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- Tasks: Join a dedicated team maintaining cemeteries with dignity and respect.
- Company: South Lanarkshire Council, committed to community and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a sensitive environment while supporting the bereaved.
- Qualifications: Must be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for disabled applicants and veterans meeting criteria.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 ÂŁ per year.
South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
Internal applicants MUST apply via Opportunity Marketplace. Please ensure you complete your SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS via the “Me” tab/tile on Fusion or by clicking on the application link in the section of the application form titled “REVIEW SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS”.
ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by Wednesday 21 January 2026 AT 11:55PM
Location: Forrest Street Depot, 18 Forrest Street, Blantyre, G72 0JP
Hours: 37 hours per week
Work Pattern: Monday - Thursday 8am - 4.30pm and Friday 8am - 1.30pm
Community and Enterprise Resources are seeking to appoint a Cemetery Operative (Memorial) based at Forrest Street, Blantyre. The successful applicant will be working with a small team and, due to the extremely sensitive nature of working in a cemetery environment, is expected to perform tasks in a dignified and professional manner. Applicants should be aware that this role requires working in a sensitive environment and it is a requirement to be mindful of the sensitivities and heightened emotions for the bereaved and all those who are using/visiting our facilities.
This is a front-line role, and you may be approached by those affected in what is a most distressing time for them, as such you should bear this in mind when considering applying for this post.
The main duties and responsibilities will include:
- Responsible for carrying out assessments in relation to South Lanarkshire Council's Headstone Safety Programme.
- To liaise with Cemetery Assistant (Memorial) regarding assessment information.
- Update and provide detailed information relating to headstone and memorial stability.
- Undertake lair identification, inspection and monitoring of existing memorials.
- Carry out “making safe” works in line with South Lanarkshire Council's Safe System of Work.
- Assist/participate, when required, in additional duties within Bereavement Services.
- Provide the highest standards of customer service, dealing with customer enquiries, requests and complaints.
- Provide advice and guidance to members of the public on technical matters relating to memorial headstone safety.
Service provision is required throughout the year and in all types of weather. The service provision includes public holidays and weekends; it is therefore an essential criterion that the successful candidates are expected to be available to work during these times and conditions.
Please answer the following questions as part of your application submission; your answers should be uploaded under supporting documents:
- Are you able and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year?
- Do you have experience working with lifting equipment/machinery in a high profile setting?
- Are you able to perform physically demanding tasks on a daily basis? (e.g. lifting, manual handling, walking)
If you require to submit any further additional information to support your application (not a CV), please upload this under supporting documents.
Please Apply online - All correspondence will be via your email address.
Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.
Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.
Overseas Criminal Records Check: An Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants were born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of three months in the past 10 years. Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.
Equal Opportunities and Armed Forces Community Covenant: South Lanarkshire Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourages applications from all members of the community. We are a Disability Confident Scheme Employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of the person specification job description. South Lanarkshire Council is committed to providing support to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families which is set out in the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Veterans & Service leavers are guaranteed an interview who meet the essential criteria of the person specification job description.
As an employee of South Lanarkshire Council, you would also receive a wide range of benefits including:
- Enrolment in award-winning local government pension scheme.
- To increase the value of their pension pot, Local Government Employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.
- Up to 33 days annual leave.
- Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days).
- Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave enhanced leave.
- Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema.
- Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support).
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CVs IN PLACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM. To be considered for this vacancy you must complete the application form. All CV submissions will be disregarded.
About Us: South Lanarkshire Council is the unitary authority serving the South Lanarkshire council area in Scotland. The council has its headquarters in Hamilton, has 16,000 employees, and a budget of almost ÂŁ1bn. The large and varied geographical territory takes in rural and upland areas, market towns such as Lanark, Strathaven and Carluke, the urban burghs of Rutherglen, Cambuslang, and East Kilbride which was Scotland's first new town. Our vision is for South Lanarkshire as set out in our Economic Strategy is to have one of the strongest and most dynamic economies in Scotland, where businesses, communities, and residents achieve their full potential and prosper. We will achieve this through three key interrelated themes:
- People - skills, learning and employability
- Place - physical infrastructure and place
- Business - business development and growth
Job Info:
Job Identification: 3380
Posting Date: 01/07/2026, 11:24 AM
Apply Before: 01/21/2026, 11:55 PM
Job Schedule: Full time
Locations: Sydes Brae, Blantyre, G72 0TL, GB
COMM ENT 3380 G1 - Grounds Operative (Cemeteries) (606803) employer: South Lanarkshire Council
Contact Detail:
South Lanarkshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land COMM ENT 3380 G1 - Grounds Operative (Cemeteries) (606803)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the environment! Research what it means to be a Grounds Operative in a cemetery. Understanding the sensitivities involved will help you connect better with the interviewers and show that you're the right fit for this unique role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We want you to feel confident when discussing your ability to handle physically demanding tasks and work outdoors in all weather!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service skills! Since you'll be dealing with the public during sensitive times, think of examples where you've provided excellent service or handled difficult situations. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain professionalism in challenging circumstances.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Make sure to complete all sections, especially the skills and qualifications part, so we can see just how great you are for this position!
We think you need these skills to ace COMM ENT 3380 G1 - Grounds Operative (Cemeteries) (606803)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the role involves and the skills required. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Highlight Relevant Experience: When filling out the application form, focus on your experience that relates directly to the role of Grounds Operative. Whether it's working outdoors or handling sensitive situations, make sure to showcase your relevant skills and experiences.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: Don’t rush through the questions in the application. Take your time to provide detailed answers, especially regarding your ability to work in all weather conditions and any experience with lifting equipment. This is your chance to shine!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we want you to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it keeps everything organised for us, which helps speed up the process. Don’t forget to submit any supporting documents as well!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire Council
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Grounds Operative in a cemetery. Familiarise yourself with tasks like headstone safety assessments and liaising with team members. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Empathy and Professionalism
Given the sensitive nature of working in a cemetery, it's crucial to demonstrate empathy during your interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle interactions with bereaved families and maintain professionalism in challenging situations. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with lifting equipment and performing physically demanding tasks. Think of specific examples from your past work where you've successfully handled similar responsibilities. This will showcase your practical skills and readiness for the job.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the council supports its employees in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
