Position/Program Information
EXAM NUMBER
P4889B-R
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT
We welcome applications from anyone!
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted beginning
Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) until
Monday, August 3, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. (PT).
Applications received
after 5:00 p.m. (PT) will not be considered.
About The Medical Examiner
The Department of Medical Examiner investigates and determines the circumstances, manner, and cause of all violent, sudden, or unusual deaths occurring within Los Angeles County.
In 2024, approximately 18,000 deaths were reported to the Department, and we investigated 11,452 of those cases. Each year, we conduct thousands of postmortem examinations, including full autopsies, partial autopsies, and external examinations. This level of activity, along with the complexity and sensitivity of the cases handled—including numerous high-profile investigations—makes the Department one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated medical examiner’s offices in the world. Our work is supported by advanced tools such as postmortem X-ray and CT imaging, which enhance our ability to determine cause and manner of death with accuracy and precision.
Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!
The County of Los Angeles offers an excellent benefits package that includes a Cafeteria Benefit Plan, Contributory Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, Deferred Compensation & Thrift Plans, and 13 paid Holidays. Click here to see a list of employee benefits.
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Essential Job Functions
What will I do as a Supervising Forensic Technician?
- Supervises subordinates (e.g., Forensic Technicians I and II) by assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; ensuring adherence to schedules and standards; providing training, coaching, and mentoring; conducting staff meetings; and interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures (e.g., PPE, CA Gov. Code
- 27491, Rules of Evidence).
- Oversees forensic examinations and services performed by Forensic Technicians including autopsies, evidence collection, identification procedures, imaging (X-ray/CT), and photography; ensures recognition, preservation, and documentation of evidence; maintains cleanliness and operational readiness of the facility; and orders supplies and monitors inventory.
- Performs complex and high-profile forensic examinations by preparing decedents for autopsy (e.g., verifying identity, retrieving remains, and setting up equipment); assisting pathologists in autopsy procedures (e.g., opening body cavities, excising organs, and collecting specimens); collecting biological samples for toxicology; recording organ and fluid weights; obtaining fingerprints; collecting, labeling, and preserving evidence and personal property; performing photography and radiography; and completing post-autopsy procedures (e.g., suturing, cleaning, and return of remains to storage).
- Prepares written documentation including evidence logs, receipts, and reports by compiling, organizing, and entering case information into computerized systems.
- Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders including staff, supervisors, law enforcement, government agencies, and medical professionals; provides information and testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings as required.
For more information, please view the classification specification: Supervising Forensic Technician
Requirements
REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY
One year of experience at the level of Forensic Technician II
*.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION
- Experience at the level of Forensic Technician II is defined as, under general supervision, photographing decedents and specimens; assisting pathologists with complex autopsies using a variety of techniques to preserve medico-legal evidence; preparing decedents for autopsy examination and final disposition; receiving, identifying, and releasing decedents; and performing other forensic technician duties as required.
You may still qualify even if your job title isn’t exactly the same as the one listed. What matters is that your experience is at a similar level — meaning your job involves similar responsibilities, requires comparable skills and knowledge, and takes place within a similar organizational structure. Please provide a clear explanation of your experience to demonstrate that it is at the appropriate level.
LICENSE
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
WITHHOLD INFORMATION
No withhold will be allowed. Required experience should be fully met by the last day of filing and clearly indicated on the application.
PHYSICAL CLASS
Physical Class 3 – Moderate: This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.
Additional Information
OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Once we have identified that you meet our requirements, an invitation for the following assessment process will be sent:
This examination will consist of a multiple-choice and/or simulation assessment worth 100%, assessing:
- Management Potential, Working to High-Quality Standards, Responsibility, Achievement, Willingness to Learn, Accepting Others, Showing Courtesy, Working Relationships, Analyzing Information, Learning Quickly, Compliance with Rules and Regulations, Adapting to Change, Controlling Emotions, Working Energetically, and Reading Comprehension
Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be added to the list.
MULTIPLE CHOICE AND/OR SIMULATION ASSESSMENTS ARE NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19.
Transfer Of Test Components
If you have taken identical components recently for other exams, your responses may be automatically transferred to this examination. This exam contains test components that might be used on future exams, and your responses could be transferred to that exam.
TEST PREPARATION
We provide study guides and other test preparation resources to help candidates prepare for employment tests. While the guides may help in preparing for the test, we recommend reviewing all related materials that seem necessary.
