Cemetery Worker

Typical Salary

£11,000 To £25,000

Typical Hours

41 to 43 a week

weekends

How To Become a Cemetery Worker

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You could work towards this role by doing an intermediate apprenticeship for horticulture and landscape operatives.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for a job as a cemetery worker, if you've got some of the relevant skills needed for this role.

You don't need any particular qualifications, although some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English.

You'll need to be able to deal sensitively with bereaved people. It can also be useful if you have experience in landscaping, gardening or use of a mechanical mini digger

Once you're working, your employer will arrange for you to follow the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to operate and control equipment
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to work well with others
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
the ability to work well with your hands
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

measuring and marking out grave spaces
using a mechanical excavator and hand tools to dig and prepare graves
keeping graves tidy
checking headstones for damage and removing those that are unsafe
maintaining lawns, verges and plants around the cemetery
working with other funeral and cemetery staff

Working Environment

You could work at a cemetery.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could progress to being a supervisor. If your job involves clerical duties, you could train for progression into cemetery administration.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find more details about working and training in cemetery work through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.

Restrictions & Requirements

You may need a driving licence.