Cemetery Grounds Caretaker & Community Support

Whangarei District Council; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Whangārei District Council is seeking a Cemetery Site Custodian to care for our cemetery facilities, grounds and visitors. This role blends outdoor maintenance with practical administration and compassionate service to funeral directors, families and the public.

You don’t need prior cemetery experience; we’re looking for someone empathetic, reliable, organised and able to work independently or in a small team. A current driver’s licence is essential and pre-employment checks apply.

Qualifications

• Experience with or a passion for maintaining attractive public spaces.
• Strong work ethic and pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Empathetic, respectful and professional when dealing with the public.
• Practical problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage workload and work independently when required.
• Commitment to health and safety and safe work practices.
• Confidence operating machinery or a willingness to learn.
• Good organisational skills and accuracy in record-keeping.
• Positive, reliable, team player and comfortable with technology (computers/phones/apps).

Responsibilities

• Preparing burial and cremains sites and assisting with funeral and interment services.
• Supporting funeral directors, families during funerals and cemetery services.
• Operating and maintaining a range of plant, machinery and equipment safely and effectively.
• Ensuring cemetery records, site information and operational documentation are accurate and up to date.
• Maintaining high standards of health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Contributing to the ongoing presentation, development and stewardship of Council's cemetery facilities.
• Maintaining cemetery gardens, lawns, memorial areas and surrounding grounds to a high standard.
• Monitoring cemetery assets and identifying maintenance or improvement requirements.
• Carrying out planting, pruning, weed control and general horticultural maintenance to ensure cemetery grounds remain attractive and well cared for.

Job description

Whangārei District Council is seeking a Cemetery Site Custodian to care for our cemetery facilities, grounds and visitors. This role blends outdoor maintenance with practical administration and compassionate service to funeral directors, families and the public.

You don’t need prior cemetery experience; we’re looking for someone empathetic, reliable, organised and able to work independently or in a small team. A current driver’s licence is essential and pre-employment checks apply.