Deputy Coroner Investigator

Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to, the following:

• Assume authority at scene of death and primary responsibility for determining identity of decedent and cause of death; photographs, examines, and fingerprints decedent; lifts, removes and transports decedents.
• Initiates investigation to determine cause of death and establishes preliminary classification, such as: non-traumatic, homicide and suicide.
• Determines whether autopsies should be ordered and performed; requests identification specialists such as anthropologists and odontologists; and requests specialists such as toxicologists and bacteriologists for assistance in arriving at cause of death.
• Protects property of decedent; collects personal effects; notifies relatives of death; seals place of residence when solitary death occurred in said residence, pending arrival of legally authorized representative of decedent.
• Prepares investigation reports; reviews autopsy reports; signs certificates of death.
• Maintains necessary correspondence and reports.
• Responds promptly to time-sensitive incidents by driving either a personal or county vehicle to remote or distant locations as required, ensuring timely resolution and support based on the nature and urgency of the situation.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as required.

At the time of appointment, applicants must:

• Be fingerprinted and pass an intensive background investigation, which will include a drug test, polygraph and psychological evaluation; must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Meet California P.O.S.T. Commission approved peace officer standards, requiring above average strength, endurance, and agility.
• Be available to work anywhere in the County and to work various shifts, weekends and holidays, as well as on-call/standby as needed.
• A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position. Mileage reimbursement and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

Incumbents must:

• Possess and maintain a certificate or successfully complete a California P.O.S.T. basic Coroner's Academy/Death Investigation Course within one (1) year of hire.
• Possess a P.C. 832 certificate (Laws of arrest, search and seizure) or successfully complete by the end of the probationary period.
• Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

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

Requirements

Qualifying experience must have been obtained within the last five (5) years. Must meet one of the following options:

• Option A: One (1) year of full-time experience as an investigator at a Medical Examiner/Coroner or other law enforcement agency in any of the following capacities: Deputy Coroner Investigator, Medical Examiner Investigator, Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Deputy Marshal, or District Attorney Investigator.
• Option B: Two (2) years of full-time experience as an Autopsy Assistant assisting with autopsies in a forensic pathology setting.
• Option C: Two (2) years of embalming experience as a Licensed Embalmer with a current California Embalmer License.
• Option D: Two (2) years of full-time experience with primary responsibility for processing crime scenes in the field or investigating in-patient deaths/delayed reportable deaths or unidentified persons investigations for a law enforcement agency, including the identification and collection of all pertinent physical evidence.
• Option E: Two (2) years as a member of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Coroner Division autopsy assistant internship/volunteer program which includes a minimum of 120 morgue hours. Letter indicating volunteer membership and completion of morgue hours must be submitted with the application.

Desired Qualifications

• An excellent candidate understands this position deals with highly sensitive issues, requiring empathy and organizational skills. This ideal candidate will successfully pass an in-depth background investigation and is aware that this position requires working various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Experience in a California Coroner's or Medial Examiner's Office is highly desirable.

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