Historic Cemeteries Coordinator

Hello, we’re
Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Join Metro's Historic Cemeteries team and help provide meaningful service to families while preserving important community spaces. Metro's Parks and Nature department stewards more than 20,000 acres of protected land across the greater Portland region, connecting people with nature, protecting clean water, and restoring habitat.

As a Historic
Cemetery Coordinator
, you will play a vital role in supporting families, community members, and funeral professionals while helping manage Metro's Historic Cemetery Program. You'll work across a network of 14 unique historic cemeteries in Multnomah County, combining compassionate customer service with program coordination, records management, and contract administration.

In this role, you'll partner closely with cemetery operations staff to coordinate services, maintain accurate records, oversee contract and sales processes, and ensure families receive exceptional support during important moments. You'll also contribute to the preservation and stewardship of historic community assets while helping improve program efficiency and service delivery.

This position is ideal for someone who is knowledgeable about the death care industry, enjoys balancing administrative and customer-facing responsibilities, and is committed to providing compassionate, responsive service. The role requires flexibility to support services scheduled during early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as well as the ability to work both indoors and outdoors throughout the year in a variety of weather conditions.

This position reports to the Historic Cemeteries Program Manager and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through public service, community engagement, and historic preservation.

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Historic Cemeteries program, ensuring efficient service delivery and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and Metro code.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for community members, grieving families, funeral homes, and directors by providing compassionate customer service, guidance, and support.
• Prepare, administer, and process grave purchase and sale contracts, plot titles, permits, certificates, writs, and other legal documents accurately and in a timely manner.
• Organize, communicate, and oversee funeral arrangements and burial services, working closely with funeral providers, families, and internal teams.
• Manage program records and business systems, maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring compliance with state, county, and Metro requirements.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and service requests, providing referrals, interpretations, and dispute resolution support under the direction of the Program Manager.
• Coordinate with operations staff and contractors to support cemetery maintenance needs, monitor contract performance, review invoices, and ensure adherence to contract terms and legal requirements.
• Conduct genealogical research and provide technical assistance, information, and resources to staff, community members, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the Historic Cemeteries program in interactions with Metro departments, external partners, and the public while performing a variety of office, administrative, and clerical functions.
• Review, edit, and maintain confidential documents and correspondence; identify opportunities to improve program processes and standards; and ensure vehicles, equipment, and other assigned resources are properly maintained.

• Experience working with and supporting a multicultural workforce, promoting an equitable workplace environment and applying equitable program practices.
• Professionalism and discretion when addressing client matters, concerns, and confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to resolve conflict, resolve issues,and address escalated concerns with professionalism and tact.
• Detail oriented with a passion for keeping up to date in your field of expertise.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed
• Sound judgment andability to make timely, effective decisions infast-paced andhigh-pressure situations.
• Proven ability to balancemultiplepriorities while maintaining high standards…