Cemetery Grounds Specialist I

Vermont, Inc; Vermont; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Paid holidays

Leave plan

FMLI

Retirement plans

Tuition reimbursement

FSAs

Life insurance

Wellness program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Vermont Military Department is seeking a Cemetery Grounds Specialist I for the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT. The role covers daily maintenance of grounds and facilities, burial operations, and equipment handling.

You will supervise seasonal staff, assist with training, follow National Cemetery Administration standards, and may serve as field lead when the Cemetery Operational Administrator is absent; occasional after-hours work and on-call duties apply.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to operate multiple equipment types and perform maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cemetery grounds, buildings, and facilities.
• Assist with burial and interment operations.
• Operate and maintain light to heavy equipment, snow-removal gear.
• Provide seasonal maintenance and lead when Cemetery Admin is absent.
• Support onboarding of seasonal staff and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Scheduling

Planning

Organization

Judgment

Problem-solving

Equipment operation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

The Military Department of the State of Vermont is seeking a Military Maintenance Specialist for the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, Vermont. This position participates in the daily operations and maintenance of the cemetery, including grounds and landscape maintenance, building and facility maintenance, burial and interment operations, equipment operation and maintenance, seasonal activities, and snow removal. The position requires daily operation of light, medium, and heavy equipment, including lawn tractors, excavators, backhoes, compactors, trailers, and snow-removal equipment. The employee performs routine equipment maintenance, assists with training and directing seasonal employees, and serves as the field lead when the Cemetery Operational Administrator is absent, ensuring normal day-to-day operations continue safely and efficiently. Strong scheduling, planning, organization, judgment, and problem-solving skills are essential. Knowledge of and adherence to National Cemetery Administration standards and established cemetery procedures is the guiding principle for all work. The position also participates in winter on-call and emergency operations as assigned.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Who May Apply

This position, Cemetery Grounds Specialist I (Job Requisition #55631), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Class Definition

Maintenance work for the Vermont Military Department. Incumbents, working under the rules and regulations of the United States military, engage in maintenance activities within multiple trades. Work is performed under the direction of a qualified individual and reports to the district facilities supervisor.

Work is performed at State and Federal military facilities statewide. An incumbent often works near or with hazardous materials, including ammunition. Work requires entering confined spaces, removing snow on runways, and exposure to loud noises. An incumbent operates heavy equipment. Since work is performed at State and Federal military facilities statewide, an incumbent must be eligible to obtain and hold a secret security clearance issued by the federal government. An incumbent must be able to climb ladders and lift equipment and materials weighing as much as fifty pounds. Work is performed in all kinds of weather. Some work outside of normal working hours may be required, including travel and overnight stay.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Building Trades/Vocational Education

Military experience

Previous experience working on a military installation

Special Requirements

Incumbents of this job may be required to have issued a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC), which is issued only upon passing a federal background check (Tier 1) including a fingerprint-supported criminal record check. Possession of CAC may be a condition of continued employment according to assigned duties and or location.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.