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Cemetery worker
Gravedigger
Cemetery workers prepare and maintain graves, memorial sites and gardens.
Average salary (a year)
£17000
Starter
£25000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41.0 to 43.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
weekends
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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, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct Application
You can apply directly for a job as a cemetery worker, if you've got some of the skills 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.
Once you're working, your employer will arrange for you to follow the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme.
More Information
Further Information
You can find more details about cemetery work from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
The ability to operate and control equipment
To be thorough and pay attention to detail
To be flexible and open to change
The ability to work well with others
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs if working with heavy plant machinery.
Day to day tasks
In this job, you'll
measure and mark out grave spaces, dig and prepare graves with a mechanical excavator or hand tools, maintain lawns, verges 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
measure and mark out grave spaces, dig and prepare graves with a mechanical excavator or hand tools, maintain lawns, verges 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.
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 or horticulture.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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