Employment Opportunities (Revised 6/8/2023)

Diocese of Victoria Employment Application

Cemetery Grounds Assistant     

The Cemetery Grounds Assistant is responsible for the overall presentation and appearance of the Catholic Cemeteries.  A clean and well-groomed cemetery is necessary and respectful to the deceased, family members and loved ones during their grave and/or crypt visits as they pay their respects.  The Cemetery Grounds Assistant prepares graves and maintains cemetery grounds, including but not limited to excavating of graves, burial functions (installing vaults, concrete crypts, and urns), sodding, seeding, fertilizing, monument and marker setting, operating equipment (front-end loader, back-hoe, forklift, etc.) and cemetery clean-up.

I. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with the cleanliness of the cemetery grounds by trimming trees, removing dead or faded flowers, leaves, and other debris from graves and fences. Assists with cleanliness of mausoleum and shop area.
• Assists with the enforcement of the cemetery rules and guidelines pertaining to decorations and cleanliness of graves.
• Operates lawn and garden tools including backhoes, front-end loader, zero-radius riding lawn mower, trimmers and blowers, monitors and checks sprinklers for proper operation.
• Locates gravesite and completes excavation according to section, lot and plot numbers, which includes digging of grave to specified depth and removal of sod.
• Places appropriate lawn crypt/liner in grave and positions casket-lowering device on grave, if applicable.
• Prepares for funeral service by covering dirt pile and sod with artificial grass carpet, sets up canopy, and arranges folding chairs. 
• Replaces dirt and sod on gravesite immediately following the funeral/burial service.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

II. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Must be self-motivated, able to work under pressure and be flexible with schedule changes.
• Required High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in cemetery ground operations preferred.
• Must be able to communicate in English (speak, read, and write). Bi-lingual Eng/Spanish preferred. 
• Must be at least 21 years of age or older to comply with the DOV Transportation Policy for operating vehicles, heavy equipment, etc.
• Skilled in customer service and maintain empathy and respect for friends and family members at all times.
• Willingness to work 6 days per week.
• Must have adequate, available and reliable transportation.
• Annually the employee must provide a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of personal automobile insurance with adequate coverages as required by the DOV Transportation Policy.  

* For more detailed information, please refer to complete job description. *Must adhere to DOV employee handbook of personnel policies