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Cemetery worker

Prepare graves so bereaved families can say goodbye to their loved one at a funeral. Keep the cemetery tidy for when people visit to remember the person.

Also known as: grave digger, bereavement and environmental services operative

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£327

Entry level

£481

Experienced

Monthly

£1,417

Entry level

£2,083

Experienced

Yearly

£17,000

Entry level

£25,000

Experienced

1,600

people are currently employed

Low growth

100 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's 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

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.

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    Top skills

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    • managing resources
    • attention to detail
    • respecting
    • empathising
    • verbal communication

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    Getting in

    Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

    You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

    Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

    Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

    • Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering

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

    Qualifications and experience in construction or gardening.

    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.  

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