At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dedicated team to support bereaved families in a respectful and professional manner.
- Company: South Lanarkshire Council, committed to equality and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Qualifications: Experience with machinery is a plus; training provided for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 31001 - 33432 € per year.
ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by Thursday 4 June 2026 AT 11:55pm.
Please ensure that you read the full advert text and do not submit a CV, as these will be disregarded as they do not form part of SLC application process. If you require to submit additional information to support your application, please upload this under supporting documents.
INTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY VIA OPPORTUNITY MARKETPLACE.
Location: Forrest Street Depot, 18 Forrest Street, Blantyre, G72 0JP
Hours: 37 hours per week
Work Pattern: Monday - Thursday 8am - 4pm and Friday 8am - 3.30pm
Salary: £31,001 - £33,432 annual salary
Community and Enterprise Resources are seeking to appoint a Cemetery Operative within our Bereavement Services team based at our depot in Forrest Street, Blantyre.
The successful applicant will be working in a small team and due to the extremely sensitive nature of working in cemeteries, the successful candidate is expected to perform tasks in a dignified and professional manner. Applicants should be aware when applying for this role it requires you to be working daily with the bereaved and it is a requirement to be mindful of the sensitivities and heightened emotions for those who are using/visiting our premises. This is a front-line role, and you may be approached by those affected in what is the most distressing time for them, as such you should bear this in mind when considering applying for this post.
The main roles and responsibilities will include the following:
- Assist with the identification of lairs.
- Excavation of lairs in line with safe digging practices as prescribed in the Council SSOW and COTS.
- Assistance with interments including the backfilling of lairs, lair make up and the installation of new foundations for headstone placement.
- Undertake basic grounds maintenance duties when not doing cemetery associated tasks.
- Experience of using mini excavators and/or dumpers is desirable. Training will be provided on Cemetery Operative Training Scheme (COTS) if required and on the use of hydraulic shoring.
The service provides interments throughout the year and in all types of weather. Service provision includes public holidays and weekends, it is therefore an essential criterion that the successful candidate is 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 machinery in a high profile setting?
- Are you able to perform physically demanding tasks on a daily basis?
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 born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of twelve 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 Inclusion statement: The Council is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Therefore, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community, including under-represented groups within our workforce. We are keen to receive applications from candidates who have a disability, who are from a care experienced background, who are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background, from a military service background and from those who are new Scots.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile for this position.
As proud holders of the UK Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, the Council is also committed to supporting members of the armed forces community, including service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. In line with this commitment, service leavers, their close family members, veterans and reservists will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile.
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).
- Occupational sick pay.
- 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).
COMM ENT 4633 G1 - Grounds Operative (Cemeteries) (606803) - 4633-461000840 in Blantyre employer: South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values dignity and professionalism, especially in sensitive roles like the Grounds Operative in Cemeteries. Employees benefit from a generous annual leave allowance, a robust pension scheme, and various family-friendly policies, all while working in a collaborative team environment that prioritises employee growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land COMM ENT 4633 G1 - Grounds Operative (Cemeteries) (606803) - 4633-461000840 in Blantyre
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the team! Research the Cemetery Operative position and understand what it entails. This will help you tailor your approach when you get the chance to chat with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for a face-to-face! If you get an interview, prepare to discuss how you can handle sensitive situations with care. Show that you understand the emotional weight of the job and how you can contribute positively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or others in the industry. They might give you insider tips on what the team values most, which can be a game-changer during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to upload any supporting documents that highlight your experience and skills relevant to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace COMM ENT 4633 G1 - Grounds Operative (Cemeteries) (606803) - 4633-461000840 in Blantyre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the entire job description. It’s packed with important details about what we’re looking for, and it’ll help you tailor your answers to fit our needs.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully:When you get to the application questions, take your time! We want to know about your experience and how it relates to the role. Be honest and specific in your responses to show us why you’d be a great fit.
Upload Supporting Documents Wisely:If you have any additional information that supports your application, don’t forget to upload it under supporting documents. Just remember, no CVs allowed! We’re looking for relevant info that highlights your skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply online via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application, and all correspondence will come through your email, so keep an eye on it!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Grounds Operative in cemeteries. Familiarise yourself with tasks like excavation, interments, and grounds maintenance. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Empathy and Sensitivity
Given the nature of the job, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy, especially in challenging circumstances. This will reassure the interviewers that you can interact respectfully with bereaved families.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your physical capabilities and experience with machinery. Be prepared to discuss any relevant skills or training you have, especially if you've worked outdoors or with equipment like mini excavators. Highlighting your readiness to learn new skills, such as those offered in the Cemetery Operative Training Scheme, can also be beneficial.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The role requires working in all weather conditions and during public holidays. Be honest about your availability and willingness to work under these circumstances. Showing that you're adaptable and committed to the job will make a positive impression on the interviewers.
