Cemetery Caretaker

This position is located at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/20/2026. Your background must demonstrate work involved in activities of grounds maintenance, landscaping, interment, including layout and excavation of new grave sites, and reopening occupied gravesites which require extreme caution to avoid damage to previously interred containers. As a work leader, the incumbent motivates, coaches, trains, and advises other employees to follow instructions received from the foreman and to meet deadlines.

Experience: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties of this position. Evidence must be supported by detailed descriptions on your resume.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

Qualifier will be evaluated against the prescribed screen‑out element, which usually appears as question1 in the online questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and eliminated.

• Ability to do the job without more than normal supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

Applicants who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen‑out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements:

• Ability to lead a crew of cemetery and grounds maintenance workers
• Technical Practices
• Ability to interpret instructions, specifications and directives
• Ability to maintain tools and equipment
• Ability to work safely

Experience: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religions, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35‑40 hours per week. Part‑time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.

• Moderate to heavy exertion required in the operation of large vehicles and equipment, including attaching or removing implements from a tractor.
• Incumbent will be exposed to frequent walking, kneeling, stooping, bending and lifting more than 100 pounds.

Work is primarily performed outdoors under prevailing weather conditions, which may result in exposure to cold, rain, fog, heat and dampness. Incumbent will also be exposed to dirt, dust and mud in the performance of duties. Incumbent will at all times exercise care and caution to avoid injury to themselves or fellow employees. Duties are performed in a safe manner in accordance with VA, National Cemetery Administration and OSHA regulations and policies.

Protective clothing and equipment will be worn in keeping with directives set forth in safety standards for various work tasks.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Candidates selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

As a condition of employment, the incumbent will serve a one‑year probationary period during which fitness and continued employment will be evaluated. In determining if employment advances the public interest, factors considered include performance and conduct, agency needs, and the potential to advance organizational goals or federal service efficiency. Upon completion of the probationary period, employment will be terminated unless the incumbent ...