Natural Burial Ground Operative

We’re looking for a Burial Ground Operative to join our team - in this physically demanding role you’ll take responsibility for preparing and carrying out burials, maintaining our grounds and supporting the wider team to provide a courteous, efficient, effective, caring, professional and dignified service to our clients.

We’re offering a permanent full time role (39 hours per week) working Monday-Friday between 8am - 4.30pm at our site in Poole & Wimborne.

As Burial Ground Operative you’ll take an active role in the preparation and general maintenance of our grounds to ensure burials are undertaken to the highest standards and exceed the expectations of our clients. You’ll be comfortable working alone or as part of a team and are able to demonstrate an understanding of the needs of the bereaved in an empathetic and compassionate manner. If you take pride in what you do and are passionate about helping people at the time they need it most, we’ll support you in your career development and provide full training.

**What we’re looking for**

We take our responsibilities as a funeral service provider very seriously so it’s a job that’s never taken lightly. It’s demanding, and calls for a high level of understanding, empathy, and compassion. That said, this is a truly rewarding role and our team are extremely passionate about providing quality and the best service for the bereaved.

You’ll need to embed and support our values and provide an exceptional experience all round. We’re after someone who is confident operating machinery and equipment safely and within set guidelines, and who is comfortable working outside in all weathers. You’ll have strong communication skills and are able to provide a warm and friendly welcome to site visitors. Previous experience in a similar role is desirable, but we are able to provide full training, including supporting you to achieve an industry recognised qualification.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

- Accurately identify and excavate new and existing graves. You’ll prepare associated areas ahead of services to ensure they are carried out in accordance with pre-agreed arrangements e.g. - grave preparation, service hall arrangements
- Recognising the statutory requirements of carrying out the burial of human remains, ensuring the operation of appropriate equipment is in line with set guidelines, and undertaken with dignity, due care, and attention
- Carrying out maintenance and landscaping of the grounds, for example - grass cutting, tree planting or grave management; working with the Land and Team Manager for guidance.
- Assisting Funeral Directors, Clergy/Officiants, the bereaved and members of the public - this might involve supervising vehicle parking or providing visitor information before, during and after services take place
- Engaging in community activities to promote the burial ground and Funeralcare services

**Why Southern Co-op?**

Southern Co-op offers a lot more than just a job. As a business owned by our members, we put people first and it’s no different for our colleagues. You’ll be part of a great team and have the chance to grow your career. Whether it’s through an internal course or an apprenticeship, we’re here to support your career aspirations.

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll have instant access to a huge selection of benefits, including 31 days of annual leave (including bank holidays), healthcare plans, employee assistance programme, generous shopping discounts, NEST pension, cycle-to-work scheme, company bonus, and much more.

**We want to put U in Southern Co-op — start your new career now.