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- Tasks: Join our team to prepare graves and maintain cemetery grounds with respect.
- Company: Wakefield Council, dedicated to enhancing community services.
- Benefits: Full-time hours, ongoing training, discounted transport, and great leisure perks.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Driving licence, plant machinery qualifications, and grave digging experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Cemeteries Operative to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our Council’s Street Scene & Bereavement Services.
What will be expected from me?
To work as part of a team in the Council’s Bereavement Service with particular duties relating to the Cemeteries Team; preparing graves and maintaining the grounds, whilst working in a manner which maintains an atmosphere of reverence and respect.
What I might be doing?
- Undertake a range of grave related work, including repairing graves, vault construction, dealing with collapsed and flooded graves, dealing with cremated remains, carrying out exhumations.
- Maintain high standards of maintenance in cemetery grounds by undertaking a full range of grounds maintenance work including grass cutting, re-instatement works to worn or damaged areas of grass, shrub bed maintenance, planting, hedge cutting, weed spraying, sweeping of paths, litter picking, emptying of litter bins and removal of old floral tributes.
- Carry out minor repairs to the cemetery infrastructure i.e. paths, walls.
- Operate pedestrian mowers, strimmers, hand-held hedge cutters, back pack blowers and similar items including hand tools.
- Operate a range of powered grounds maintenance machinery and plant including JCB, mini diggers, tractors, ride-on mowers, side-arm hedge cutters and pneumatic drills. Ensure that all machinery and equipment used is well maintained, fit for purpose and operated correctly and safely at all times.
- Deal positively with service users providing advice and guidance as needed and assist them with their enquiries.
- Play an active role in achieving consistency and in maintaining high standards of maintenance throughout the cemeteries.
- Report accidents, near misses, damage and acts of vandalism or antisocial behaviour.
- Assist with emergency plan incidents, including winter gritting and major clean ups.
- Maintain effective communication with the line managers and office support staff with regard to information on burials to ensure that the correct graves have been identified prior to excavation works. Maintain accurate records of works undertaken.
Essential requirements:
- Driving licence categories C1+E.
- NPTC level 2 plant machinery or equivalent qualification.
- CITB Mechanical Excavator accreditation or equivalent qualification.
- Appropriate training / qualifications in managing safety.
- Appropriate qualification in grave digging.
What can I expect?
- This is a full-time post of 37 hours per week.
- Support and ongoing training.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
- The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and many more.
For further enquiries please contact Tony Bowler, Bereavement Operations Officer on 01924 307446 or for further information and guidance, or to apply online please visit Wakefield Council’s website.
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Nicola Miller. Tel: 01924 307831 E-mail: nmiller@wakefield.gov.uk
To apply please click the Apply Now link below. This role expires 09/11/2025.
Cemeteries Operative (Burials) (Full Time) employer: Environmentjournal
Contact Detail:
Environmentjournal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cemeteries Operative (Burials) (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Council’s Bereavement Services. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like grave preparation and grounds maintenance. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in these areas, so you can impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! While it’s important to be comfortable, make sure you look professional for your interview. A smart appearance shows respect for the role and the people you’ll be working with, especially in a sensitive environment like this.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on Wakefield Council’s site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows that you’re serious about the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Cemeteries Operative (Burials) (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences match what we're looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position and understand what it entails.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a well-structured application. Use clear language and keep your sentences short and to the point. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications without getting lost in too much detail.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Environmentjournal
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the specific duties of a Cemeteries Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like grave preparation, grounds maintenance, and operating machinery. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Respect and Sensitivity
Given the nature of the work, it's crucial to convey your understanding of the importance of maintaining an atmosphere of reverence. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations and interact respectfully with service users.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Bring attention to any qualifications or experience you have with machinery, grounds maintenance, or safety management. If you have a driving licence for C1+E or relevant plant machinery qualifications, make sure to mention these as they are essential for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or the council's approach to maintaining high standards in cemeteries. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.