Funeral Apprentice

Milestone Funeral Partner; City of Elmira (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Milestone Funeral Partners in Elmira, NY seeks a compassionate Funeral Director Apprentice to join our team. This entry-level role is designed for recent mortuary science graduates or apprentices, offering hands-on experience across funeral service.

You will support licensing requirements, assist families, coordinate arrangements, and help with visitations, services, and daily operations. Evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call availability is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Enrolled in or recently completed a mortuary science program as required by licensing.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record.
• Must meet state licensing requirements for funeral service.
• Previous funeral home/cemetery experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support licensed funeral directors in coordinating and conducting funeral and memorial services with professionalism and care.
• Assist families throughout the arrangement process with compassionate service.
• Assist with preparation of the deceased, including identification, dressing, and cremated remains preparation.
• Prepare documentation, contracts, permits, and online records accurately and in compliance with regulations.
• Assist with logistics of funeral services including transportation, parking, ushering, setup and breakdown, and cemetery arrangements.
• Ensure all authorizations and documentation are completed for cremation and burial.
• Maintain compliance with licensing requirements and regulations.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Compassionate service

Team player

Education

Mortuary science program

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Elmira, NY, US

Salary Range: $45,000.00 To $55,000.00 Annually

Milestone Funeral Partners is seeking a compassionate, service-driven Funeral Director Apprentice to join our growing team in Elmira, NY. This entry-level opportunity is designed for recent mortuary science graduates and apprentices who are ready to build their careers through meaningful, hands-on experience with one of the Northeast’s leading funeral service organizations.

This full-time opportunity supports operations across two locations: James D. Barrett Funeral Home and McInerny Funeral Home.

Why Join Milestone?

When you join Milestone, you're becoming part of a team that is deeply connected to the communities we serve. Every day, your work helps families navigate some of life's most difficult moments with compassion, dignity, and exceptional care. We value your expertise, invest in your growth, and help you build a career with purpose.

About the Role

As a Funeral Director Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of experienced funeral professionals to gain valuable experience across every aspect of the profession. From meeting with families and coordinating arrangements to assisting during visitations, funerals, memorials, and daily funeral home operations, you'll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build a successful career as a licensed Funeral Director.

Evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call availability is required.

What You’ll Do

• Support licensed funeral directors in coordinating and conducting funeral and memorial services with professionalism, care, and attention to detail
• Assist families throughout the arrangement process by providing compassionate customer service and guidance
• Assist with respectful care and preparation of the deceased, including identification verification, dressing, cosmetology, and preparation of cremated remains
• Prepare and complete required documentation, contracts, permits, and online records accurately and in compliance with applicable regulations
• Assist with funeral service logistics, including vehicle operation, parking coordination, ushering, setup and breakdown, cemetery services, and transportation of flowers, keepsakes, and personal items
• Support cremation and burial arrangements while ensuring all authorizations and required documentation are completed
• Maintain compliance with all applicable professional, state, and federal licensing requirements

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a mortuary science program from an accredited institution, as required by applicable state licensing requirements
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record
• Ability to meet applicable state licensing requirements for funeral service
• Previous experience in a funeral home, cemetery, crematory, or related environment preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact compassionately with families during difficult times

Our employees enjoy a competitive compensation package, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, retirement savings plan (401k), access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more.

About Our Team

At Milestone Funeral Partners, our employees are our greatest investment. Across every location, our leaders are committed to creating an environment where staff feel supported, trusted, and empowered to grow. We provide the tools, training, and opportunities needed to build rewarding careers while nurturing a culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous learning.