Seasonal - Cemetery Operator II

Town of Oakville; Oakville; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization in Oakville is seeking a Cemetery Operator to manage cemetery operations, ensure the respectful treatment of the public during sensitive interactions, and maintain all necessary equipment and records. The ideal candidate will have a diploma in Horticulture or a related field and 1-2 years of experience in turf maintenance or cemetery operations. This full-time position requires the ability to work in all weather conditions, including weekends and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in turf maintenance and equipment operation.
• Ability to cope with emotional stress involved in cemetery work.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Valid Ontario Driver's Licence Class DZ.

Responsibilities

• Operate and direct work involving cemetery functions and equipment.
• Interact compassionately with the public regarding burials.
• Ensure cemetery operations and services are timely and according to requests.
• Keep records of interments and cemetery operations.

Skills

Turf maintenance

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

Diploma in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Backhoe

Computer software for word processing

Job description

Job Details: Temporary Full Time (CUPE 136T)

Posting Status: Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants.

Duration: One contract lasting up to eight months, commencing in March and ending in November.

Internal secondment applications are welcome. Please note, however, that members of management will not be considered for secondments into bargaining unit positions.

Closing Date: Applications for this position must be received at oakville.ca by no later than 11:59pm on January 16, 2026.

Temporary Rate: $37.40 Full Time Rate: $38.00

This position reports to the Supervisor of Cemeteries & Environmental Services and under the daily direction of the Cemetery Operator I, performs duties relating to the operation of the Town Cemeteries. The functions performed in this position are in accordance with established procedures and practices.

Job Responsibilities

• Operate and assist in directing the work of others in operating all equipment normally used for cemetery functions, including backhoe operation, property maintenance, and development in a safe and efficient manner.
• Deals with the public and Funeral Directors in a compassionate and business-like manner, being respectful in all matters concerning burials or gravesite maintenance.
• Ensure cemetery operations are conducted according to family requests for services and ensure that all requests are conducted on time and on schedule.
• Assist in investigating public inquiries and by-law issues and initiate work orders as appropriate.
• Interpret cemetery maps which confirm lot locations.
• Ensure all equipment is operated competently, safely and maintained in good operating conditions, ensuring proper and timely documentation for repair of defective equipment (including circle checks of all assigned rolling stock).
• On a back-up basis to Cemetery Operator I, coordinate the sale of cemetery plots and interments, and maintain all necessary records pertaining to plot sales, interments, and other aspects of cemetery operations.
• Keep necessary records regarding interments and other aspects of the cemetery operation under the direction of the Cemetery Operator I or in their absence.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Horticulture or related field of study or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 1 to 2 years of previous experience including experience in turf maintenance and the safe operation of related equipment. Previous cemetery operation experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required, including the ability to cope with the emotional stress involved in cemetery work.
• Knowledge of computer software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
• Demonstrated effective leadership, organizational, communication (both oral and written), customer service, and problem‑solving skills. Proficient time management skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Must possess an understanding of the Highway Traffic Act and knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Must hold and provide a copy of a valid and unrestricted Ontario Driver’s Licence Class DZ minimum (standard and automatic transmission) with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. Note: Applicants with six or more points are ineligible for consideration. The successful applicant, who is a new hire, will be required to provide the Corporation with a current drivers abstract (no older than 30 days) and pass a Town administered road test as a condition of employment.
• Please note that successful candidates, who are new hires and/or who have not performed in this position previously, will be required to provide a satisfactory criminal record check dated within the last 30 days as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing to work a 40‑hour workweek in varying weather conditions and be available for shift work and stand‑by as required, including weekends and nights, and expected to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays when funeral arrangements so require.

DATED: December 18, 2025

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job. This does not include all the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. The minimum threshold score for each of the testing and interview components of the recruitment process is 70%.

We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.