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.

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. For example in East Lothian Council, an Amenity Operative - Grave Digger can earn £23,092 to £25,235 a year (April 2019). 

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.
• You work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• You might be using heavy machinery and chemicals.

Getting In

• Personal qualities are more important than educational qualifications.
• Experience in the use of garden equipment including strimmers and ride on mowers are more important.
• A full driving licence is usually required. A licence with Categories B1E and C1E (covering larger, heavier vehicles) may be required.
• A JCB Certificate would be an advantage.
• Jobs are with the local authority or with privately owned cemeteries.
• Vacancies appear in newspapers and on the local government website: www.myjobscotland.gov.uk.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland

  Scotland

2022

1903

0.1 %

RISE

2027

1904

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• polite and respectful
• able to work alone or as part of a team
• physically fit
• aware of health and safety procedures.

You should have:

• good communication skills
• the ability to organise your workload.

Training

• Your employer will arrange on the job training in gardening and the use of mechanical digging equipment.
• You might do a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) such as Introduction to Horticulture at SCQF Level 4 or Parks, Gardens and Green Space at SCQF Levels 5 or 6.
• A Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme is also available through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).

Getting On

There is a chance of promotion to supervisor.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.