Career Opportunity

Medical Examiner’s Investigator II (2578) – Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the City Administrator – (146149)

Recruitment: RTF0146148-01152333

Published: April 29, 2024

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About:

This is a Position-Based Test conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A.

Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below:

• Application Opening: April 5, 2024 (Amended: April 18, 2024)
• Application Deadline: Apply Immediately. Application filing will be open at least through Tuesday, April 30, 2024 (11:59PM) and will close any time thereafter.
• Recruitment/List ID: #146149

The filing period has been extended for additional recruitment.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is one of the 25+ divions and departments of the Office of the City Administrator that operate core internal and public-facing services in San Francisco. The OCME recently moved into a state-of-the-art 52,000 sq. ft. facility in November of 2017, which includes a fully accredited laboratory, in-house histology services, ultra-modern radiology instrumentation, two-story autopsy suite that contains six main stations with three private auxiliary isolation suites and a 32ft high central skylight extending the length of the room. The facility was designed to specifically enhance the communication between the different divisions and, most importantly, enhance the work experience of staff and serve the needs of a 21st-century San Francisco. 

The OCME is responsible for the medicolegal investigation and the certification of the cause of death and the manner of death for those deaths under their jurisdiction (sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths); such as deaths outside a hospital or the care of a physician, accidental drug overdose, or suspected suicides or homicides. 

The OCME is driven by a deep sense of purpose to:

• Uphold the highest standards of ethics, excellence, and empathy in conducting forensic investigations to determine the cause and manner of death within our jurisdiction;
• Deliver impartial forensic services the that benefit both the community and the justice system; and
• Provide data to inform public health initiatives

Ultimately, we seek to bring closure to decedent families and their loved ones. 

Role description

Role Description

Under direction, the Medical Examiner's Investigator II conducts all types of investigations coming under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; functions as a lead worker in field investigations; trains assistant level investigators and other staff; and performs related duties as required.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties:

• Responds to death scenes coming under the jurisdiction of the Chief Medical Examiner, including difficult, sensitive and/or complex cases; removes and/or authorizes removal of body from the scene.
• Conducts field investigations; interview witnesses, physicians, police officers, family members and others to obtain facts concerning the death; establishes identification of deceased person; notifies medical examiner on-call, and work with investigators from other agencies.
• Gathers forensic evidence and medical information; examines the body of deceased persons and records any pertinent evidence; examines the surrounding vicinity and records findings; maintains chain of custody to preserve evidence.
• Takes charge/possession of and record valuables and property removed from death scene for safekeeping and compliance with office booking protocols.
• Drafts and completes detailed investigative reports of the death investigation and other official activities; maintains required records; prepares reports that are clear, objective and include a concise history of facts surrounding the death and/or medical history (using office report template); compiles reports with proper grammar use and correct spelling; compiles special statistical reports.
• Enforces and interprets investigative policies and procedures and assists in developing or revising methods and policies regarding investigative matters.
• Coordinates investigations with other law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney, attorneys, physicians, hospitals and others.
• Locates and notifies next of kin; represents the department in contacts with hospitals, funeral directors, law enforcement agencies and others.
• Assists in the development and implementation of training programs for investigative/autopsy staff.
• Maintains a clean work environment; keeps vehicles and equipment in a safe and clean condition.
• Testifies in court proceedings as necessary, may appear as a witness in civil and criminal proceedings.
• Performs related duties as required.

How to qualify

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:
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.

License and Certification:

1. Possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License within 30 days of hire; AND

2. Must possess a certificate or successfully complete a basic P.C. 832 course (Peace Officer Firearms and Arrest Procedures) within one year of employment; AND

3. Must possess a certificate or successful completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Coroners Academy/Death Investigation Course within one year of employment; AND

4. Must possess a Diplomat Certification issued by the American Board of Medico legal Death Investigators within one year of employment.

Note(s):

• One-year full-time employment is considered equivalent to 2000 hours (2000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.
• Applicants must meet minimum qualification requirements by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Additional Requirements:

• 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 be willing and able to work 24 hours rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to type 25 wpm within six months of employment.
• Willing and able to lift dead bodies weighing 175 pounds using acceptable removal techniques.
• 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.
• Ability to comply with departmental policies regarding blood-borne pathogens, radiation safety, biohazard and chemical exposure prevention, and other departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to comply with case confidentiality requirements of the department.
• Ability to pass review of Judicial and Driving Records (Fingerprinting)
• Ability to pass employment, character and background investigation, including polygraph examination and psychological examination.
• Basic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and forensic pathology terminology.
• Knowledge of investigative practices and procedures.

