Cemetery Worker
What is the work like?
Cemetery workers, also known as gravediggers, look after grave and memorial sites and dig graves.
As a cemetery worker you would:
- measure and mark out grave spaces
- dig graves with a mechanical digger or hand spade
- prop up the sides of the grave using timber and hydraulic equipment
- keep graves tidy
- check headstones for damage and remove those that are not safe
- look after grass and plants around the cemetery.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any qualifications to be a cemetery worker, although you will usually need some reading and writing skills.
You must be fit enough to cope with manual work, and it will be useful if you have some relevant experience such as gardening.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you start work you will receive on-the-job training. Your employer might also arrange formal training on using mechanical digging equipment and/or amenity horticulture.
You might be able to work towards NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture, which has a unit on Cemeteries and Graveyards.
You could join the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme (COTS), which is run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) at the Berkshire College of Agriculture or at your own workplace. The training includes:
- a five-day certificate in Health and Safety and Burial Processes
- the Excavator Operation Certificate.
The ICCM also runs the Crematorium Technicians' Training Scheme, and courses for managers, including:
- the ICCM Certificate for Cemetery and Crematoria Management
- the ICCM Diploma for Cemetery and Crematoria Management.
You can find more details on the ICCM website.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries can be between £11,000 to over £17,000 a year.
- Supervisors can earn up to, and over, £25,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but you might need to do some overtime at weekends.
You would work outdoors in all kinds of weather, and would have to do a lot of physical work. You would be provided with overalls.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to use (or learn to use) mechanical digging equipment
- practical and gardening skills
- the ability to work on your own and as part of a team
- willingness to work outdoors in all weathers
- the ability to follow instructions and work within set regulations
- a polite and tactful manner when dealing with the public.
What opportunities are there?
Look out for vacancies in local newspapers, in jobcentres and on www.lgjobs.com.
With experience, you might be able to progress to being a supervisor. If your job involves clerical duties, you could train for progression into a cemetery administration job.
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