Cemetery Caretaker

US National Cemetery Administration; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Bakersfield National Cemetery is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to perform landscaping and maintenance duties on its grounds in Arvin, California. The role requires operating hand tools, power tools, and cemetery maintenance equipment safely while working outdoors in all weather conditions and maintaining clean, well-kept grounds.

Applicants should be capable of heavy physical work with lifting and walking on varied terrain and must meet the standard federal screening criteria.

Qualifications

• Experience in landscaping/groundskeeping using hand or power tools.
• Ability to operate cemetery maintenance equipment safely and effectively.
• Experience may be through paid work or volunteer activity.

Responsibilities

• Perform landscaping and groundskeeping duties at the Bakersfield National Cemetery.
• Operate and maintain tools and cemetery maintenance equipment following safety procedures.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and ensure safety protocols.

Skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Equipment operation

Job description

This position is located at the Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, California. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/22/2026.

Your background must demonstrate work involved in landscaping, grounds keeping, or other related trades experience that includes the use of hand tools and/or power tools, and the safe operation of related machinery and equipment used in cemetery caretaking practices, as described in the duties section of the announcement.

Experience

Candidates must demonstrate the potential to perform the duties involved in landscaping, groundskeeping, or related trades, including the use of hand tools, power tools, and the safe operation of machinery and equipment used in cemetery caretaking practices. Evidence of this potential can be shown through work, training, or relevant activities that indicate the potential to perform these duties effectively.

Screen‑Out Element

Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements.

• Ability to do the job without more than normal supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

Job Elements

Those who meet the minimum level of experience and training for the screen‑out element will then be evaluated in each of the following job elements:

• Without more than normal supervision
• Technical Practices
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Dexterity and Safety

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note

A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part‑time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements

This position requires heavy physical effort with reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet and legs to operate the different sets of controls while operating the equipment and attachments. The Incumbent may be subjected to considerable strain caused by vibration, jerking, and jolting of the equipment over rough surfaces and the need to operate controls in awkward positions. Heavy effort is frequently exercised when performing duties such as tamping, carrying caskets/urns, lifting/moving grave planks, setting headstones, etc. Incumbent must be able to walk on hilly, flat, or rolling terrain. This position requires the employee to life weights up to 50 lbs. Occasionally items weighing more than 50 lbs are lifted with assistance from co-works. Employee may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 dBA for up to eight (8) hours per day. This exposure may adversely affect hearing.

Working Conditions

Work must be performed outdoors, and incumbent will be exposed to all types of weather throughout the year. Incumbent will be exposed to the sun, noise, extreme heat, and humidity, cold, snow, rain, wind, and is subject to dirt, dust, fumes (from motor and exhaust) mud, and water. Work is performed in areas where pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers are applied. Appropriate protective equipment will be worn. The operator is exposed to injury from mishaps that may be involved in the operation of grounds maintenance equipment.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.