Cemeteries Manager

Sonomacity; Sonoma (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonomacity is seeking a Cemeteries Manager to oversee the management and operations of its cemeteries in Sonoma, California. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in public administration, budget preparation, project management, and exceptional customer service skills. This position involves working with the community, ensuring compliance with all laws, and enhancing cemetery visibility.

The successful applicant will possess a Bachelor's degree and have at least 3 years of relevant experience in the field. Flexible to both internal and outdoor environments, candidates should also hold a valid California Driver’s License.

Qualifications

• 3 years of industry experience with increased responsibilities.
• 2 years of experience in project management or public administration.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to cemetery management.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of City Cemeteries operations and programs.
• Assist families with cemetery arrangements and respond to public inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Skills

Customer Service

Budgeting and Financial Analysis

Project Management

Interpersonal Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

The Cemeteries Manager is responsible for the management, administration, and technical oversight of
the day-to-day operations of the City’s three cemeteries (Mountain Cemetery, Valley Cemetery, and
Veterans’ Cemetery); to provide analysis of municipal policies including procedures, finance, budget,
and services: to complete marketing materials, manage burial operations, and coordinate with
outsourced partners.

This is a professional level position expected to direct, lead and coordinate resources to ensure all
aspects of cemetery operations are maintained at a high standard including grounds maintenance,
records management and compliance, historic preservation best practices, promotion and stewardship
of volunteer and fund-raising programs, and excellence in customer service. Employees at this level are
required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility. This highly
responsible position serves as liaison between the City Manager’s Office and other departments and
reports directly to the City Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Manage all aspects of the City Cemeteries operations, programs and services, provide
  budget analysis and preparation, research best practices; prepare and present reports;
  cultivate a culture of outstanding customer service and community stewardship of valuable
  City-owned resources.
• Assist families with cemetery arrangements at the time of need; respond to requests for
  information and complaints from the public and determine appropriate resolutions.
• Approve site of burial, opening of gravesites, burial of remains, cremations, disinterments and
  other related tasks.
• Ensure compliance with all City, County, State and Federal laws.
• Coordinate and oversee City staff and outside contractors to ensure Cemeteries grounds and
  facilities are well maintained.
• Attend City Council meetings and work sessions; research, respond to and prepare
  correspondence; represent and support the City Manager with City Council, employee and
  citizen group discussions, and meetings; perform follow up and communicate with City
  management on issues.
• Implement programs developed and initiated by the City Council; coordinate and participate in
  the development of programs to address citizen needs and citizen engagement promote
  awareness and visibility of the cemeteries in the community.
• Develop key relationships with external stakeholders, including volunteers and interested
  community groups; coordinate volunteer efforts on-site to ensure all projects are performed in
  a safe and constructive manner.
• Coordinate with City departments to review administrative functions; develop and implement
  efficient long-term record keeping procedures; conduct performance audits, review
  organization systems and financial procedures including payment collection, recordation and
  issuance of customer receipts.
• Manage the Capital Improvement Projects for cemeteries: coordinate with appropriate staff to
  determine a replacement schedule for all necessary equipment required for efficient operations;
  identify future inventory requirements and develop capital improvement projections to support
  the need.
• Identify inventory requirements and manage development of necessary inventory projects.
• Prepare the division budget, make budget recommendations relative to Cemeteries operations; analyze budget recommendations prepared by other staff; oversee staff research of past
  expenditures; and project future expenditures.
• Monitor day to day activities and consistently review expenditures to ensure adherence to the
  approved budget; prepare grant proposals; monitor active grants to ensure compliance with all
  requirements and maintain appropriate records.
• Supervise, evaluate, train, and set performance standards for staff and partners.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and
  the public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Serve as an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration, organizational structure, and development.
• Methods and techniques of advanced statistical and fiscal analysis.
• Principles and practices of excellent customer service.
• Effective report writing and research techniques.
• Principles and practices of advanced project management and workflow analysis.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances.
• Relevant software programs.

Ability to:

• Organize, plan, schedule and implement operations; conduct analytical and administrative
  projects related to cemetery operations.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to
  assume assigned responsibilities.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work
  papers, reports and special projects; research, identify, remember and interpret technical and
  numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• On a continuous basis, work at desk for long periods of time; intermittently bend and twist to
  reach office equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use
  telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; lift or carry
  weight of 10 pounds or less.
• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies, laws and complex rules and
  procedures accurately and adopt appropriate, effective courses of action.
• Perform a wide variety of analytical duties with minimal supervision and analyze or diagnose
  difficult and complex situations and appropriate resolutions.
• Effectively administer assigned programmatic responsibilities; prepare complex reports; prepare
  and administer a program budget; evaluate and develop, procedures and policies.
• Demonstrate political acumen; deal positively with confrontation and controversial issues;
  facilitate community participatory decision making to resolution.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
• Exercise initiative and independent, astute judgment in sensitive situations; interview,
  investigate, problem solve and negotiate.
• Manage complex projects; supervise management studies; manage contracts; develop and track
  budgets; make public presentations; and, manage meetings effectively.
• Provide high quality, economical services to the Sonoma community, placing emphasis on
  responsive customer service.
• Demonstrate a civic entrepreneurial spirit by generating new, innovative ideas and development
  of better methods to accomplish tasks and complete projects.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of
  work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Preserve confidentiality of sensitive material routinely encountered as part of work
  assignments.
• Use sound judgement in recognizing scope of authority.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job
  responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.

Experience and Training:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: Three (3) years industry experience in the applicable discipline with progressively increased
  responsibilities. Two (2) years of experience in project management and/or public administration. Budgeting and expense control experience strongly preferred.
• Training: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business
  Administration or a related field.

License and Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work Environment:
The position is in both internal and external environments. Exposure to varying temperatures and
weather elements can apply. The noise level ranges from quiet to moderate. This is a safety sensitive
position.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to work standing up, walk,
use hands and fingers to operate tools and equipment, and speak and listen, both over the phone and in
person to customers and fellow employees, to perform the above listed duties. The employee
frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee
occasionally required to work in a seated position, climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee
must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, and
occasionally lift and/or move 75-100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close
vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The
employee will be required to operate company vehicles and must hold a valid driver’s license.