Cemetery worker

As a cemetery worker, you would:

• measure and mark out grave spaces
•  dig and prepare graves, using a mechanical excavator and hand tools
•  fill in plots after burial services have ended
•  maintain lawns, hedges, trees and plants around the cemetery
•  keep pathways clear, empty bins and remove litter
•  check headstones for damage and remove those that are unsafe
•  keep work records up to date

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of public safety and security 
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You may need a driving licence for some jobs if working with heavy plant machinery, like mechanical diggers.

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• applying directly

With experience, you could become a team supervisor. You could also train to work in cemetery, crematorium and natural burial management.

You could use your skills to move into other careers, like:

• landscaping
•  gardening
•  horticulture