At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a friendly team maintaining beautiful cemetery grounds and providing compassionate services.
- Company: Public sector organisation dedicated to serving the community with care.
- Benefits: Stable employment, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and support for all.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working outdoors and helping families during difficult times.
- Qualifications: Must have the right to work in the UK and be physically capable.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to become part of the Bereavement Services ground staff team at Coney Hill Cemetery and Crematorium.
Reports to the Bereavement services grounds foreman. The role is part of a small, friendly team operating within the public sector, providing cremation and burial services to bereaved families and the general public.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the grounds to a high standard – operating machinery, mowing, hedge trimming, edging, cultivation, manuring and site preparation of beds and shrubberies; sweeping, hoeing, cleaning leaves and litter and other duties relating to the Cemetery and Crematorium gardens.
- Prepare graves for burials – ensuring that excavated soil is covered, placing out boards, matting and logs.
- Excavate graves both manually and mechanically, observing all prescribed health and safety practices, using shoring at all times and covering immediately after completion.
- Dealing with the bereaved on a daily basis with a high level of empathy and good communication and customer care skills.
Qualifications
- Right to work within the UK for at least 6 months; right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.
- Fluent English, ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence.
- Self‑motivated, enthusiastic, physically capable of the duties described above.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We recognise the positive value of equality and diversity and pride ourselves on growing a high‑performing workforce that is diverse, skilled and talented; that represents the community it serves. We aim to recruit a diverse pool of talent and will recruit the person who is most suited to the job without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, age, nationality, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, caring responsibilities or disability. We are a disability confident employer committed to removing barriers to employment for those with disabilities or long‑term health conditions. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure to ensure that no‑one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If you require support or reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please contact recruitment@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Application Details
The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Applicants from this position must be able to demonstrate right to work and a commitment to at least six months employment. If you are an Internal applicant who considers themselves to have a disability, please declare this in an email to recruitment@gloucestershire.gov.uk – this is not currently covered in the application due to a technical error, but will enable you to be considered for a guaranteed interview under our Disability Confident pledge if you meet all essential criteria.
Bereavement Officer Groundsman in Gloucester employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With flexible hybrid working options and opportunities for professional growth, staff are encouraged to develop their skills in a collaborative environment dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people in care.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Officer Groundsman in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Coney Hill Cemetery and Crematorium. Understanding their values and how they support bereaved families can help you connect with the team during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with machinery or grounds maintenance, be ready to share specific examples. We want to hear about how you’ve tackled similar tasks in the past and how you can bring that expertise to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Empathy is key! Since you'll be dealing with bereaved families, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate with compassion. Think of a time when you had to handle a sensitive situation and be prepared to discuss it.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Officer Groundsman in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the role of Bereavement Officer Groundsman. Share why you’re drawn to working in a cemetery and crematorium setting, and how you can contribute to maintaining a respectful and serene environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to emphasise any experience you have with grounds maintenance or machinery operation. We want to know about your physical capabilities and any customer care skills that will help you connect with bereaved families.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see how you fit the role. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the job!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to show you’re serious about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Bereavement Officer Groundsman. Understand the importance of maintaining cemetery grounds and how it impacts bereaved families. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role during the interview.
✨Show Empathy and Communication Skills
Since you'll be dealing with bereaved families, it's crucial to convey empathy and strong communication skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled sensitive situations or provided excellent customer care.
✨Health and Safety Awareness
Brush up on health and safety practices relevant to the role, especially regarding grave excavation and machinery operation. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work, as this is a key aspect of the job.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role is part of a small, friendly team, so showcasing your ability to work well with others is essential. Think of examples that highlight your teamwork skills and how you contribute positively to a group dynamic.
