Supervising Forensic Autopsy Technician (Departmental Promotional Only)

Job Description:

Supervising Forensic Autopsy Technician (Departmental Promotional Only)

Description

Description

Providing services with efficiency, courtesy and respect.

County of San Mateo Office of the Coroner

The County of San Mateo Coroner's Office is seeking a dedicated and compassionate candidate to fill the role of Supervising Forensic Autopsy Technician.

Under general supervision, assign, coordinate and supervise the work of Forensic Autopsy Technicians and interns; oversee the day-to-day operations of the Coroner's Office Pathology Division; train, coach, and monitor the workflow of assigned staff in addition to performing the full range of duties of the Forensic Autopsy Technician, including performing the more difficult or complex autopsies requiring an advanced knowledge of forensic pathology; and performing related duties as assigned.

Examples Of Duties

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

• Plan, organize, coordinate, direct, and supervise the day-to-day operations of the Coroner's Pathology Division and a team of autopsy technicians and interns in their regular duties.
• Set schedules and assure appropriate coverage; assign and review technical and ancillary tasks; and ensure autopsy suite, lab, and evidence room are clean and orderly.
• Interview and recommend hiring new employees; evaluate performance and counsel assigned personnel.
• Make recommendations on personnel issues and disciplinary concerns.
• Implement safety standards and develop procedures to ensure compliance of safety measures.
• Participate in developing and updating training materials; provide training as needed.
• Create and maintain appropriate manuals, physical and computer-based records.
• Verify release of decedents.
• Examine and approve radiographic images for quality.
• Resolve unit operational problems and handle concerns related to preparation of bodies for autopsy; ensure quality, effectiveness and efficiency of unit activities.
• Perform the full range of duties of the Forensic Autopsy Technician, including performing the more difficult or complex autopsies; serve as consultant on complex issues affecting Coroner investigations.
• Maintain daily communication with pathologists and autopsy personnel including case evaluation and resolutions.
• Participate in and facilitate public outreach programs, including collaborating with criminal justice and law enforcement agencies about the programs available.
• Oversee administrative matters such as preparing correspondence and arranging for supplies.
• Oversee forensic pathologist schedule, case load and case file completion.
• Assist in reviewing and approving all related Coroner, medical, toxicological reports to establish a true and accurate cause of death at time of pathology report completion.
• Participate and assist in mass fatality response, when warranted.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, scheduling, review and evaluation, and employee training and corrective action.
• Basic anatomy, physiology, dissection, and medical terminology applicable to Coroner's medico-legal investigations.
• General science laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Handling and preparing deceased bodies.
• Policies and procedures related to the Coroner's Office.
• Procedures, tests, and equipment involved in assisting a forensic pathologist in autopsy examinations.
• Delivery and preparation of tissue for histology.
• Techniques of x-ray collection, and photography including x-ray safety and best practices.
• Rules of evidence regarding chain of custody and methods to preserve and safeguard evidence.
• Morgue cleaning methods, materials, equipment and septic and antiseptic procedures.
• Surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, tests, and procedures used in the performance of autopsies, and methods for care of instruments and equipment.
• OSHA compliance rules and regulations.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of others.
• Train others in work procedures.
• Schedule and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Prioritize work and coordinate simultaneous activities.
• Learn case management system and other related electronic record keeping systems, be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Be able to manipulate bodies by oneself and with assistance.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgement within established policies and guidelines.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions from colleagues, supervisors, and management and communicate clearly and effectively.
• Understand instructions of a technical nature from pathologists and carry them out as prescribed.
• Learn specialized procedures and tests required to assist a pathologist in an autopsy examination.
• Perform repetitive activities carried out according to set procedure, such as preserving specimens and preparing solutions.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records, perform routine clerical work and data entry.
• Learn basic radiographic techniques and methods, and operation and care of radiographic equipment.
• Learn basic principles of photography.
• Learn laboratory procedures and methods of basic histologic techniques for microscopic evaluation by pathologist.
• Work efficiently and independently with minimal supervision.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, present a demeanor consistent with the dignity of the Office, and sensitively interact with distraught persons and grieving family members.
• Maintain proper cleanliness and decorum in a forensic facility.

Physical Requirements:

• Safely move, manipulate and lift bodies to chest height.
• Work with bodies of deceased persons, and tolerate unpleasant aspects of the job, association with traumatic death, and odors, such as decomposed bodies and preservative chemicals.
• Stand for long periods of time, engage in continuous active work requiring moderate physical exertion and manual dexterity in the handling of bodies or equipment.
• Work flexible hours, shifts, weekends and holidays and be subject to call back duty.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: Two years of experience as an autopsy technician or three years of experience in a hospital setting (nursing, laboratory, or health sciences), a Coroner or Medical Examiner's Office, or morgue providing a working knowledge of human anatomy/physiology, autopsy procedures and equipment, methods of removing organs or preparing bodies for mortuary, and sanitation methods and procedures, including one year in a lead capacity.

Licensure/Certification:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License prior to appointment.

Application/Examination

Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the Coroner's Office with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%), which may include a written exercise. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification . All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT TIMELINE
Final Filing Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, by 11:59 PM PST
Applicant Screening: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Panel Interviews: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

HR Contact: Sarah Huynh (01062026) (Supervising Forensic Autopsy Technician - T071)

Salary:

$83,449.60 - $104,332.80 Annually