Equipment Operator; Cemetery

The purpose of this position is to oversee and participate in the grounds maintenance of Chestnut Grove Cemetery, in accordance with objectives and work plan outlined by the Cemetery Manager. Employees in this classification perform skilled grounds maintenance work and occasional supervisory work. Position is responsible for mowing grounds and landscape trimming; leading activities of contractors and part-time employees in the division;

resolving and taking appropriate action regarding complaints; assisting with marking burial sites and opening and closing of grave sites; responsible for monument and marker placements.

The cemetery environment can be professionally challenging due to the potential for highly emotional interactions with the public. The ideal candidate will engage with the public using a compassionate and empathetic approach. Although the physical demands of the job are paramount, emotional maturity is equally important to be successful. This position also requires oversite of two operations staff who are expected to conduct themselves in the same manner.

• Oversees and participates in mowing grounds and landscape trimming; performs general clean-up, including flowers, trash and debris;
• Oversees and participates in general landscaping, including pruning, trimming trees and shrubs; spreads seed; treatment of grounds.
• Organizes schedules and participates in the daily grounds maintenance operation of the cemetery.
• Plans and requests purchase orders from the cemetery administrative assistant.
• Serves as lead worker; directs activities of contractors; assists cemetery manager with hiring, evaluating and training grounds workers.
• Resolves and takes appropriate action regarding complaints.
• Performs equipment maintenance and repair.
• Assists with interments, dis-interments, grave openings and restorations.
• Digs and pours monument and marker foundations; installs monuments and markers.
• Assists with marking off burial sites; organizes placement of monuments and markers.
• Performs other duties as required.

Position is considered “essential personnel”; defined as staff who are required to report to their designated work location during weather-related or other emergencies, even when town offices are closed or normal operations are suspended.

• High school diploma or GED required
• Two years’ experience in cemetery maintenance strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience a plus
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable record

• M — F, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (weekends when services are scheduled)

• Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon VA 20170

The Town of Herndon, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the ADA, the town will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with this employer.

Duties involve the ability to exert physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis on climbing and balancing, but typically also involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds); may occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Duties may also require coordinated movements to operate light and heavy equipment; some duties require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, tastes, odors, depths and textures; some duties require suitable, visual perception and discrimination, as well as oral communications ability. Tasks may risk exposure to adverse, environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease and pathogenic substances.