Job Description

The 2578 Medical Examiner's Investigator II will: 

• Respond to death scenes coming under the jurisdiction of the Chief Medical Examiner, including difficult, sensitive and/or complex cases; remove and/or authorize removal of body from the scene.
• Conduct field investigations; interview witnesses, physicians, police officers, family members and others to obtain facts concerning the death; establish identification of deceased person; notify medical examiner on-call, and work with investigators from other agencies.
• Gather forensic evidence and medical information; examine the body of deceased person and records any pertinent evidence; examine the surrounding vicinity and records findings; maintain chain of evidence.
• Take charge and record valuables and property removed from death scene for safekeeping.
• Prepare and complete detailed reports of investigation and other official activities; maintain required records; prepare clear and concise history of facts surrounding the death and/or medical history; compile special statistical reports.
• Enforce and interpret investigative policies and procedures and assist in developing or revising methods and policies regarding investigative/ autopsy matters.
• Coordinate investigations with other law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney, attorneys, physicians, hospitals, and others.
• Locate and notify next of kin; represent the department in contacts with hospitals, funeral directors, law enforcement agencies, and others.
• Assist in the development and implementation of training programs for investigative/ autopsy staff.
• Maintain a clean work environment; keep vehicles and equipment in a safe and clean condition.
• Testify in court proceedings as necessary.

Qualifications

1a. Possession of a BA/BS Degree in Biology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Psychology, or closely related field; OR

1b. Possession of a current valid embalmer's license issued by the California State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers; OR

1c. Diplomat Certification issued by the American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigator;

AND

2a. Two (2) years of verifiable experience in medical, nursing, medical examiner, coroner or investigative field. This experience must include working with deceased persons and their families. OR 

2b. One (1) year of experience in class 2577 Medical Examiner's Investigator I.

SUBSTITUTION:  Additional qualifying experience can be substituted for up to two years of the required education. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a certificate or successfully complete a basic P.C. 832 course (Peace Officer Firearms and Arrest Procedures) within one year of employment.
• Must possess a certificate or successful completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Coroners Academy/Death Investigation Course within one year of employment.
• Must possess a Diplomat Certification issued by the American Board of Medico legal Death Investigators within one year of employment.
• Must be willing and able to work under adverse or hazardous conditions, involving frequent exposure to sudden, unexpected and sometimes violent deaths, decomposed bodies, bodies with extensive physical injuries; biohazards, unpleasant odors or conditions.
• Must possess and maintain of a valid California Driver's License within 30 days of hire.
• Must be willing and able to work 24 hours rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Willing and able to complete a pulmonary function test and be fitted for an N-95 respirator.
• Willing and able to wear Personal Protective Equipment and respirators.

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: $100,646 - $122,330 annually FILING DEADLINE:  APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME, BUT NOT BEFORE OCTOBER 27, 2021.  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE (MQSQ) (WEIGHT: QUALIFYING) Candidates will be sent a Supplemental Questionnaire as part of the employment application. This MQSQ is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications(MQ) for this position.  The MQSQ will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION (PASS/FAIL) Candidates are required to have a thorough background investigation to determine their suitability for employment in this classification. Factors considered in the investigation may include employment history, criminal records; use of illegal/controlled substances. Reasons for rejection based on this investigation may include: but not limited to: applicable convictions, repeated or serious violations of the law, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations, falsification of application materials and/or other relevant factors. LIFT TEST (PASS/FAIL) Candidates must possess the physical ability to lift dead bodies weighing 175 pounds in order to remove them from the scene of death using acceptable removal techniques. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE (WEIGHT: 100%) Candidates will be prompted to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire that must be submitted during the online application process. The Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to measure the knowledge, skills and abilities required for class 2578 Medical Examiner's Investigator II which include: investigative practices and procedures; standard procedures for gathering, preserving and presenting data and physical evidence; interview methods and techniques; basic human anatomy, physiology and forensic pathology terminology; state and local laws governing the operations of the Medical Examiner; working with potentially hazardous biological and/or chemical materials; promote, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; interact courteously, fairly and effectively with a variety of individuals; write reports and correspondence; speak clearly and concisely; perform strenuous physical activities; testify in court hearings; operate a motor vehicle; use computers and applicable software programs. All relevant experience, education and/or training must be on the application in order to be reviewed in the rating process. CANDIDATES MUST PASS THE FOLLOWING:

• Review of Judicial and Driving Records (Fingerprinting)
• Polygraph and Psychological Examination
• Physical ability to lift dead bodies weighing 175 pounds to remove them from the scene of death using acceptable removal techniques
• Background Investigation: candidates are required to have a thorough background investigation to determine their suitability for employment in this classification. Factors considered in the investigation may include employment history, criminal records; use of illegal/controlled substances. Reasons for rejection based on this investigation may include: but not limited to: applicable convictions, repeated or serious violations of the law, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations, falsification of application materials and/or other relevant factors.
• Medical and Physical Examination: prior to appointment, candidates must successfully pass a medical examination in order to determine their ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Recurrent medical screening is required.

NOTE: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection procedure. CERTIFICATION RULE

The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be the RULE OF THREE pending approval on expansion. The hiring departments may conduct additional selection processes to make final hiring decisions. ELIGIBLE LIST:

The purpose of an examination is to provide a list of qualified persons to be considered for employment. Candidates are ranked on an eligible list according to their overall scores in the examination. The eligible list is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission. The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be TWELVE MONTHS, and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.

Carol Isen - Human Resources Director