Responsibilities

The Position
The Chief Medical Examiner plays a vital leadership role in San Joaquin County. In conjunction with the Medical Examiner Operations Administrator, they will be guiding the Medical Examiner’s Office with both expertise and compassion. Under the direction of county administration, this position oversees the office’s core medical responsibilities—including autopsies, external examinations, and medical record reviews—while also shaping internal policies and protocols regarding forensic pathology to ensure the highest standards in forensic medicine.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled and experienced forensic pathologist with in-depth knowledge of statutes, regulations, and procedures governing medical examiner operations. They possess advanced expertise in forensic medicine, autopsy techniques, toxicology, ballistics, DNA analysis, and evidence interpretation. The candidate demonstrates strong analytical skills to evaluate complex investigations and determine cause and manner of death. They are effective communicators, capable of articulating findings in reports, court proceedings, and to both investigative teams and families. With a solid understanding of applicable laws and courtroom procedures, they testify with clarity, neutrality, and professionalism. The ideal candidate is also a strong leader with experience in administrative planning, staff supervision, and interagency collaboration. A commitment to maintaining public trust and high ethical standards are essential.

To serve in this position, one must be a licensed Forensic Pathologist with the knowledge and judgment to determine causes and manners of death, interpret injuries, design autopsy procedures, and oversee evidence collection. This role also includes supervising both County staff and contract professionals, helping to foster a collaborative, high-performing team. By ensuring every investigation is conducted with integrity and accuracy, the Chief Medical Examiner upholds public trust and helps bring clarity and closure to the community during some of its most difficult moments.

Qualifications

License: Possession of an unrestricted physician and surgeon license to practice medicine in the State of California issued by the Medical Board of California, at the time of appointment.

Certification: Board Certification issued by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic/Clinical Pathology; AND Certification by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology.

Desirable Qualifications
Candidates invited to participate in the screening and selection process will possess a combination of licensure and experience comparable to:

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Experience: Four years of experience in Forensic Pathology, two years of which include working in an administrative capacity or leadership role in a Coroner’s Office or Medical Examiner’s Office.

Compensation

Salary $450,000 plus $25,000 Board Certification Supplement

Benefits
San Joaquin County provides competitive Senior Management benefit package that includes a 2% employer contribution to the County's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, Vacation Cash-Out of 64 hours annually, 15 days of vacation leave per year (20 days after 10 years, 23 days after 20 years), 12 days of sick leave annually with unlimited accumulation, 14 paid holidays per year, 80 hours of administrative leave annually and more.

How to apply

Please submit your application at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/SJQ/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=0825&R2=EP5300&R3=EX

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