protecting your community
There is a growing trend for funerals that are more cheerful and colourful – a celebration of a life rather than a marking of death. People who choose to have their ashes scattered at sea, or want jazz rather than hymns as a final tribute, have opted for the personal touch rather than a traditional ceremony.
The work of crematorium technicians need not be sombre and dark even with more conventional ceremonies. They can help take the fear out of funerals by making sure everything goes to plan without jeopardizing the dignity of the dead.
The job can be found in all types of local authority except for county councils.
Work Environment
The hours are usually 9-5, Monday to Friday, but some services also take place at weekends. Crematorium technicians spend most of their time indoors, with long periods spent standing up. Some outdoor work may also be required as they liaise with cemetery workers who are mainly outside in all kinds of weather. The technicians need to be smartly dressed as befits the occasion.
Daily Activities
The work is carried out at crematoria and at cemeteries. Crematorium technicians have many different roles they must perform at each cremation. Before a service they clean and prepare the chapel and ensure the cremator ovens are operating safely. They meet the funeral cortege and escort the mourners into and out of the chapel. They also deal with any enquiries.
Once the funeral is over, technicians are responsible for the cremation, ensuring that the identity of the dead person is maintained throughout the process and attending to the storage and disposal of the cremated remains.
Other aspects of the job include record keeping and administrative duties, accompanying visitors to existing memorials and assisting with grounds maintenance. They may supervise cemetery workers who measure and mark out grave spaces and attend to the flowers and general appearance of the commemorative sites and graves. Their daily work will also bring them into contact with cemetery inspectors, bereavement officers, council registrars, funeral directors, undertakers, hearse drivers, friends and relatives of the deceased, religious officials and so on.
Skills & Interests
All crematoria staff need to:
- be able to deal sympathetically with grieving people and be discreet and polite
- be physically fit
- have some knowledge of gardening
- have a sense of humour.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic requirements for entry, although some reading and writing skills are necessary. All entrants must be prepared to undergo professional training.
The Crematorium Technicians Training Scheme (run jointly by the Federation of British Cremation Authorities and the Institute of Burial and Cremation Administration – IBCA) lasts two weeks and is run at three recognized training centres in the UK. Entrants must have a minimum of six weeks practical experience. IBCA also 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 – £17,160
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
There are similar posts in private companies. Prospects for crematorium technicians are good. There is also an administration side to the work, with entrants beginning as a junior officer and moving up to the level of registrar.
The number of people employed in cemeteries is greater than at crematoria.
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
Federation of British Cremation Authorities and Institute of Burial and Cremation Administration (IBCA) Tel: 01636 708311
City and Guilds
www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
British Institute of Embalmers www.bioe.co.uk
You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library - under RA.
What should I do next?
Look for current local government Crematorium Technician 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.