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Job description

The Cemetery Operative will assist the Cemetery Team Leader to ensure the implementation of safe and efficient procedures and to maintain a high standard of service and successful operational delivery. Please see employer website for full job details & person specification.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the general upkeep and maintenance of all cemeteries sites and facilities across the Borough in accordance with service requirements and in line with good horticultural practice.
• The removal of litter, rubbish and dog fouling, the emptying of all litterbins as well as tidying and cleaning stores and toilets within buildings and the undertaking of memorial safety inspections).
• Liaise with all relevant parties pertaining to all burials and masonry work within cemeteries (Cemetery Administration office, Undertakers, Clergy, and Stonemasons etc.
• Responsible for the interpretation of maps, registration books and marking out graves prior to starting excavation works, reporting any irregularities, (including damage or vandalism of headstones or surrounds).
• Dig graves, both mechanically and by hand to the required depth and prepare and present the grave before committal, assisting in the transfer of the remains for committal. Carry out exhumation as and when required.
• Backfill graves immediately after committal, removing all excess spoil and leaving in a clean and safe manner, placing floral tributes in a presentable manner on or around backfilled area.
• Maintain and keep safe all cemetery maps, detailed records of grave plots (including depths) and other records appropriate for the upkeep of the cemetery, including the uploading of information onto Council’s Cemetery Management software.
• Provide help and assistance to members of the public in a sympathetic and courteous manner.
• Operate all machinery, tools and equipment in a safe, appropriate manner and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, having a due regard for health and safety.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must have a minimum of Entry Level Essential Skills qualifications in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy.
• Please demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that you have one year’s experience in General grounds maintenance work.
• Please demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that you have one year’s experience in using a range of grounds maintenance machinery and hand tools including ‘ride on’ and ‘pedestrian’ mower, strimmers etc.
• Applicants must hold (or being willing to obtain within six months of appointment see below) PA1 and PA6 pesticides spraying certificate.
• Applicants who do not hold PA1 and PA6 pesticides spraying certificate at the time of application will be considered but must attain these qualifications within the designated probationary period which is 6 months from the date of appointment.
• A full current driving licence valid in the UK and access to a vehicle OR have access to a form of transport that enables you to carry out the duties of the post.
• Applies only to applicants who have a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Further Information

Duration: Approximately 3 months. Closing date: Monday 3rd July.