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- Requires physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity, the ability to accept criticism and to work well under pressure.
- Option to join the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme
- Work involved can be physically demanding, and may require the use of heavy machinery and chemicals
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Measuring and marking out grave spaces
- Using a mechanical excavator and hand tools to dig and prepare graves
- Checking headstones for damage and removing those that are unsafe
- Maintaining lawns, verges and plants around the cemetery, and keeping graves tidy
- Working with other funeral and cemetery staff
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Your working environment will be outdoors, often in all weathers, and be physically demanding. Some aspects of the job may involve the use of heavy machinery and chemicals.
You'll need
This role requires physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity, the ability to accept criticism and to work well under pressure.
There are no set entry requirements for this role. You can apply directly for a job as a cemetery worker, if you've got some of the relevant skills needed for this role. You don't need any particular qualifications, although some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English. You'll need to be able to deal sensitively with bereaved people. It can also be useful if you have experience in landscaping, gardening or use of a mechanical mini digger. Once you're working, your employer will arrange for you to follow the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme.
You could also work towards this role by doing an intermediate apprenticeship for horticulture and landscape operatives.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress to being a supervisor. You could also train to work in cemetery, crematorium and natural burial management.
Some people may choose to move into other careers like landscaping, gardening or horticulture.