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Cemetery worker

Alternative titles for this job include Gravedigger, cemetery operative

Cemetery workers prepare and maintain graves, burial plots, memorial sites and gardens.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 a week

You could work

weekends

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • applying directly

College

Although not essential, you could take a horticultural course at college to get some of the skills and knowledge needed to do this job.

A course like this would give you skills in maintaining green spaces, landscaping and how to use tools and equipment safely. Once working, you're employer would give you specific training in preparing burial plots and care for memorials.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for a job as a cemetery worker, if you've got some of the personal qualities needed for this role. For example, you must be able to deal sensitively with bereaved people.

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

Experience in landscaping, gardening, construction or use of a mechanical mini digger can be useful.

If your application is successful, your employer will arrange for you to follow the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) for training opportunities, and information and advice about best working practices.

Further information

You can find more details about a career in cemetery work from the ICCM.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs if working with heavy plant machinery, like mechanical diggers.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a cemetery worker, you would:

  • measure and mark out grave spaces
  • dig and prepare graves, using a mechanical excavator and hand tools
  • fill in plots after burial services have ended
  • maintain lawns, hedges, trees and plants around the cemetery
  • keep pathways clear, empty bins and remove litter
  • check headstones for damage and remove those that are unsafe
  • keep work records up to date

Working environment

You could work at a cemetery.

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team supervisor. You could also train to work in cemetery, crematorium and natural burial management.

You could use your skills to move into other careers, like:

  • landscaping
  • gardening
  • horticulture

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a cemetery worker right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Horticulture

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Tonbridge

Horticulture Level 3

  • Provider: ACTIVATE LEARNING
  • Start date: 11 September 2025
  • Location: Guildford
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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