- Various information can be found on our website at https://hr.lacounty.gov/job-search-toolkit/. The section dedicated to test preparation is "Employment Test Assistance."
- Online practice tests are available at https://www.shldirect.com/en-us/practice-tests.
- An online preparation guide is available at https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/1181885_True-to-LifeLeaderSJTPrepGuide.pdf (Download PDF reader).
ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION
Applicants who pass the assessment are placed on a list in the order of their score group for a period of six (6) months. Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly. We will use this list to fill vacancies in the Department of Medical Examiner as they occur.
AVAILABLE SHIFT
Any
APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION
We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the
"Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.
Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.
We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.
We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.
- info@governmentjobs.com
- talentcentral@shl.com
- noreply@governmentjobs.com
- noreply@proctoru.com
- donot-reply@amcatmail.com
- vsanchez@hr.lacounty.gov
- ealcazar@hr.lacounty.gov
New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to https://www.governmentjobs.com/ and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.
Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.
For those who do not have access to a computer or the internet, we provide access to complete an application at public libraries throughout the county.
All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's login information may erase a candidate's original application record.
_________________________________________________________________________
ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (ARDI)
The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.
TESTING ACCOMMODATION
If you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be given the opportunity to make a request when completing your application. Please note, you may be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation.
Testing Accommodations Coordinator: TestingAccommodations@hr.lacounty.gov
Testing Accommodations Phone: (213) 441-3150
Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099
Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077
California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922
Department Contact Name: Valentina Sanchez
Department Contact Phone: (213) 349-8031
Department Contact Email: VSanchez@hr.lacounty.gov
Exam Number: P4889B-R
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Employment Information
Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.
This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement
The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit: https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/.
Testing Accommodations For Applicants
The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations, please visit: https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/.
Fair Chance
The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).
Employment Eligibility
Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.
Career PathFinder
Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at http://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov.
Veteran’s Credit
Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.
For more information on veteran’s credit, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205102_PPG_115.pdf
Revised September 2025
For detailed information, please click here
01
The information you provide on this supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the examination process. CHECK YOUR ANSWERS CAREFULLY. Any mistakes you make and/or any incomplete responses you provide in completing these questions will be used to disqualify your application even if you possess the qualifying experience. Be specific as possible and include all information requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response. All information is subject to verification at any time in the examination and hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.
- Yes, I understand the above information and instructions.
02
Many important notifications including invitation letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address.
DO NOT select "off" under Email Preferences within your profile or click "unsubscribe" on our notices if you would like the County of Los Angeles to notify you regarding your application status, test schedules, and other important information pertaining to your candidacy for this position. Regardless of whether you choose to unsubscribe, you can always check for notifications by logging into governmentjobs.com and viewing your profile inbox, which saves a copy of all emailed notices.
Please add
vsanchez@hr.lacounty.gov, ealcazar@hr.lacounty.gov, info@governmentjobs.com, noreply@governmentjobs.com, talentcentral@shl.com, noreply@proctoru.com, and donot-reply@amcatmail.com to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. It is your responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence. Los Angeles County will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notification to be a valid reason for late test administration or rescheduling of a test component.
- I understand the above information and instructions.
03
How many years of experience do you have at the level of Los Angeles' County class of
Forensic Technician II*? *Experience at the level of Forensic Technician II is defined as, under general supervision, photographing decedents and specimens; assisting pathologists with complex autopsies using a variety of techniques to preserve medico-legal evidence; preparing decedents for autopsy examination and final disposition; receiving, identifying, and releasing decedents; and performing other forensic technician duties as required.
- No experience
- Less than 6 months
- At least 6 months, but less than 1 year
- 1 year or more
04
If You Claimed Any Experience In The Above Question, Please List The Position(s) Where You Gained Experience At The Level Of Forensic Technician II And Provide The Following Information For Each Position Held
- Payroll Title:
- Employer:
- Supervisor's Name:
- Dates of Employment: FROM (mm/yr) - TO (mm/yr)
- Total Number of Years and/or Months of Experience: Contact Information:
- Duties: (Each work experience must be clearly described in the application and supplemental questionnaire for evaluation OR it will not be considered or credited).
If you do not have any experience in this area, please type
"DOES NOT APPLY." Failure to provide ALL the requested information above may result in disqualification of your application.
DO NOT copy and paste all of your work history from your application. Please specifically type out your response.
