Job Description

Under administrative, legal, medical, and direction of the Chief Medical Examiner, the 2598 Assistant Medical Examiner performs difficult and specialized professional medical work in the field of forensic medicine, which requires advanced and specialized education, training and experience. The duties of the class involve the evaluation of injuries and evidence in the medicolegal investigation of death. This position is distinguished from other medical specialties by the required specific training and experience and American Board of Pathology board certification in the subspecialty of forensic pathology. Incumbents in this class serve as an Assistant Medical Examiners in accordance with state law. Incumbents interact with Forensic Autopsy Technicians, Medical Examiner’s Investigators, residents, and fellows as part of the investigation and autopsy process. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs forensic autopsies and examinations in accordance with the standards of the National Association of Medical Examiners and the policies of the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; examines tissue and evidence recovered at autopsy; aids the Chief Medical Examiner in the determination of the cause, circumstances and manner of death, as required by law. Maintains knowledge of current professional standards related to the performance of forensic autopsies and the interpretation of findings by review of forensic journals, professional training and conferences.

2. Utilizing the principles of Forensic Medicine, Criminalistics and the Forensic Sciences, and in accordance with recognized professional and legal standards, examines deceased or living individuals either at the scene or other facilities for the purpose of determining the timing, nature, and age of injuries; interprets, documents and collects evidence potentially appropriate to criminal or other proceedings; performs forensic autopsies and examinations; examines tissues removed during those procedures in the preparation of microscopic reports along with the appropriate interpretations of the pathologic and toxicology data necessary to determine the cause and manner of death. Ensures that all assigned staff is compliant with blood borne pathogen regulations, biohazard, injury and illness prevention safety standards and forensic safety requirements.

3. Reviews detailed and complex medical records, x-rays and photographs for the purpose of interpreting the medical data as it relates to the legal issues of a particular case.

4. Confers with, and at the direction and approval of the Chief Medical Examiner, documents medical findings and prepares clear, concise and effective written report or communications; speaks in a clear and understandable manner appropriate to the understanding of audience or jury; listens and effectively elicits information; sets task priorities and coordinates the work schedule with the Forensic Autopsy Technicians and Medical Examiner’s Investigative Assistants in a logical and productive manner; trains and monitors the performance of staff, residents, fellows and/or other physicians in the safe performance of legal medicine and forensic autopsies and examinations, uses a computer to access and input information as well as to prepare written documents and reports of examinations and findings, use of digital photographic and radiology equipment. and reports of examinations and findings, use of digital photographic and radiology equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Nature of duties may require sustained physical effort involving manual skill and dexterity, physical ability to lift dead bodies and remove them from the scene of death, and 24-hour “on call” availability to respond to scenes of sudden death or injuries. Work environments may entail exposure to physical, chemical, and/or biological health hazards; unpleasant odors or conditions; frequent exposure to sudden, unexpected, and sometimes violent deaths; and exposure to disagreeable elements or situations inherent in this specialized field.

Qualifications

1. Graduation from an approved medical school and possession of a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy degree; AND

2. Completion of a residency program approved by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education in anatomic or anatomic and clinical pathology; AND

3. Possession or eligibility to obtain certification by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic or anatomic and clinical pathology; AND

4. Possession or eligibility to obtain a valid license as a Physician and Surgeon issued by the California State Board of Medical Examiners; AND

5. Possession of or eligibility to sit for the examination in the subspecialty of forensic pathology issued by the American Board of Pathology; AND

6. Possession and maintenance of a valid California class C or higher driver’s license at the time of appointment.

NOTE: If the candidate does not already possess board certification in anatomic and or clinical pathology that has been issued by the American Board of Pathology, s/he must obtain board certification in the primary board certification within two (2) years of employment and in forensic pathology within three (3) years of employment. With the loss of eligibility to sit for the specialty examination, the individual would be considered no longer qualified for the position of assistant medical examiner. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Specialized training or American Board of Pathology board certification in Pediatric Pathology, Cardiac Pathology or Neuropathology.

IMPORTANT: Your application MUST include a resume.  To upload these item(s), please attach using the "additional attachments" function. VERIFICATION: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point in the application and/or departmental selection process. Written verification (proof) of qualifying experience must verify that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications stated on the announcement. Written verification must be submitted on employer’s official letterhead, specifying name of employee, dates of employment, types of employment (part-time/full-time), job title(s), description of duties performed, and the verification must be signed by the employer. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which they are appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee’s class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Commission Rules. Experience claimed in self-employment must be supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license and experience comparable to the minimum qualifications of the position. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupations and total earnings must be submitted. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at http://sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=456. NOTE: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco. 

Additional Information

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

COMPENSATION:  $248,664 - $349,934 annually

APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME, BUT NOT BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 2022. LATE OR INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. MAILED, HAND DELIVERED OR FAXED DOCUMENTS/APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. IN LINE WITH THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, “SHELTER-IN-PLACE” HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR ALL SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTS THAT IS EXPECTED TO BE IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. AS A RESULT, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES (DHR)’S OFFICE (LOCATED AT 1 SOUTH VAN NESS AVENUE, 4TH FLOOR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103) IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL THE HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST LISTED ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be screened for relevant qualifying experience. Additional screening mechanisms may be implemented in order to determine candidates’ qualifications. Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the Agency will be invited to participate in the selection process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview. Qualified applicants with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation in the selection process must contact the Agency by phone at (415) 554-6000 or, if hearing impaired at (415) 554-6015 (TTY).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  For details on how it is applicable to your employment, please click here.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.