VETERANS CEMETERY CARETAKER I

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) is seeking a Veterans Cemetery Caretaker for the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Maryland. This entry-level role works under supervision to maintain grounds and assist with dignified interments according to state and National Cemetery Administration (NCA) standards.

Responsibilities include gravesite preparation, headstone installation, general grounds maintenance, and assisting the public with information on interment

Qualifications

• Experience: None.
• Grounds maintenance experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform cemetery grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, debris removal).
• Assist with gravesite preparation, layout, and headstone installation under supervision.
• Open, staff, and close the cemetery office and grounds, responding to inquiries as needed.
• Ensure safety, proper storage of materials, and adherence to procedures.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Equipment operation

Gravesite and landscape maintenance

Building and equipment maintenance

Safety and customer service

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) was created by the State Legislature in 1999 as an executive agency with the mission of assisting veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents, in securing benefits earned through military service.

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) was created by the State Legislature in 1999 as an executive agency with the mission of assisting veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents, in securing benefits earned through military service.

Under the Department of Veterans and Military Families there are five major programs:

• Service and Benefits Program
• Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
• Cemetery and Memorial Program
• Communications, Outreach, & Advocacy Program’s
• Maryland Veterans Trust Fund

The Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) is seeking current qualified applicants for the position of Veterans Cemetery Caretaker.

GRADE

ASTD8

LOCATION OF POSITION

Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery

6827 E New Market Ellwood Road

Hurlock, Maryland 21643

POSITION DUTIES

The Veterans Cemetery Caretaker, will work under close supervision, performing entry-level cemetery maintenance and operational duties while learning established cemetery procedures and practices. They will assist experienced employees in providing dignified interment services and maintaining the grounds, facilities, equipment, and appearance of a Maryland State Veterans Cemetery in accordance with established State requirements and National Cemetery Administration (NCA) standards.

GRAVESITE PREPARATION/CLOSING

• Assist with gravesite layout and preparation.
• Assist with excavation under direct supervision.
• Help set up graveside service equipment.
• Assist with lowering devices.
• Assist with backfilling and restoring gravesites.
• Learn proper burial procedures and NCA standards.

Grounds Maintenance

• Mows grass using commercial mowers.
• Trims around headstones.
• Pulls weeds.
• Waters turf and flower beds.
• Removes debris and prohibited decorations.
• Assists with snow removal.

Grave Maintenance And Headstone Installation

• Cleans headstones.
• Assists with headstone installation.
• Repairs sunken graves under supervision.
• Installs sod and seed.

Duties May Include

• Opening, staffing, and closing the cemetery office and grounds and answering telephone calls when office staff are unavailable. In this capacity, the employee’s primary responsibility is to maintain site security, provide a point of public contact, and relay appropriate information or messages to the Cemetery Superintendent or designee upon their return.
• Assist the public by providing general information, locating gravesites, and explaining requirements regarding the proper placement of floral arrangements and other permissible items. Complaints, concerns, and issues beyond the employee’s level of responsibility are referred to the Cemetery Superintendent or appropriate office staff. In an emergency, the employee may provide assistance within the limits of their training and immediately contact the appropriate emergency responders.
• Maintain, inventory, and properly stores materials and supplies used in assigned duties, which may include loading and unloading trucks and moving materials, equipment, or furniture in support of special events or efficient cemetery operations. The employee maintains a safe work environment, follows established safety practices and instructions, reads and follows product labels, uses materials and supplies properly, and communicates effectively to support productivity and quality of work.
• This position may be required to work weekends and holidays at various times throughout the year.***

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: None.

Desired Or Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding the qualifications.

• Grounds Maintenance Experience: Experience performing grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, landscaping, and debris removal.
• Equipment Operation: Experience operating or maintaining lawn mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, trucks, or other grounds maintenance equipment.
• Gravesite and Landscape Maintenance: Experience with landscaping, turf restoration, headstone maintenance, sod installation, or similar outdoor maintenance activities.
• Building and Equipment Maintenance: Experience performing routine maintenance, cleaning, inspections, or minor repairs to buildings, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Safety and Customer Service: Experience following workplace safety procedures, using hand and power tools, and interacting professionally and respectfully with the public.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Special Requirements

Employees in this classification may be required to apply and store pesticides. Such employees shall use or apply pesticides in compliance with Maryland State pesticide regulations and licensing requirements.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.

We will not consider information submitted after this date.

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

Benefits

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.