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Cemetery worker

Cemetery worker

Alternative titles for this job include Gravedigger

Cemetery workers prepare and maintain graves and memorial sites.

Average salary (a year)

£11,000 Starter

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

weekends

How to become a Cemetery worker

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship for horticulture and landscape operatives.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More information

Direct application

You could apply directly for a job as cemetery worker. Some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English.

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

You'll also need to work sensitively around bereaved people and be prepared to take part in training once you start work.

More information

Further information

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

What it takes

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
Being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You may need a driving licence.

What you'll do

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 and progression

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

You could also join the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme.