hour for bilingual pay
An allowance of up to $300.00 annually for boots to wear on investigation scenes

Medical Examiner Investigators are responsible for conducting investigations regarding the mode of death (e.g. accident, suicide, homicide, or natural causes). Incumbents are responsible for locating and notifying next of kin which, includes direct interaction with distraught families. The investigative work performed by Medical Examiner Investigator I's is distinguished from that of law enforcement officials or medical personnel, which focuses on criminal evidence, violations of the law, or biological cause of death.

Ideal Candidate

Strong medical background, not limited to the nursing field, Corpsman or Paramedic
A number of years of documented experience in the field involving direct patient care
Demonstrated ability to communicate directly with their families.

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year paid experience as a full-time Medical Examiner Investigator, Deputy Coroner, Forensic Autopsy Assistant, Forensic Embalmer or Forensic Technician in a Coroner or Medical Examiner's facility; OR,
Two (2) years paid experience as any of the following: full-time Peace Officer (as defined in California Penal Code Sections 830 or 832), Paramedic, Registered Nurse, or served in a medical capacity dealing with patient care, within a medical facility; OR,
Possession of an associate degree or completion of 60 semester units from an accredited U. S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency. Coursework must have included 15 semester units in medical terminology, anatomy, biology, chemistry, investigations, forensics, or physiology.

Additional information please visit Medical Examiner Investigator I job classification.

Note: Incumbents must be able to 1) traverse through rough terrain to reach scene of death, 2) lift 50 pounds, and 3) enter and egress various forms of transportation (e.g., helicopters) and will be exposed to deceased persons, chemicals and fumes, decomposed tissue, noxious odors and trauma.

Frequent: repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers. Occasional: walking, standing, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and lifting and carrying of files weighing up to 10 pounds.

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Interviews/Hiring Process

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of background or other mutually agreed upon date

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. 1 Veteran.jpg

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the Strategic Plan for more information.

Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

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