Location
Description
The County of San Mateo Coroner's Office is seeking a dedicated and compassionate candidate to fill the role of Deputy Coroner.
Please review the job brochure for details about the position.
The County of San Mateo Coroner's Office is seeking a dedicated and compassionate candidate to fill the role of Deputy Coroner.
The Coroner's Office promptly investigates and determines the mode, manner and cause of death of decedents under the Coroner's jurisdiction. Services are provided in an efficient and courteous manner, respecting the needs of the families involved. As of October 2025, the Coroner’s Office has moved to a brand new location consolidating all divisions and featuring state-of-the-art forensic facilities.
About the Role
Deputy Coroners are expected to provide the highest level of professional services in determining the identification of the deceased, collecting and preserving evidence, collecting records, notifying the next of kin, safeguarding personal effects of decedents, and working closely with all agencies concerned with the decedent's death.
Under general supervision, the Deputy Coroner investigate circumstances pertaining to the death of a human being, determine the identification of the deceased, collect and preserve evidence, collect records, notify the next of kin, safeguard personal effects of decedents, work closely with all agencies concerned with the decedent’s death and prepare and submit reports on the death to the Coroner.
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate deaths falling under the jurisdiction of the Coroner.
- Report findings to determine necessity for inquests.
- Take photographs for forensic pathologist and case file.
- Maintain a clean work environment.
- Lift and move bodies of the deceased.
- Take charge of bodies, evidence and property of the deceased.
- Establish identification of deceased persons; locate and notify relatives.
- Gather evidence and interview witnesses to establish circumstances of death and responsibility.
- Cooperate with law enforcement agencies to obtain evidence in violent deaths.
- Appear as a witness in court.
- Serve subpoenas, summon jurors and witnesses; notify interested parties as to time and place of inquests.
- Prepare data to assist forensic pathologist in autopsies.
- Prepare reports of medicolegal investigations and other official activities; maintain required records.
- May do inventory, assess value of, and store personal effects; prepare them for disposal by auction or bid; may assist in auction sale and distribution of personal property in accordance with court orders.
- Investigate estates of deceased persons for the purpose of inventory and protection of assets.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
- A professional who maintains compassion, respect, and integrity in sensitive situations.
- A detail-oriented investigator with a strong foundation in medicolegal processes.
- A collaborator who works effectively with law enforcement, medical staff, and the community.
- A clear communicator who can prepare accurate reports and testify with confidence.
- A problem-solver who exercises sound judgment under pressure.
- A values-driven public servant committed to dignity, equity, and community well-being.
Key Attributes
- Knowledge of investigative techniques, evidence preservation, and applicable state and local laws.
- Ability to interview witnesses, gather and analyze information, and prepare detailed reports.
- Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
- Skill in handling sensitive and stressful situations with compassion and professionalism.
- Effective oral and written communication to collaborate with partner agencies and families.
- Physical ability to perform strenuous activities, including lifting and moving deceased persons.
- Experience in law enforcement, coroner/medical examiner investigations, or related investigatory work.
Please note: Candidates must acquire a Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training Certification or an 832 Penal Code Certification within one year of appointment. As required by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training candidates must be graduated from high school or possess a General Education Development Certificate.
Watch the link below to learn more about the new location of the Coroner's Office and current openings!
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees 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 will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
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.
To apply for this exciting career opportunity, the following materials must be electronically submitted online at https://jobs.smcgov.org.
- Resume.
- Cover letter that is no more than 3 pages long and includes the following (in this order):
- Please provide a detailed explanation of how your professional experience, education, and training specifically qualify you for the Deputy Coroner position, as outlined in the “Ideal Candidate” section. In your response, describe the scope of your responsibilities, the settings in which you gained your experience, and how those experiences have prepared you to meet the demands of this role.
- Please provide a detailed narrative describing your experience and/or training in each of the following areas relevant to the Deputy Coroner position. For each area, explain the context in which your knowledge or skills were gained, including specific duties performed, settings worked in, and any formal training received. If you lack direct experience, describe any related or comparable experience that demonstrates your familiarity with the subject matter.
- Knowledge of California laws governing reportable deaths and the Coroner’s role in determining cause of death
- Criminal investigation techniques, including evidence recognition, collection, and preservation
- Understanding of medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology
- Experience working with bloodborne pathogens, including awareness of associated risks and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Please provide a detailed description of your experience conducting investigative work, including where and when this experience was gained. In your response, include specific examples of complex scene or death investigations you have participated in, outlining your role, actions taken, and outcomes. Describe your experience interviewing witnesses, family members, or other individuals involved in investigations.
If you do not have direct experience in death investigations, please describe any comparable investigative experience that demonstrates your ability to analyze situations, gather critical information, and conduct thorough interviews.
- Please describe your experience preparing written reports. In your response, detail the types of reports you have written, including the subject matter, purpose, and scope of each. Explain the context in which the reports were prepared (e.g., professional employment, internship, academic coursework) and describe how the reports were used or who the intended audience was. Be sure to highlight any reports related to investigations, medical/legal matters, or other technical subjects, if applicable.
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: Friday, June 26, 2026, by 11:59 PM PST
Applicant Screening: Week of June 29, 2026
Panel Interviews: Week of July 13, 2026
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