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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain memorial gardens and support funerals with care.
- Company: Cheltenham Borough Council, an award-winning and forward-thinking organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional development in a friendly team.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference every day while working outdoors in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a strong customer-focused approach.
The predicted salary is between 26824 - 28142 £ per year.
Ready to make a meaningful difference every day? Join Cheltenham Borough Council as a Bereavement Services Operative - Grounds.
Location: Cheltenham, GL50 9SA
Salary: £26,824 - £28,142 (pay award pending wef 1 April 2026)
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 29 April 2026
Come and work for an award-winning organisation! We are an ambitious and forward-thinking council. We are committed to making Cheltenham a better place to live and work, enabling communities and businesses to thrive whilst protecting what is good about our town. We aim to be an employer of choice where everyone is treated fairly and feels valued and respected. We aim to provide a stimulating and rewarding working environment that encourages our people to work together, provides opportunities for them to reach their full potential and achieve a healthy work/life balance. Working at Cheltenham Borough Council means working as part of a committed, professional, and friendly team.
The Role:
We currently have an excellent opportunity for the right person to join our Bereavement Services grounds team. If working outside in all weathers, while completing a wide variety of physical tasks is what you find rewarding, we would love to hear from you. From maintaining memorial gardens to supporting funerals with respect and care, you'll be part of a service that works hard to deliver high standards to the bereaved.
What you'll be doing:
- Grounds and memorial care across two cemeteries, which includes grass care, tree planting, landscaping, memorial safety checks, memorial fixing and installation.
- Preparing graves for burial, using an excavator and hand tools, then back filling graves after the burial.
- Operate vehicles and machinery, in a safe and efficient manner, whilst adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Attend training as and when required.
- To be part of the burial and cremation process whilst being respectful of the environment you are working in.
- Provide help to the public, with empathy and calm.
- Assist in designing new memorial areas and improving service offerings.
You:
- Proactive team member with a positive attitude and a strong customer-focused approach to service delivery.
- Experienced in grounds maintenance, including grass care, landscaping, and physically demanding manual work.
- Able to communicate sensitively and professionally with bereaved individuals, visitors, and colleagues.
- Works effectively under pressure, maintaining accuracy while meeting strict timescales and handling detailed paperwork.
- Flexible and reliable, willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake additional hours when required.
- Capable of supervising staff, coordinating contractors, and supporting crematorium operations when needed.
Benefits:
- An excellent pension scheme. You will be eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- A generous holiday entitlement of 26 days (pro rata) rising to 31 days (pro rata) after five years.
Bereavement Services Operative - Grounds in Gloucester employer: Cheltenham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Cheltenham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Services Operative - Grounds in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Cheltenham Borough Council and its Bereavement Services. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your empathy skills! As a Bereavement Services Operative, you'll be dealing with sensitive situations. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to communicate compassionately during the interview. Maybe even prepare a few examples from past experiences where you've shown empathy.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss your background in grounds maintenance and any relevant physical tasks you've tackled. Highlighting your practical skills will reassure them that you're up for the job, especially when it comes to operating machinery and maintaining memorial areas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re keen and professional. And remember, apply through our website to make sure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Services Operative - Grounds in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the role! Share why you’re excited about working in bereavement services and how you can make a difference in people's lives.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in grounds maintenance and customer service. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Professional Yet Personal: While it’s important to maintain a professional tone, don’t forget to inject a bit of your personality into your application. We appreciate candidates who can communicate sensitively and connect with others, especially in this field.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this meaningful role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheltenham Borough Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Bereavement Services Operative - Grounds. Familiarise yourself with tasks like grounds maintenance, memorial care, and the importance of empathy in your role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in grounds maintenance or similar roles. Highlight specific examples where you've demonstrated skills like teamwork, customer service, and working under pressure. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
Since you'll be dealing with bereaved individuals, it's crucial to convey your ability to communicate sensitively. Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult situations in the past, showing that you can provide support while maintaining professionalism.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.