Groundskeeper

Amherst; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Forest Lawn Cemetery & Crematory Group is seeking a dedicated Groundskeeper to maintain our cemetery grounds with care and respect for families and visitors. You will perform mowing, hedge trimming, seasonal tasks, and grave preparation while ensuring safety and dignity.

This outdoor role requires physical stamina and the ability to work in varying weather conditions, with occasional overtime and weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Groundskeeping, landscaping or related experience preferred.
• Experience operating lawn and garden equipment preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and respect for graves and memorial spaces.
• Compassionate demeanor and ability to interact appropriately with grieving families.
• Physical stamina for lifting, digging and outdoor manual work.
• Dependable with strong adherence to schedules.

Responsibilities

• Mow lawns, trim hedges and plant and care for flowers, trees and shrubs.
• Keep pathways, memorials and surrounding areas clean and well maintained.
• Perform seasonal work, including snow removal and leaf clearing.
• Assist with irrigation, fertilization and pest control.
• Safely operate mowers, chainsaws, snowplows and other grounds equipment.
• Prepare gravesites accurately and respectfully and coordinate layouts.
• Meet and lead funeral processions as requested.
• Assist families with compassion and professionalism during services.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Are you passionate about working outdoors and take pride in maintaining beautiful, serene spaces? Forest Lawn Cemetery & Crematory Group is seeking a dedicated, dependable and compassionate Groundskeeper to join our team. This position helps maintain the beauty and safety of our cemetery grounds while providing dignified grave preparation and respectful assistance to families and visitors.

About Forest Lawn

Forest Lawn Cemetery is one of the first deliberately designed and professionally landscaped rural cemeteries in the United States. Today, more than 165,000 permanent residents rest within our 269-acre, not-for-profit cemetery, where all are welcome.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
• Rotating Saturdays, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
• Sundays as requested or required
• Occasional mandatory overtime as needed

Essential Functions

Grounds Maintenance

• Mow lawns, trim hedges and plant and care for flowers, trees and shrubs.
• Keep pathways, memorials and surrounding areas clean and well maintained.
• Perform seasonal work, including snow removal and leaf clearing.
• Assist with irrigation, fertilization and pest control.
• Safely operate mowers, chainsaws, snowplows and other grounds equipment.

Grave Preparation & Interment Services

• Prepare gravesites accurately and respectfully.
• Coordinate grave layouts and opening and closing duties with Interment Services.
• Install and properly record markers.
• Safely operate equipment including skid steers, excavators, backhoes and hand tools.
• Set up gravesites for services and restore grounds afterward.
• Assist with crypt and niche openings and closings.
• Meet and lead funeral processions as requested.

Family & Funeral Service Assistance

• Assist families with compassion, professionalism and respect.
• Provide guidance during graveside services as needed.
• Communicate with funeral directors and cemetery staff to help ensure services run smoothly.

General Maintenance & Other Duties

• Help maintain safe buildings and grounds for visitors and staff.
• Perform light repairs and routine maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Keep work areas, shops, break rooms and storage areas clean and organized.
• Report grounds, equipment and safety concerns promptly.
• Assist with maintenance of fences, roads, signs, water and sewer lines.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures.
• Work assigned weekends and holidays as needed.
• Travel to Forest Lawn Group cemetery locations as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Groundskeeping, landscaping or related experience preferred.
• Experience operating lawn and garden equipment preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and respect for graves and memorial spaces.
• Compassionate demeanor and ability to interact appropriately with grieving families.
• Physical stamina for lifting, digging and outdoor manual work.
• Dependable with strong adherence to schedules.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This is an active, outdoor position involving regular physical work in varying weather conditions. Employees must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel and use their hands and arms throughout the workday; read, write and use a computer and mobile phone; lift and move up to 100 lbs., including granite markers; and work on uneven or sloped terrain for extended periods. Regular exposure to outdoor elements, dirt, dust and cleaning materials is expected. Routine use of tools and maintenance equipment is required. Occasional travel to other Forest Lawn Group cemetery locations may be necessary.

Forest Lawn is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will be considered for employment or promotion without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or any other category protected by law.