Cemetery Grounds & Visitor Services Lead

Whangarei District Council; Whangarei, Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Whangārei District Council in Whangārei, New Zealand, is looking for a Cemetery Site Custodian to care for cemetery facilities, grounds and visitors. This role blends outdoor work with administrative duties and community support to maintain high standards across sites.

You'll work with funeral directors, families and visitors, offering practical support and ensuring records and safety compliance. On-call and after-hours flexibility may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience with or a passion for maintaining attractive public spaces.
• A strong work ethic and pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Capable of working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• A respectful, empathetic and professional approach when dealing with members of the public.
• Practical problem-solving skills and good attention to detail.
• The ability to manage your workload and work independently when required.
• A commitment to health and safety and safe work practices
• Confidence operating machinery, tools or equipment, or a willingness to learn.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• A positive attitude, reliability and a willingness to support the wider team.
• Comfortable with the use of computers, phones and apps including Microsoft 365.
• A current driver's licence is essential.
• Any endorsements or experience operating machinery would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Preparing burial and cremains sites and assisting with funeral and interment services.
• Supporting funeral directors, and 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.

Skills

Maintaining attractive public spaces

Customer service

Outdoor work in various weather

Attention to detail

Independent & team work

Microsoft 365 usage

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Whangārei District Council in Whangārei, New Zealand, is looking for a Cemetery Site Custodian to care for cemetery facilities, grounds and visitors. This role blends outdoor work with administrative duties and community support to maintain high standards across sites.

You'll work with funeral directors, families and visitors, offering practical support and ensuring records and safety compliance. On-call and after-hours flexibility may be required.