Closing date: 24 June 2026
Salary: Grade 14 - ranging from £25,185 to £25,989 per annum
Join us in caring for Somerset’s communities and the spaces that matter most to them, helping to create places of dignity, respect and remembrance for families and visitors.
As a Cemetery Operative, you’ll help maintain Somerset Council’s cemetery grounds as safe and respectful places for remembrance, supporting burial services and caring for families during sensitive times as part of a supportive community‑focused team.
Role Summary
The purpose of the Cemetery Operative role is to ensure cemetery grounds are maintained to a high standard while supporting burial services with professionalism, care and respect. The role makes a meaningful difference by helping provide safe, dignified and welcoming environments for visitors and bereaved families during difficult moments. Through maintaining grounds, preparing graves and upholding council standards, the role contributes directly to Somerset Council’s commitment to respectful service delivery, community wellbeing and high‑quality public spaces.
What you'll do - Key Responsibilities
- Carry out ground’s maintenance duties including grass cutting, edging, planting, weeding and seasonal tasks in line with agreed schedules
- Prepare, excavate, backfill and level graves in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines
- Support burial services by working with funeral directors and families to ensure ceremonies are conducted smoothly and respectfully
- Maintain cemetery pathways, memorial areas and perimeter spaces, removing litter and ensuring sites remain safe and presentable
- Operate and maintain grounds and mechanical equipment, reporting faults and supporting servicing arrangements
- Adhere to health and safety regulations and handling tools, equipment and materials appropriately
- Interact respectfully and empathetically with bereaved families and visitors, offering support and answering enquiries as required
- Uphold the dignity, sanctity and professional standards of the cemetery environment
- Undertake other general maintenance duties when required, particularly when weather conditions affect normal duties
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Essential
- Strong organisational and time management skills / Attention to detail and capability of delivering high quality workmanship.
- The ability to perform manual labour tasks (including heavy lifting) outdoors in various weather conditions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Basic computer literacy/experience of Microsoft Office.
- Good communications skills and sensitivity to the needs of grieving families.
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of horticulture, turf management and landscape maintenance techniques.
- Experience of operating equipment such as pedestrian mowers, ride on mowers, strimmer’s and hand tools.
- Experience of operating a mini excavator and 1 tonne dumper or the ability to train.
Any Additional Information
- 25 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
- Hours – Full time - 37 hours
- This role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact John Henry Ranger, Head of Bereavement Services by emailing [email protected]
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
Job ref: 942 / DT
