Cemetery Caretaker

US National Cemetery Administration; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

This vacancy is at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. It involves landscaping, groundskeeping, or related trades, with a focus on using hand tools, power tools, and safely operating cemetery caretaking machinery.

The position requires heavy physical effort, outdoor work in all weather, and strict adherence to safety procedures. A valid state driver’s license is required, and onboarding per VA protocols will follow for selected applicants.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform landscaping and groundskeeping duties including use of hand and power tools.
• Ability to operate cemetery caretaking machinery and equipment safely.
• Evidence of potential shown through work, training, or relevant activities.

Responsibilities

• Heavy physical effort including reaching, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Work outdoors in all weather and maintain equipment.
• Follow safety procedures and wear protective equipment.

Skills

Hand tools usage

Power tools usage

Machinery operation

Driving (state license)

Job description

This position is located at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/28/2026.

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.

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:

• Ability to do the work of a Cemetery Caretaker without more than normal supervision.
• Technical Practices.
• Ability to interpret Instructions, Specifications, and Directives.
• Ability to maintain tools and equipment.
• Ability to work safely.

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 lift 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.