Lead Cremation Specialist &Operations Coordinator

Thomas McAfee; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas McAfee in Greenville, SC is seeking a Lead Cremation Specialist to oversee daily cremation operations and coordinate scheduling across Funeral Service teams. This role acts as a backup operator in the cremation center and drives logistical efficiency.

You will manage retort operations, ensure compliance with EPA and state laws, and coordinate staff for services, on-call transfers, and vehicle operations while maintaining strict records and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Certification: Valid Certified Crematory Operator (CCO) designation or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• 2-3 years of crematory operations or funeral home logistics supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license with clean insurable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cremation center operations and provide backup to the primary operator.
• Safely operate cremation equipment per manufacturer guidelines, EPA standards, and local laws.
• Maintain meticulous logs and chain-of-custody documentation for accuracy.
• Coordinate master scheduling with directors and part-time staff for services.
• Transport and escort deceased and family members as needed.
• Verify all necessary permits and IDs prior to transport or operations.
• Maintain company vehicles and ensure health and safety compliance.

Skills

Scheduling

Logistics management

Communication

Team coordination

Operations oversight

Job description

Description

Job Title: Lead Cremation Specialist & Operations Coordinator

Location: White Horse Road, Greenville, SC

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: COO

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and highly adaptable Lead Cremation Specialist to oversee our daily cremation operations. This role is central to maintaining the seamless continuity of our Cremation Center. This role will also assist in the scheduling department, by coordinating the necessary staff members for all funeral service needs. In addition, this role will assist in many other areas of funeral service, such as working funerals and driving company vehicles.

The ideal candidate brings a high level of technical competency, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a deeply respectful demeanor to ensure every family's wishes are executed flawlessly.

Key Responsibilities

Cremation Center Coverage & Operation

• Act as the primary operational backup in the cremation center, stepping in to manage daily retort operations, processing, and packaging when the primary operator is off.
• Safely operate and monitor cremation equipment in strict accordance with manufacturer guidelines, EPA standards, and local environmental laws.
• Maintain meticulous records of the cremation process, tracking logs, and chain-of-custody documentation to guarantee 100% accuracy.

Funeral Service Operations

• Telephone and Reception Operations: Monitors telephones and processes calls in an efficient, accurate, and professional manner.
• Visitation and Funeral Services: Approaches visitors as they enter the facility, providing a warm and comfortable greeting.
• Funeral and Memorial Services: Follow company protocol for the position assigned, to assist in carrying out each funeral or memorial service.
• Driving and Escorting: Transports deceased, client family members, visitors, equipment, and staff as needed.
• Respond to first calls and perform dignified, professional removals and transfers from residential and medical facilities.
• Ensure all necessary legal documentation, permits, and identification tags are thoroughly verified and in place prior to transport or any operational steps.
• Maintain and care for company vehicles, ensuring they are clean, stocked, and presentable at all times.
• Health and Safety: Adheres to company policies for the health and safety of personnel.
• Working Relationships: Interacts with other associates to facilitate positive, productive working relationships.
• Performance and Professionalism: Consistently exhibits satisfactory levels of performance.
• General: Perform other duties as assigned and directed to satisfaction of supervisor.

Scheduling & Logistics Coordination

• Manage the master operational schedule for all services
• Communicate with Directors for their scheduling needs for funeral services and scheduling the necessary staff to work services.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the funeral directing team, the part time team, and the management team, to maintain an efficient, error-free workflow.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• Certification: Valid Certified Crematory Operator (CCO) designation (CANA, NFDA, or equivalent state-certified program) or the ability to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
• Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in crematory operations, funeral home logistics, or a highly related supervisory/coordinating role within deathcare.
• Logistical Skills: Proven ability to manage schedules, balance competing priorities, and communicate clearly across multiple departments.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift, push, and pull significant weight (up to 500 lbs assisted) and perform the physical demands of removals and equipment operations.
• Licensing: Clean, valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
• Availability: Ability to participate in an on-call rotation for transfers, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by operational demands.