Cemetery worker

grave digger bereavement and environmental services operative
Bookmark
Animals, land and environment
Care

Career outlook for cemetery worker

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£17,000

Experienced

£25,000


Currently employed in Scotland

1,600

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would prepare graves so families can say goodbye to their loved one at a funeral.

You’d look after the cemetery so it is tidy and pleasant when people visit in later months and years to remember the person.

You’d work outdoors to maintain the grounds at cemeteries and crematoriums. You’d respectfully tend the graves and memorial sites so families know that they are always cared for.

You would:

  • Measure and mark out the spaces for graves
  • Use a mechanical excavator and hand tools to dig graves
  • Prop up the sides of the grave with timber, using hydraulic equipment
  • Keep the cemetery and graves tidy
  • Check headstones for damage and remove those that are not safe
  • Cut and trim the lawns, verges and plants

You’d work with other funeral and cemetery staff including:

  • Crematorium technicians
  • Cemetery inspectors and superintendents
  • Council officials
  • General gardening staff

Working conditions

Hours

You will usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may also need to work at weekends.

Environment

You will be outdoors in all kinds of weather. It can be physically demanding, and involve lots of climbing and bending. Some aspects of the job may involve the use of heavy machinery and chemicals. Suitable protective clothing is provided when appropriate.

UK employment status

Full-time

50%

Part-time

34%

Self employed

17%

Search course options

Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.

Find courses

Search job opportunities

If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.

Find a job

Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Verbal communication
  • Empathising
  • Respecting
  • Attention to detail
  • Managing resources

Skills Explorer

Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.

Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.

Use the Skills Explorer tool

Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role; personal qualities are more important than academic.

You will also need

You usually have to be able to drive or ride on machinery, for example, a mower.

A full driving licence is usually required.

A licence with Categories B1E and C1E may be required and a JCB certificate is an advantage or be willing to gain a JCB Certificate once in work.  

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience in construction or gardening.