Los Angeles County
  • SUPERVISING FORENSIC TECHNICIAN

  • LOS ANGELES COUNTY
  • Los Angeles, California United States View Map
Position/Program Information

EXAM NUMBER

P4889B-R

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT

We welcome applications from anyone!

WHEN TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted beginning Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) until Monday, August 3, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. (PT).
Applications received after 5:00 p.m. (PT) will not be considered.

ABOUT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER:
The Department of Medical Examiner i nvestigates and determines the circumstances, manner, and cause of all violent, sudden, or unusual deaths occurring within Los Angeles County.

In 2024, approximately 18,000 deaths were reported to the Department, and we investigated 11,452 of those cases. Each year, we conduct thousands of postmortem examinations, including full autopsies, partial autopsies, and external examinations. This level of activity, along with the complexity and sensitivity of the cases handled-including numerous high-profile investigations-makes the Department one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated medical examiner’s offices in the world. Our work is supported by advanced tools such as postmortem X-ray and CT imaging, which enhance our ability to determine cause and manner of death with accuracy and precision.

Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!

The County of Los Angeles offers an excellent benefits package that includes a Cafeteria Benefit Plan, Contributory Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, Deferred Compensation & Thrift Plans, and 13 paid Holidays . Click here to see a list of employee benefits.

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Essential Job Functions

What will I do as a Supervising Forensic Technician?
  • Supervises subordinates (e.g., Forensic Technicians I and II) by assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; ensuring adherence to schedules and standards; providing training, coaching, and mentoring; conducting staff meetings; and interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures (e.g., PPE, CA Gov. Code §27491, Rules of Evidence).
  • Oversees forensic examinations and services performed by Forensic Technicians including autopsies, evidence collection, identification procedures, imaging (X-ray/CT), and photography; ensures recognition, preservation, and documentation of evidence; maintains cleanliness and operational readiness of the facility; and orders supplies and monitors inventory.
  • Performs complex and high-profile forensic examinations by preparing decedents for autopsy (e.g., verifying identity, retrieving remains, and setting up equipment); assisting pathologists in autopsy procedures (e.g., opening body cavities, excising organs, and collecting specimens); collecting biological samples for toxicology; recording organ and fluid weights; obtaining fingerprints; collecting, labeling, and preserving evidence and personal property; performing photography and radiography; and completing post-autopsy procedures (e.g., suturing, cleaning, and return of remains to storage).
  • Prepares written documentation including evidence logs, receipts, and reports by compiling, organizing, and entering case information into computerized systems.
  • Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders including staff, supervisors, law enforcement, government agencies, and medical professionals; provides information and testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings as required.

For more information, please view the classification specification: Supervising Forensic Technician

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY

One year of experience at the level of Forensic Technician II *.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION

* Experience at the level of Forensic Technician II is defined as, under general supervision, photographing decedents and specimens; assisting pathologists with complex autopsies using a variety of techniques to preserve medico-legal evidence; preparing decedents for autopsy examination and final disposition; receiving, identifying, and releasing decedents; and performing other forensic technician duties as required.

You may still qualify even if your job title isn’t exactly the same as the one listed. What matters is that your experience is at a similar level - meaning your job involves similar responsibilities, requires comparable skills and knowledge, and takes place within a similar organizational structure. Please provide a clear explanation of your experience to demonstrate that it is at the appropriate level.

LICENSE

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

WITHHOLD INFORMATION

No withhold will be allowed. Required experience should be fully met by the last day of filing and clearly indicated on the application.

PHYSICAL CLASS

Physical Class 3 - Moderate: This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.

Additional Information

OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Once we have identified that you meet our requirements, an invitation for the following assessment process will be sent:

This examination will consist of a multiple-choice and/or simulation assessment worth 100%, assessing:

  • Management Potential, Working to High-Quality Standards, Responsibility, Achievement, Willingness to Learn, Accepting Others, Showing Courtesy, Working Relationships, Analyzing Information, Learning Quickly, Compliance with Rules and Regulations, Adapting to Change, Controlling Emotions, Working Energetically, and Reading Comprehension


Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be added to the list.

