Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Operative

Manpower UK; Northampton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

21 days holiday

Full Workwear & PPE

Healthcare & Wellbeing platform

Enhanced maternity & parental leave

Employee assistance

Annual awards & recognition

Charity volunteering days

Career development

Job summary

idverde in Northampton is seeking a Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our Cemetery Services team. You will be responsible for grave preparation, excavation and backfilling, along with the maintenance of grounds to ensure a tidy, respectful environment for visitors and families.

The role requires experience in grounds maintenance, practical use of hand tools and machinery, a careful, dignified approach, and a full UK driving license. Training can be provided where needed.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Grounds Maintenance Operative.
• Experience with cemetery work and burial processes recommended.
• Formal burial training would be highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, excavate and backfill graves.
• Oversee general maintenance of cemetery grounds.
• Keep cemetery spaces tidy, well-kept and respectful for visitors.

Skills

Graves maintenance

Grass cutting

Strimming

Hedge cutting

Flower bed maintenance

Cemetery work

Grave digging

Dignity & care

Education

COTS certification (beneficial)

Tools

360 Excavator

Dumper

Job description

This permanent, full-time Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Operative post in Northampton offers £13.45 to £14.45 hourly, based on experience and qualifications. Working 37 hours weekly, Monday through Friday between 0700 and 1630, the successful candidate handles grave preparation, excavation and backfilling, plus general upkeep of burial grounds. Duties include keeping these spaces tidy, well-kept and respectful for visitors and bereaved families. Applicants need prior grounds maintenance experience, practical skills with hand tools and machinery, and a careful, dignified approach. The position demands reliability, physical fitness and the ability to work considerately within a cemetery setting.

Location

Northampton

Hourly Rate

£13.45 to £14.45 hourly, based on experience and qualifications

Contract Type

Permanent, Full-time

Working Hours

37 hours weekly, Monday - Friday, to take place between 0700 and 1630

About the role

We are looking for experienced Grounds Maintenance Operatives to join the Cemetery Services team in Northampton. In this role, you will be responsible for a range of tasks including the preparation, excavation and backfilling of graves as well as overseeing the general maintenance of the cemetery grounds, ensuring they remain tidy, well-kept and respectful for visitors and loved ones. Your work will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the cemetery, whilst upholding professionalism, dignity and care for the environment at all times.

Requirements

• Experience as a Grounds Maintenance Operative, including grass cutting, strimming, hedge cutting and flower bed maintenance.
• Experience with cemetery work, grave digging and burial processes, with formal burial training would be highly advantageous.
• A COTS (Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme) certification is beneficial but all training can be provided by idverde to the successful candidate.
• Previous 360 Excavator andamp; Dumper experience also beneficial, but training for this can also be provided.
• A full valid UK driving license is essential.
• Can-do attitude and safety-conscious mindset.
• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Why join us£

As the UK's leading grounds maintenance and landscape creation provider, no two projects are ever the same - and neither are our people. That's why we're committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We're proud to have been recognised as Employer of the Year and Sustainable Company of the Year at this year's Landscaper Awards, reflecting our commitment to supporting our people while delivering a more sustainable future. What we offer Career advancement and development opportunities through our bespoke apprenticeship programmes, our extensive in-house training academy, and coaching and mentorship. A diverse and inclusive workplace where you can collaborate with passionate and talented individuals. Contribute to projects that have a meaningful impact andamp; make a real difference in the community and environment. We recognise and reward your hard work with our wide-ranging competitive benefits package designed to prioritise your wellbeing, support life choices, and help in both good and challenging times.

Benefits

• 21 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Full Workwear andamp; PPE provided.
• Healthcare andamp; Wellbeing platform.
• Enhanced maternity and shared parental leave.
• Support for personal and professional challenges.
• Discounts on retail, holidays, gym memberships, and more.
• Secure your future - resources to manage your finances Colleague of the month and annual awards.
• Two days per year to support a cause of your choice.
• Comprehensive resources and support.

About idverde

We are Europe's largest provider of grounds maintenance se