Cemetery Caretaker, Senior – Limited Term

Introduction

This announcement was updated on February 12, 2026, with new deadline information.

The first review will be 11:59 p.m. on February 12, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed periodically until the needs of the department are met.

Lizzy Smith, Human Resources Assistant - Advanced, Elizabeth.smith,

Making a difference in the lives of Wisconsin veterans

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) currently has a Limited Term Employment (LTE) opportunity for a Cemetery Caretaker - Senior position at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (SWVMC). The SWVMC is situated on state-owned farmland at the Southern Wisconsin Center, located near Union Grove, WI, and provides a final resting place for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents. Conveniently located just west of Racine, minutes from Interstate 94, the 105-acre cemetery encompasses gently rolling hills with serene, natural beauty.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affidavit Employer seeking a talented and diverse workforce.

Under the general supervision of the Cemetery Buildings and Grounds Supervisor for the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, this position serves as a Cemetery Caretaker - Senior LTE. This is a labor-intensive, cemetery work-related position, under all seasonal weather conditions, assisting full-time Cemetery Caretakers in conducting daily functions regarding all daily operations and maintenance of the cemetery.

Major activities include operating heavy equipment to perform daily assigned tasks, working with cemetery staff on all grounds operations, including but not limited to casket burials, in-ground cremation burials, and columbarium urn burials. Other tasks include assistance with marker setting, prepping turf for sod, weeding, mulching, and a wide variety of grounds maintenance tasks.

Review the position description for additional information about the position’s duties and responsibilities.

The starting pay rate for this Cemetery Caretaker - Senior position is $22.18. This classification is in Pay Schedule 03, Pay Range 12. Pay will be set in accordance with the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan in effect at the time of hire. For current and eligible former State employees, compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan, effective at the time of hire.

This job does not offer employee benefits.

This position is not represented by a bargaining unit.

This position generally works two to three days per week. Around Memorial Day, the schedule may increase up to five days per week to meet seasonal operational needs. Work hours are typically between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Due to the nature of this position’s duties, the work will be performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, sometimes in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

LTE jobs are limited to 1039 hours in a 12-month period and do not include employee benefits.

The incumbent must meet the requirements to operate a State of Wisconsin Fleet vehicle.

Due to the nature of the positions, WDVA will conduct a criminal background check prior to an offer of employment.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship) at the time of application. The WDVA does not sponsor work or student visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Minimally qualified applicants will have training and/or experience with all of the following:

• Operating and maintaining heavy equipment and gas-powered machinery (e.g., vehicles, tractors, backhoes, excavators, skid loaders, portable gas-powered equipment; inspect, clean, adjust, store, transport, load/unload, etc.)
• Performing general gardening & landscaping duties (e.g., cultivation and/or care of trees, flowers, and shrubs; propagation and/or development of turf and sod; evaluation of the need for fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides, and…