MULTIPLE CHOICE AND/OR SIMULATION ASSESSMENTS ARE NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19.

TRANSFER OF TEST COMPONENTS:
If you have taken identical components recently for other exams, your responses may be automatically transferred to this examination. This exam contains test components that might be used on future exams, and your responses could be transferred to that exam.

TEST PREPARATION
We provide study guides and other test preparation resources to help candidates prepare for employment tests. While the guides may help in preparing for the test, we recommend reviewing all related materials that seem necessary.

  • Various information can be found on our website at https://hr.lacounty.gov/job-search-toolkit/ . The section dedicated to test preparation is "Employment Test Assistance."
  • Online practice tests are available a t https://www.shldirect.com/en-us/practice-tests .
  • An online preparation guide is available at https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/1181885_True-to-LifeLeaderSJTPrepGuide.pdf (Download PDF reader) .


ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION

Applicants who pass the assessment are placed on a list in the order of their score group for a period of six (6) months. Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly. We will use this list to fill vacancies in the Department of Medical Examiner as they occur.

AVAILABLE SHIFT

Any

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION

We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.

  • info@governmentjobs.com
  • talentcentral@shl.com
  • noreply@governmentjobs.com
  • noreply@proctoru.com
  • donot-reply@amcatmail.com
  • vsanchez@hr.lacounty.gov
  • ealcazar@hr.lacounty.gov


New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to https://www.governmentjobs.com/ and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.

Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.

For those who do not have access to a computer or the internet, we provide access to complete an application at public libraries throughout the county.

All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's login information may erase a candidate's original application record.

_________________________________________________________________________

ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION ( ARDI)

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

TESTING ACCOMMODATION

If you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be given the opportunity to make a request when completing your application. Please note, you may be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation.

Testing Accommodations Coordinator: TestingAccommodations@hr.lacounty.gov
Testing Accommodations Phone: (213) 441-3150
Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099
Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077
California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922

Department Contact Name: Valentina Sanchez
Department Contact Phone: (213) 349-8031
Department Contact Email: VSanchez@hr.lacounty.gov
Exam Number: P4889B-R

For detailed information, please click here

Closing Date/Time: 8/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County

(800) 970-5478

Start Your Career with Los Angeles County

With a population of more than 10 million people and 88 cities, Los Angeles County has more residents than any county in the nation. 

With more than 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation. As the largest employer in Southern California, over 100,000 employees in more than 36 Departments provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities and many more.

As one of the Top 10 Government Services Employers, as named by Forbes Magazine, the County of Los Angeles provides those committed to a career in public service with boundless opportunities, a platform for professional and personal growth and the ability to truly make a difference in people's lives.

A career with the County means you will have the chance to be a part of building and providing services for an amazingly diverse population of citizens. From helping families in need to fighting fires to keeping our beaches clean, the County of Los Angeles provides an environment where you can touch and enrich lives everyday.

A career path in the County is truly that – a path. Many of those in our County family begin and end their careers here in two very different places. You may start out as an Administrative Assistant in Public Works and find yourself a few years later as a Manager in the Department of Community and Senior Services. While many County employees remain on the same career path in one department for their entire careers, others move between departments or take advantage of training and other opportunities to find new careers within the County.

The path you take is up to you. As a Los Angeles County employee, the opportunities – and the possibilities - are limitless.

Flexible Work Schedules

Depending on the requirements of their department and position, some employees may have the option to craft a work schedule that accomplishes their mission, while providing flexibility, including 4/40 workweeks and other options.

Your Choice of Locations

From the harbor at Marina del Rey to the forests of the Antelope Valley, big cities, small municipalities and rural communities – there are opportunities to work for the County wherever you roam and wherever you call home.

Job Security

The County of Los Angeles is committed to providing our permanent employees with long-term employment and dependable benefits. It's a lasting career with an employer who is committed to your success.

Career Development

The County encourages all employees to take advantage of the many training and development opportunities available.

Outstanding Benefits

The County offers its employees one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation.

Diversity

Integrity and respect lie at the heart of our Equity Policy and reflect our Mission, Vision, and Values.

 

   

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