EQUIPMENT OPERATOR / GREENSWORKER (CEMETERY)

Herndon; Virginia; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Herndon is seeking a Cemetery Groundskeeper to maintain Chestnut Grove Cemetery grounds in line with the Cemetery Manager’s plans. This role involves mowing, trimming around memorials, digging graves, installing foundations, and operating heavy equipment outdoors four seasons.

Ideal candidates will work with empathy in emotionally charged situations, demonstrate physical stamina, and be available as essential personnel during weather-related emergencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in cemetery maintenance preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable record.

Responsibilities

• Mows grounds and trims around memorials and markers; tidy grounds and assist with general landscaping tasks.
• Marks off burial sites and foundation locations; opens and closes grave sites; digs graves as directed.
• Installs grave foundations, monuments, markers and pours concrete.
• Operates hand tools, power tools, and equipment including turf vehicle and tractor.
• Assists in equipment maintenance and minor repair work.
• Maintains town vehicles and clean work areas.
• Assist with snow and ice removal during inclement weather as needed.
• Works outdoors in a four-season environment and demonstrates emotional maturity with the public.

Skills

Cemetery maintenance experience

Grounds-keeping experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The purpose of this position is to maintain the cemetery grounds of Chestnut Grove Cemetery, in accordance with objectives and work plans outlined by the Cemetery Manager or their designee. Employees in this classification perform skilled grounds maintenance work. Position is responsible for mowing grounds, trimming around memorials and markers, marking off burial sites and foundation locations, opening and closing of grave sites, and installation of grave foundations, monuments, and markers.

The cemetery environment can be professionally challenging due to the potential for highly emotional interactions with the public. The ideal candidate will engage with the public using a compassionate and empathetic approach. Although the physical demands of the job are paramount, emotional maturity is equally important to be successful.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Mows grounds and trims around memorials and markers; performs general clean-up, including flowers, trash and debris; oversees and participates in general landscaping, including watering, pruning, trimming trees and shrubs; spreads seed; mulches flower beds; treats grounds as needed; maintains shop area, bathrooms and parking lot.

2. Marks off burial sites and foundation locations; opens and closes grave sites; digs graves as directed to specific standards; installs grave foundations, monuments, and markers and pours concrete.

3. Operates hand tools, drills and other power tools; operates chipper/shredder; operates facility vehicles, turf vehicle, front end loader and tractor.

4. Assists in equipment maintenance; assembles and disassembles mowing equipment and replaces parts as needed; performs minor maintenance on tractors and other equipment.

5. Cleans and maintains town vehicles within the Chestnut Grove fleet.

6. Assists with snow and ice removal as needed; may be expected to report for duty during periods of inclement weather/administrative leave at the direction of the Cemetery Manager.

7. Performs work primarily outdoors in a four-season environment.

8. Engages compassionately and empathetically with the public; displays emotional maturity during challenging interactions with the public.

Position is considered “essential personnel”; defined as staff who are required to report to their designated work location during weather-related or other emergencies, even when town offices are closed or normal operations are suspended.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in cemetery maintenance preferred.
• Experience in grounds-keeping a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable record.

Duties involve the ability to exert heavy, physical effort, and involves some lifting, carrying, pushing, climbing, crouching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling up to approximately 100 pounds. Duties may also require coordinated movements to operate different types of equipment and vehicles. Duties may also require adequate visual perception, as well as adequate oral communications abilities.

Duties may risk exposure to adverse, environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, animal pests, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, loud machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease and pathogenic substances.