Introduction

The funeral business need not be dark and sinister. Many people today opt for ceremonies that celebrate a life rather than mark a death. It is not unknown for the farewell to a Harley Davidson fan to feature a procession of bikers headed by the funeral director in tails and crash helmet.
But there are unique sensitivities about death and bereavement, which those in the business would never ignore. The gravedigger, or cemetery worker, is no exception even though he/she may have less personal contact with clients than his/her colleagues.
The job can be found in all types of authority except for county councils.

Work Environment

Hours are usually 9-5, Monday to Friday, but some duties are necessary at weekends. Their work is mainly outdoors, often in all kinds of weather. It is physically demanding, sometimes dirty and involves lots of climbing and bending. Some aspects of the job may involve the use of heavy machinery and chemicals. Suitable protective clothing is provided when appropriate.

Daily Activities

These are undertaken at crematoria and cemeteries. As well as general ground maintenance – tending graves and memorial sites – cemetery workers measure and mark out grave spaces before using a mechanical excavator and hand held shovels to dig the grave. They then use timber and special hydraulic equipment to shore up the sides.

In the course of their daily work, gravediggers will have working contact with a number of funeral and cemetery staff including crematorium technicians, cemetery inspectors and superintendents, council officials and general gardening staff.

Skills & Interests

You would need to be:

• discreet, respectful and polite when dealing with grieving people
• physically fit
• knowledgeable about gardening.

It would also be helpful to have a sense of humour to keep the business of death in perspective.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic requirements for entry, although some reading and writing skills are necessary. Sometimes, entrants must be prepared to undergo professional training.
The Federation of British Cremation Authorities and the Institute of Burial and Cremation (IBCA) runs the Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme at the Berkshire Agriculture College. A City in Guilds qualification in Cemetery and Graveyard Maintenance is also available. There are also correspondence courses available for those already working in the profession.

Estimated salary range

£10,278 – £12,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

The number of people employed in cemeteries is greater than at crematoria. Cemetery workers/gravediggers who get the chance to do some clerical work as well, after undertaking training, can progress into cemetery administration positions. But there is little scope for promotion within practical cemetery work itself.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Protecting Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

City and Guilds www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Federation of British Cremation Authorities and Institute of Burial and Cremation Administration (IBCA) Tel: 01636 708311.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Cemetery Worker/Gravedigger vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.