Senior Cemetery Operative

Job Title: Senior Cemetery Operative
Grade 3
Bereavement Services
Sickness Cover

JOB PURPOSE
Based at Yardley Cemetery, but required to work at any of the Council's cemeteries or crematoria as required, to work as part of a team to provide a high-quality bereavement service to members of the public, Funeral Directors, clergy and associated agencies.
To undertake a full range of cemetery operative duties including the excavation, preparation and reinstatement of graves for burials and cremated remains interments, grounds maintenance, memorial safety activities and cemetery operational duties.
The postholder will assist in maintaining a safe, respectful and dignified environment for bereaved families and visitors, whilst contributing to the effective day-to-day delivery of Bereavement Services.
This role is provided as temporary sickness absence cover and will continue until the substantive postholder returns to work. The placement will end upon the return of the employee.

Responsible to: Cemetery Foreperson / Bereavement Officer
Supervises: Nil

CONTACTS
Works closely with Cemetery Operatives, Bereavement Services staff and employees across the Council.
Regular contact with Funeral Directors, clergy, monumental masons, contractors, service users and visitors to the cemetery.
Frequent contact with bereaved families and members of the public requiring a professional, respectful and sensitive approach at all times.

SPECIAL / PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
a) The post involves working outdoors in all weather and ground conditions and includes substantial physical activity, manual labour and repetitive physical tasks.
b) The standard working week is 36.5 hours to be worked over any 5 days from 7. Start and finish times will vary between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 in accordance with local rota arrangements and operational requirements.
c) Weekend and Bank Holiday working is required and will be undertaken on a rota basis.
d) Overtime may be required to support funeral service delivery, late finishes and extended operational requirements.
e) Enhanced payments will be made for weekend and Bank Holiday working in accordance with Council terms and conditions.
f) The postholder may be required to work across all Council cemeteries and crematoria and may work at more than one location during the course of a working day.
g) A current full driving licence is essential.
h) The postholder will be required to drive and operate Council vehicles, plant and machinery following appropriate training and authorisation.
i) Uniform, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), protective clothing and identification badges are provided and must be worn at all times whilst undertaking duties.
j) The role includes manual handling, machinery operation, excavation work, lifting, digging and exposure to sensitive situations associated with bereavement and funeral services.
k) Due to operational requirements, the postholder will be expected to demonstrate previous practical experience within a similar working environment and be capable of contributing effectively with minimal supervision or training.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
a) To locate, prepare, shore and excavate graves to required specifications and timescales, ensuring graves are prepared safely, professionally and respectfully for burial.
b) To prepare graves for interment including the installation of artificial grass mats, lowering devices, boards, ropes, stretchers and associated funeral equipment.
c) To backfill and reinstate graves following interments and ensure the surrounding area is left safe, clean and presentable.
d) To undertake the burial and interment of cremated remains in accordance with service procedures and statutory requirements.
e) To support the delivery of funeral services and assist in ensuring interments are conducted safely, professionally and with dignity.
f) To undertake grounds maintenance duties not included within external contracts and contribute to maintaining high standards throughout cemetery grounds.
g) To assist with memorial safety inspections, testing and making safe memorials in accordance with legislation, policy and service standards.
h) To report unsafe memorials, damage to graves, defects, vandalism, health and safety concerns or maintenance issues to the Foreperson or Bereavement Officer.
i) To unlock and secure cemetery grounds, gates and facilities as instructed and report any concerns relating to site security.
j) To drive and operate vehicles and equipment including:
- Van / Car
- Tractor, Mini Tractor and Trailer
- Dumper
- Excavator
- Roadsweeper
- Grounds Maintenance Equipment
including carrying out routine operational checks and reporting defects.
k) To undertake physically demanding outdoor duties including digging, lifting, groundwork, cemetery maintenance and use of hand tools and machinery.
l) To contribute immediately to operational service delivery by applying previous practical experience within manual labour, construction, groundwork, excavation, grounds maintenance or similar environments.
m) To assist members of the public, Funeral Directors and visitors in a courteous, professional and compassionate manner, recognising the sensitive nature of bereavement services.
n) To comply fully with Health and Safety legislation, Safe Systems of Work, risk assessments and Departmental policies and procedures.
o) To complete all relevant records, documentation and working time records accurately.
p) To attend and participate in relevant training including memorial safety, machinery operation, manual handling, grounds maintenance and bereavement service requirements.
q) To attend memorial services, open days, pre-arranged visits and community events as required.
r) To contribute positively to the appearance, reputation and standards of Bereavement Services through professional conduct, attendance and presentation.
s) To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade.

PERSON SPECIFICATION (ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS)
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:
- Previous practical experience within a similar hands-on role.
- Experience of manual labour, digging, groundwork, construction, building, landscaping, grounds maintenance or machinery operation.
- Ability to undertake physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to work respectfully and professionally within a bereavement environment.
- A current full driving licence.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow safe working procedures.

Please note that Yardley Cemetery is not currently in a position to provide training from entry level, therefore applicants must demonstrate relevant practical experience and the ability to contribute to operational duties with minimal supervision