Senior Cemetery Operative

Senior Cemetery Operative

Grade 3

Bereavement Services

Sickness Cover

Based at Yardley Cemetery, but required to work at any of the Council's cemeteries or crematoria as required, the role involves working as part of a team to provide a high‑quality bereavement service to members of the public, Funeral Directors, clergy and associated agencies. The operative undertakes a full range of cemetery duties including the excavation, preparation and reinstatement of graves for burials and cremated remains interments, grounds maintenance, memorial safety activities and cemetery operational duties.

The postholder will assist in maintaining a safe, respectful and dignified environment for bereaved families and visitors, whilst contributing to the effective day‑to‑day delivery of Bereavement Services. This position is temporary sickness‑absent cover and will continue until the substantive postholder returns to work, at which point the placement ends.

Cemetery Foreperson / Bereavement Officer

Nil

Works closely with Cemetery Operatives, Bereavement Services staff and employer employees across the Council.

Regular contact with Funeral Directors, clergy, monumental masons, contractors, service users and visitors to the cemetery.

Frequent contact with bereaved families and members of the public requiring a professional, respectful and sensitive approach at all times.

• a) The post involves working outdoors in all weather and ground conditions and includes substantial physical activity, manual labour and repetitive physical tasks.
• b) The standard working week is 36.5 hours to be worked over any 5 days from
  7. Start and finish times will vary between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 in accordance with local rota arrangements and operational requirements.
• c) Weekend and Bank Holiday working is required and will be undertaken on a rota basis.
• d) Overtime may be required to support funeral service delivery, late finishes and extended operational requirements.
• e) Enhanced payments will be made for weekend and Bank Holiday working in accordance with Council terms and conditions.
• f) The postholder may be required to work across all Council cemeteries and crematoria and may work at more than one location during the course of a working day.
• g) A current full driving licence is essential
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• h) The postholder will be required to drive and operate Council vehicles, plant and machinery following appropriate training and authorisation.
• i) Uniform, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), protective clothing and identification badges are provided and must be worn at all times whilst undertaking duties.
• j) The role includes manual handling, machinery operation, excavation work, lifting, digging and exposure to sensitive situations associated with bereavement and funeral services.
• k) Due to operational requirements, the postholder will be expected to demonstrate previous practical experience within a similar working environment and be capable of contributing effectively with minimal supervision or training.

• a) To locate, prepare, shore and excavate graves to required specifications and timescales, ensuring graves are prepared safely, professionally and respectfully for burial.
• b) To prepare graves for interment including the installation of artificial grass mats, lowering devices, boards, ropes, stretchers and associated funeral equipment.
• c) To backfill and reinstate graves following interments and ensure the surrounding area is left safe, clean and presentable.
• d) To undertake the burial and interment of cremated remains in accordance with service procedures and statutory requirements.
• e) To support the delivery of funeral services and assist in ensuring interments are conducted safely, professionally and with dignity.
• f) To undertake grounds maintenance duties not included within external contracts and contribute to maintaining high standards throughout cemetery grounds.
• g) To assist with memorial safety inspections, testing and making safe memorials in accordance with legislation, policy and service standards.
• h) To report unsafe memorials, damage to graves,…