Funeral Undertakers (Various Region)

Icebolethu Group; East London; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Icebolethu Burial Services, based in the Fleet Centre division, seeks a dual-function Funeral Undertaker and Driver to support funeral activities and safely operate company vehicles for removals and processions.

Responsibilities include assisting with preparation of the deceased, coordinating with families, processing burial orders, and maintaining vehicles. Night duties may be required; candidates must have a PDP. Grade 12 and Funeral Practice certification are required.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Certificate is required.
• Valid Driver’s License with a PDP is essential.
• Certificate in Funeral Practice is required.
• Diploma or Degree in Mortuary Science or Forensic Sciences is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Drive allocated company vehicles for removal of the deceased from death place to designated parlours.
• Safely operate hearses and vehicles to transport the deceased to burial sites during services.
• Perform daily pre-trip vehicle inspections and report defects.
• Maintain cleanliness of company vehicles (interior and exterior).
• Log trip mileage, routes, and fuel transactions in the logbook.
• Adhere to the Driver Code of Conduct during processions (dress, behaviour, speed limits).
• Assist with preparation of the deceased (washing, dressing, embalming when required).
• Assist in taking bereaved families to the chapel for services and viewings.
• Process burial orders and administrative paperwork, and inspect cemetery equipment.
• Respond to client queries respectfully and maintain communication with families and the office.
• Assist with event setups (tents, fixtures, floral displays) and nighttime duties.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Empathy

Punctuality

Education

Grade 12 Certificate

Certificate in Funeral Practice

Diploma or Degree in Mortuary Science/Forensic Sciences

Job description

Icebolethu Burial Services is seeking suitable candidates to fill the dual-function position ofFuneral Undertaker & Driver. Based within the Fleet Centre division, successful candidates will be responsible for providing compassionate support during funeral activities while safely operating company vehicles for deceased removals, funeral processions, and transportation.

• Drive allocated company vehicles to conduct the removal of the deceased from the place of death to designated parlours.

• Safely operate hearses and assigned vehicles to transport the deceased to burial sites during services.

• Perform daily pre-trip vehicle inspections using standard checklists and report any defects immediately.

• Maintain clean company vehicles daily (interior and exterior).

• Accurately log trip mileage, routes, and all fuel transactions in the vehicle logbook.

• Strictly adhere to Icebolethu’s Driver Code of Conduct:

  • Wear a formal suit jacket at all times while operating the hearse.

  • Keep windows wound halfway down during funeral processions.

  • Turn off music, avoid hooting, waving, or chatting with onlookers during processions.

  • Maintain professional decorum (strictly no eating, drinking beverages, or smoking in vehicles).

  • Adhere strictly to road regulations and maximum speed limits (do not exceed 100 km/h).

  • Use company vehicles exclusively for authorized business purposes.

Undertaking & Mortuary Support

• Assist with the preparation of the deceased, including washing, dressing, embalming (when required), and arranging bodies for viewing.

• Assist in taking bereaved families to the chapel for services and viewings.

• Process burial orders, documentation, and administrative paperwork accurately.

• Operate, clean, and inspect cemetery equipment, reporting any faults promptly.

Client Relations & Logistics

• Respond respectfully to client queries in line with Icebolethu processes.

• Maintain timely communication with family representatives and the office to ensure seamless coordination.

• Assist with physical setups, including pitching tents, arranging fixtures, and setting up floral displays.

• Undertake night duty shifts and perform any other duties as assigned by management.

• Grade 12 Certificate.

• Valid Driver’s License with a Professional Driving Permit (PDP) — Essential.

• Certificate in Funeral Practice.

• Diploma or Degree in Mortuary Science or Forensic Sciences (Advantageous).

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar Undertaker/Driver role.

• Proven working experience as an Embalmer (Advantageous).

• Reliable personal transportation to and from the workplace.

Core Attributes

• Strong ethical and moral values with deep respect for grieving families.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and business communication skills.

• Exceptional time management and punctuality.