Cemeteries Manager; Supv

Overview

Create Lasting Impact Through Service — Lead with Respect as a Cemeteries Manager

Department:
City Parks and Recreation
Division:
Park Operations
FLSA Status:
Exempt

Work Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends based on operational needs; regular on-call and weekend phone coverage required.

Estimated Hiring Salary Range: $58,430 – $76,882 annually

We offer an outstanding benefits package that supports your well‑being.

Learn more Here

• Lead the care and preservation of more than 160 acres across four historic cemeteries:
  Forest Lawn, Green Hill, Maplewood, and Union.
• Balance meaningful public service with professional leadership in operations, planning, and compliance.
• Make a lasting impact on spaces that serve families, veterans, historians, and the broader community.
• Collaborate across departments and with community partners in a values‑driven, nationally recognized Parks and Recreation system.
• Advance equity, resiliency, and innovation in the stewardship of culturally and historically significant public assets.

The Cemeteries Manager provides administrative leadership and operational oversight for the City’s municipal cemeteries, guiding both day‑to‑day activities and long‑term planning. As facilities move through different operational phases, this role helps evaluate opportunities for expansion, preservation, or transition to post‑operational status through research, data‑informed analysis, and public engagement.

• Direct and support cemetery maintenance and administrative operations, leading a team that includes a Service Support Specialist, Crew Supervisor, Crew Members, and seasonal staff.
• Coordinate closely with funeral homes, monument companies, contractors, and families to ensure respectful, accurate, and timely services.
• Ensure cemetery records—both current and historical—are accurate, compliant, and aligned with industry standards and applicable law.
• Engage compassionately with families during emotionally sensitive situations, providing guidance, clarity, and problem‑solving support.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget, set long‑range goals, and oversee operational and maintenance plans.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including North Carolina mortuary laws.
• Develop and strengthen volunteer partnerships to support preservation, education, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with internal divisions, external agencies, and contractors to maintain and enhance cemetery grounds and infrastructure.
• Represent the City in cemetery‑related matters and industry‑specific events.
• Provide on‑call and weekend phone coverage and lead emergency and weather‑related response efforts for cemetery operations.

• Bachelor’s degree with 4 to 6 years of cemetery operations and/or funeral industry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Associate’s degree with 4 to 6 years of cemetery operations and/or funeral industry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• High School Diploma/GED with 6 to 8 years of cemetery operations and/or funeral industry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Software (i.e., Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, or similar database systems).
• Experience with turf and landscape management practices.
• North Carolina Public Pesticide Operator Certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• North Carolina Class A Commercial Driver’s License or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

• 10 or more years of cemetery operations and/or funeral industry experience.
• 5 or more years of professional turf or landscape management experience.
• Experience with North Carolina mortuary laws and regulations.
• Experience with cemetery records, mapping, and grave or monument marking systems.
• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Mortuary Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Horticulture, Historic Preservation.