Trainee Cemetery Operative

**Recruitment Advertisement**

**POSITION**

**Trainee Cemetery Operative**

**CONTRACT TYPE**

**Permanent**

**PART TIME/FULL TIME**

**Full time**

**BAND AND SCALE POINT**

**SALARY PER ANNUM**

**£21,575 - £24,054**

**SERVICE AREA**

**Corporate Assets**

**Brief Overview**

The role involves the use of a wide range of ground maintenance machinery for which full training will be provided.
- An interest in horticultural practice.
- A willingness to undertake training under the Cemetery Operative Training Scheme. (City & Guilds) (if not already held)
- A basic understanding of health and safety.
- Good verbal communication skills.
- Ability to deal sensitively with people who are bereaved or distressed.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision as well as part of a team.
- A willingness to work outside in all weathers.

(CVS will not be accepted)

**CLOSING DATE: 10th April 2023**

**INTERVIEW DATE: TBC**

**JOB CONTEXT**

1. Form part of the cemetery team responsible for achieving high standards of grounds maintenance and customer care at our two cemeteries.

2. Assist the Sexton with all aspects of cemetery operation including the preparation of graves and compliance with burial procedures and cemetery rules and regulations.

3. Hold a certificate under the Cemetery Operative Training Scheme or be willing to undertake training.

4. Work in line with the Council’s Vision and Values to promote a culture which aims to deliver a high standard of service by working together to exceed our customer expectations.

**MAIN DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES**:
1. Undertake general grounds maintenance duties as directed by the Sexton in accordance with an established schedule of works. Duties to include grass cutting, weeding, leaf clearing, spraying, litter picking, planting of trees, shrubs and seasonal bedding, pruning, small tree works, and any other gardening tasks associated with grounds maintenance.

2. Assist the Sexton to excavate and prepare graves using a digger or by hand as appropriate and to backfill graves following a funeral.

3. Assist the Sexton at funerals as required ensuring that that all checks have been carried out before interments proceed.

4. To deputise for the Sexton during periods of absence.

5. Follow all health and safety legislation and working practices and assist the Sexton with implementing the Cemetery Rules and Regulations.

6. Undertake training in order to operate a range of horticultural equipment including tractor, excavator, ride-on mower, strimmer, hedge cutter, chainsaw and spraying equipment.

7. Carry out daily/routine checks on equipment and machinery to write procedures. Bring any faults to the attention of the Sexton.

8. Assist the Sexton to conduct and log memorial safety inspections and to carry out repairs as required.

9. Undertaking all relevant training required by the Cemetery Operative Training Scheme (City & Guilds) (if necessary). This may involve travelling to other locations outside of Leicestershire for training.

10. Respond in an appropriate manner to all requests or enquiries from members of the public including giving assistance to locate graves.

11. Assist with other relevant duties that may be required from time to time, including light cleaning duties of the cemetery chapel.

**RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESOURCES**:
1. The post holder will be required to ensure that any data systems under his/her control are kept secure and properly managed.

2. Responsible for the safekeeping of vehicles, machinery equipment and materials.

**KEY FUNCTIONAL LINKS WITH**:
**Internal**: All employees and sections of the Council

**External**: Residents of, and visitors to, the Borough**, **funeral directors, bereaved relatives, and external contractors.

**WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT**

1. The post is based at Wigston Cemetery, Welford Road, Wigston. However, you may be required to work from other sites and places within the Borough where your professional attendance is required.

2. You will be required to lift and manoeuvre various loads and undertake a continuous period of manual work in any weather.

3. You will be required to wear the appropriate protective clothing and uniforms provided at all times

4. You may be required to work outside of contractual hours on occasion if required.

**ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**

1. This job description outlines the main duties of the post but does not exclude other duties, which may be undertaken to ensure the efficient operation of the department. Other duties required will be consistent with those listed above and appropriate to the title and grade of the post.

2. Ensure equality of opportunity for all people, in service provision and in employment, and to work in a non discriminatory manner in accordance with the Council’s Equality Agenda, pursuant to the Equality Act 2010.

3. Comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018, the Computer Misuse Act 1990, Human Rights Act and the Freedom of Information Act