Senior Gravedigger

Ards and North Down Borough Council; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Northern Ireland is seeking a skilled Cemetery Maintenance Worker to ensure the upkeep and management of cemeteries within the area. You will lead tasks related to grave preparation, staff management, and operate various machinery. The role requires at least one year of cemetery experience and a valid driving license. Strong commitment to quality service in a public-facing position is essential. This permanent role offers a salary of £26,824 - £28,598 per annum, with 36 hours per week.

Qualifications

• One year’s experience in a cemetery environment with public interaction.
• Experience using cemetery and grounds maintenance machinery safely.
• High-quality service provision in a public role.
• Valid driving license including categories C1 and E within 12 months.
• Digger and dumper license or completion within 12 months.
• Work outside normal hours, including weekends.
• Two years’ relevant experience in Parks or Cemeteries.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Experience in administration.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cemeteries and direct gravedigging staff.
• Prepare and mark graves for committal.
• Maintain cemetery maps and records.
• Ensure tasks are carried out appropriately with staff.
• Operate vehicles and machinery as required.

Skills

Cemetery environment experience

Machinery usage skills

Public facing service quality

Driving license (C1 and E)

Digger and dumper license

Outdoor work flexibility

NVQ Level 2 in Turf Culture or Horticulture

Pesticide application certification (PA1/PA6)

Supervisory experience

Administrative experience

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Turf Culture, Horticulture or equivalent

Job description

The person appointed will be responsible for carrying out a range of cemetery, grounds and facility maintenance service tasks within all Parks & Cemeteries locations identified by the line manager either individually or as part of a team, ensuring all areas are well maintained, clean and presentable. To ensure effective communication with site users, other members of the and line management. Assist in the community development of the Parks and Cemeteries Service through internal and external initiatives that engage Service stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Carry out general upkeep and maintenance of all cemeteries (including stores, toilets, and buildings) within the Borough, and directing gravedigging staff as required. Ensuring operations are carried out at appropriate times and conditions.
• Responsible for the identification of and marking out graves prior to opening. Digging graves, both mechanically and by hand, to the required depth and filling the same, as directed. Preparation and presentation of the grave before committal.
• Assisting in the transfer of the remains for committal. Keeping safe and properly maintained all cemetery maps, detailed records of grave plots (including depths) and other records appropriate for the upkeep of the cemetery.
• Ensuring all allocated tasks are carried out appropriately and that permanent and seasonal staff within the team are utilised accordingly, including volunteers as and when required.
• Operate vehicles e.g. tractors, dumpers etc and various types of specialised machinery and equipment e.g. ride on lawnmowers, excavators, powered tools etc involved in the day‑to‑day operations of the Service. maintain in a satisfactory condition.

Skills and Qualifications

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have one year’s experience in:
• Working in a cemetery environment with a public interface.
• Using a range of cemetery and grounds maintenance machinery, hand tools and horticultural chemicals in a safe manner.
• Providing a high‑quality service in a public facing role.
• A valid driving licence to include categories C1 and E. Candidates without C1 and E must complete this classification within 12 months of appointment.
• Recognised digger and dumper licence or must complete this within 12 months of appointment.
• Will be required to work outside normal working hours, including weekends (this will involve gravedigging at weekends, public holidays, and late burials). This will also include being on standby for specified periods.
• NVQ Level 2 in Turf Culture, Horticulture, or equivalent.
• PA1/PA6 Certificate of Competence in the application of pesticides.
• Two years’ relevant experience working in a Parks, Cemeteries or similar environment.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Experience in administration.

Further Information

Location: Movilla Cemetery. Appointment will be subject to completion of a medical questionnaire including a pre‑employment Drugs and Alcohol Screening. A driving assessment by Council will form part of the selection process.

Applications for this post will be channelled exclusively through Council’s GETGOT system. However, Council will consider requests for applications in hard copy and will provide alternative arrangements if possible.

Local Government is committed to fair and equal treatment to all those seeking employment and in employment.

Vacancy ID 1747771 Job ref. ST 12889 Job Sector: Public Sector, Construction, Trades and Architecture Area: Newtownards Salary: £26,824 - £28,598 per annum Number of vacancies: 1 Contract type: Permanent Weekly hours: 36 Published date: 27/11/2025 Closing date: 11/12/2025 Worktime: Mon - Fri, to be confirmed