A cemetery worker digs graves and is also responsible for the general maintenance of the cemetery grounds. Different local authorities may have different job titles, such as Gravedigger or Amenity Operative.
The Work
You could be:
measuring and marking out the grave space
digging the grave either with a mechanical digger or a hand spade
using hydraulic equipment and water pumps
propping up the inside walls of the grave with wood
after the funeral service, filling in the grave
regularly checking the headstones in the cemetery for damage and removing any which are unsafe
cleaning and maintaining machinery
looking after the grass and plants around the cemetery
using equipment such as mowers and strimmers.
In most local authorities, cemetery work is just one of many duties carried out by landscape or environmental staff. As well as cemeteries, they would also be responsible for the upkeep of public parks, public open spaces, landscaped areas and amenity areas.
Pay
Salaries are usually on the scales of local government manual workers. Overtime might be available. The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Salaries for cemetery workers start from around £16,000 a year, rising to around £21,500 a year with experience.
Conditions
Hours for cemetery workers are usually 8.00am to 4.00pm, but you may have to start earlier.
You might work around 35-37 hours a week, 5 days over 7.
Shift work is possible, including weekend work.
The work is very physical with lots of climbing and bending.
You will wear a protective overall as work can be very dirty.
Your employer will arrange on the job training in gardening and the use of mechanical digging equipment.
You might do a relevant qualification such as NC Introduction to Horticulture at SCQF Level 4 or SVQ Parks, Gardens and Green Space at SCQF Levels 5 or 6.
2022
