Gardener / Groundsperson
40 hours per week
From £26,842 per annum + Salary uplifts with specific training + Company performance bonus + Benefits
East Lothian Crematorium
Permanent role
Have you always wanted to use your experience as a Gardener / Groundsperson in a role where you can truly make a difference every day?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
We are one of the largest independent operators of crematoria in the UK, supported by almost 500 empathetic and dedicated individuals and we are growing.
Like many of our colleagues, you might not have considered our sector before, however with on-going career development and an opportunity to make a difference every day, you will find this one of the most varied and rewarding opportunities you could ever imagine.
The role
Working at our crematorium grounds requires a level of care and respect not found in a generic job. We provide families with a sense of comfort that their loved ones are taken care of and a beautiful setting in which they have time to reflect.
As part of our busy site team, you will work closely with the Crematorium Manager / Grounds Team Leader on the plan for the gardens at this site. You will also be able to use your creativity to shape this plan.
You will be responsible for all grounds maintenance activity including:
- Seasonal gardening and grounds maintenance including lawn cutting, strimming, leaf clearance, hedge cutting, litter picking, watering, weeding, pruning and planting schemes
- Spraying
- Memorial fixing
- Assisting with interments / preparation of burial plots if required
- General upkeep of our grounds
- Undertake daily machinery checks and record operator hours
- Emptying of grounds bins and accumulated waste
- Clearing of all debris around the buildings and car-parks
- Health and Safety compliance
This role requires flexibility and pulling together as one team to support each other and provide the exceptional care and service that we are known for.
Crematorium / upskilling opportunities:
If you are interested, then you can also be trained in the Cremation process and support the site teams during busier periods / winter season however this is not essential.
There is the opportunity for personal development and training on areas within grounds that you need to be upskilled in or have an interest in.
About you
- Previous experience in a role that involves gardening e.g.: Gardener, Groundsperson, Grounds Maintenance, horticulture etc.
- We are looking for someone who is a real team player with the desire to make a difference every day.
- Organised with excellent attention to detail.
- You will ideally hold a full driving licence to be able to operate some of the machinery we use (e.g. ride on mower)
What We Offer
If you would like to join the Westerleigh team, you can be sure of a warm welcome, ongoing training and development and a sense of pride by truly make a difference every day to the families that we serve.
The values we champion are Safety First, Exceptional Care, Uniquely Personal and One Team.
In addition to salary, you will also be eligible for the following benefits:
- Company performance bonus up to 5%
- Additional £500 increase (pro rata) on completion of memorial fixing training
- £500 salary increase (pro rata) if FBCA Accredited cremator training completed
- 24 days holiday + bank holidays
- Life Assurance
- Access to a wide range of retail discounts and wellbeing support
- Ongoing learning & development
- Pension scheme
- Employee Assistance / Occupational health support Program
- Mindfulness App
- The benefit we hope you’ll never need: Free Cremation benefit for Immediate family
- Mental Health Ambassadors
- Bereavement Leave
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Recognition scheme
- Free Flu jab
- Smart uniform and PPE provided
- Free parking
What next? Start a career with significance by applying today.
We generally advertise vacancies for a minimum of 1 week before reviewing applications. We reserve the right to close the application window sooner if a significant number of applications are received. If you’re not contacted, please assume you have been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, feedback is not always possible due to the volume of applications we receive.
Westerleigh Group has been building and managing Crematoria for over 30 years and we care for over 70,000 cremations and burials every year. We are one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries with more than 40 sites across England, Wales and Scotland and plans to continue growing with care.
We have established a reputation for creating beautifully landscaped, high quality and peaceful facilities where families can remember and celebrate the life of their loved ones. Our core objective is to deliver the highest possible standards of care in a way that is uniquely personal.
We play an active part in the local communities that we serve and in 2025 our sites raised over £400,000 to support local charitable causes and projects.
Our letters to heaven post boxes continue to capture hearts and minds. An inspirational idea from the daughter of one of our colleagues.
Founded in 2021 as part of the Westerleigh Group, Distinct Cremations provides a dedicated service for families choosing direct cremation.
