Lead Cemetery Groundskeeper (Veterans)

State of Tennessee; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee in Knoxville is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker 3 to perform skilled grounds maintenance at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike. The role leads tasks such as mowing, grave layout, headstone care, and safety compliance, under moderate supervision.

Applicants must meet high school education with two years of skilled labor or cemetery caretaker experience, plus a valid driver's license. The position requires lifting heavy items and working in varied weather.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and experience equivalent to two years of increasingly skilled full-time labor and trades experience including, at least, one year of experience in heavy equipment operation or two years full time as a Veterans Cemetery Caretaker with the State of Tennessee.
• Preferred Experience: Operation of various size excavators, farm tractors and skid loaders.

Responsibilities

• Leads others in performing cemetery grounds maintenance duties including cutting grass, trimming hedges, detail trimming around beds and buildings, maintaining flower beds, removing dead and unsightly flower arrangements, picking up and removing trash and brush from grounds, and cleaning headstones to maintain the dignity and appearance of the veterans cemetery.
• Leads others in assisting the equipment operators with opening of the grave by preparing the lowering device for setup and use in lowering casket into the grave, dressing and leveling the gravesite, and setting the Temporary Marker in line with adjacent markers. Acts as a safety spotter during burial operations to ensure all procedures are completed safely and with proper respect.
• Leads others in preparing grounds for headstone placement and sets headstone in accordance with National Cemetery Administration standards, including socket preparation, ensuring proper alignment, spacing, and uniformity to maintain the cemetery's dignified appearance. Sets headstones using NCA recommended procedures including proper use of survey stakes, top line and back line techniques to maintain consistent appearance throughout the cemetery grounds.
• Leads others in checking burial schedule and weather reports for daily scheduling; communicates necessary changes to supervisor and ensures all team members understand task priorities.
• Leads others in communicating clearly to the supervisor, peers, and visiting public, maintaining a respectful and professional demeanor when interacting with bereaved family members and visitors.
• Leads others in operating tools, devices, and equipment according to safety rules and regulations. Reviews job board safety and policy updates regularly. Ensures that personal protective equipment (PPE) is in good working condition and is worn by self and co-workers.
• Works in harsh conditions such as all kinds of severe weather including rain, snow, sleet, extreme heat and cold, and high winds to ensure cemetery grounds are properly maintained year-round. Prepares and applies proper chemicals for grounds including fertilizers and pesticides.
• Assists the foreman with administrative duties including regular data entry, documenting headstone placements and conditions, reporting on equipment status and maintenance needs, and maintaining required safety records. Functions as a safety officer for the team by conducting safety briefings, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and reporting potential hazards.
• Additional duties as assigned or delegated.

Skills

Heavy Equipment Operation

Time Management

Instructing

Safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with two years skilled labor or cemetery caretaker experience

Tools

Heavy equipment

Job description

State of Tennessee in Knoxville is seeking a Cemetery Caretaker 3 to perform skilled grounds maintenance at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike. The role leads tasks such as mowing, grave layout, headstone care, and safety compliance, under moderate supervision.

Applicants must meet high school education with two years of skilled labor or cemetery caretaker experience, plus a valid driver's license. The position requires lifting heavy items and working in varied weather.