Candidates must pass the following:

• Review of Judicial and Driving Records (Fingerprinting);
• Employment, Character and P.O.S.T Background Investigation;
• Polygraph and Psychological Examination;
• Medical Examination including pulmonary function test and drug screen; AND
• Physical ability to lift dead bodies weighing 175 pounds to remove them from the scene of death using acceptable removal techniques.

Verification:
Please make sure it is clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. For more information, please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education.

Note: Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

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.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@careers.sf.gov that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Selection Procedure/Examination Requirements
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ):
Candidates will be required to complete a MQSQ 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.

Lift Test (Pass/Fail):
Based on the physical requirements for the position, candidates will be required to pass a physical ability test. 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.  Candidates who are unable to complete the physical ability portion of this exam will be disqualified.

Supplemental Questionnaire (Weight 100%):
Candidates that pass the lift test will be invited to participate in a supplemental questionnaire evaluation designed to measure their relative knowledge, skills and abilities in job-related areas, which may include, but not be limited to: knowledge of investigative practices and procedures; standard procedures for gathering, preserving and presenting data and physical evidence; interview methods and techniques, including interviewing witnesses, families, and next of kin in challenging (emotional, stressful) environments; basic human anatomy, physiology and forensic pathology terminology; state and local laws governing the operations of the Medical Examiner, such as Government, Penal, Health and Safety Codes, Estate administration law, etc.; methods and procedures utilized in working with potentially hazardous biological and/or chemical materials; and ability to conduct investigations and examine remains of the deceased under unpleasant conditions with possible exposure to toxic chemicals and other biohazards; gather, analyze, evaluate and preserve evidence; interact courteously, fairly and effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds; and remain calm under emergency and emotional situations; write reports and correspondence in a clear, concise, well-organized and effective manner with proper grammar and correct spelling; use computers and applicable software programs; learn and use OCME case management system; interviewing witnesses, families, and next of kin in challenging (emotional, stressful) environments; perform strenuous physical activities including lifting and moving dead bodies; operate a motor vehicle.

A passing score must be achieved on the SQ in order to be ranked on the eligible list.

Eligible List/Score Report:
A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process 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 6 months and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

To find Departments which use this classification, please see: https://sfdhr.org/sites/default/files/documents/Forms-Documents/Position-Counts-by-Job-Codes-and-Department-FY-2022-23.pdf.

What else should I know?

Employment, Character and P.O.S.T Background Investigation:
Prior to appointment, candidate’s background will be reviewed to determine fitness for this position. This information is certified by investigation of records held by Criminal Justice System and DMV, as well as contact with employers and references listed by the candidate. Reasons for rejection could include the use of controlled substances, felony convictions, repeated or serious violation of the law, inability to work cooperatively with coworkers, inability to accept supervision, negative financial/-credit history/or other relevant factors. Candidates must have a current history of careful and responsible motor vehicle operation. Negligent motor operator probation, license suspension, drunk driving, reckless or hit-and-run driving records or records of multiple moving violations may be cause for rejection. Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony or offense in any state or any federal jurisdiction, which would have been a felony if committed in this state. Criminal records will be carefully reviewed; those candidates who do not report their complete criminal history records on their applications will be disqualified or terminated.

Medical Examination:
Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully pass a medical examination including pulmonary function tests in order to determine their ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Recurrent medical screening and tests are required. Testing for use of controlled substance maybe required. Any illegal use of controlled substances after the date of appointment is a mandatory cause for rejection. Any use of controlled substances after the date of application may be cause for rejection. Rejection for prior use of controlled substance(s) is based on the type of substance(s) used and the frequency and recency of such usage. All information submitted by candidates regarding the use of controlled substance(s) will be reviewed.

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov.

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 111A.35.1. The standard for the review of such appeals is ‘abuse of discretion’ or ‘no rational basis’ for establishing the position description, the minimum qualifications and/or the certification rule. Appeals must include a written statement of the item(s) being contested and the specific reason(s) why the cited item(s) constitute(s) abuse of discretion by the Human Resources Director. Appeals must be submitted directly to the Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission within five business days of the announcement issuance date.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

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

Exam Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst at rosalie.platzer@sfgov.org.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.