We have an exciting opportunity to join our End of Life Services team as a Burial Ground Operative.
The shifts will be variable between the hours of 06:00 - 20:00 Monday to Saturday, with gate opening Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays when required.
You’ll be an integral part of the team, responsible for preparing and carrying out burials, maintaining our grounds, and supporting the wider team to ensure burials are undertaken to the highest standards and exceed the expectations of our clients. This role can be physically demanding and will involve manual handling and using machinery and equipment.
This is a truly rewarding role and we’re seeking an individual who can demonstrate excellent communication skills and has a natural quality in understanding the needs of the bereaved, delivering this in an empathetic and compassionate manner.
What to expect
* Accurately and safely identify and excavate new and existing graves. 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).
* Recognise 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.
* Carry out maintenance and landscaping of the grounds, including grass cutting, tree planting, or grave management; work with the Land and Team Manager for guidance. Undertake basic maintenance of buildings, plant machinery, and ancillary equipment, including general cleaning, grounds clearance, and bin management.
* Assist 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.
* Engage in community activities to promote the Burial Ground and End of Life Services.
Key Skills Required
* Great communication skills
* Customer-facing experience
* Ability to display resilience and be comfortable working independently and as part of a team
* High level of understanding, empathy, and compassion
* Cemetery Operative Training Qualification (desirable, but training can be provided)
* Landscaping/gardening/maintenance experience (desired)
* Full UK Driving Licence
Benefits
* 31 days of annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing to a maximum of 36 days after 10 years’ service
* 20% discount in stores
* Healthcare cash plan
* Share incentive plan
* NEST pension
* Opportunities to develop your skills through apprenticeships and our own in-house training & development programmes
We’re an independent Co-op operating across the south of England, running convenience food stores, funeral homes, crematoria, natural/woodland burial grounds, and a Starbucks coffee franchise. We’re owned by our 200,000+ members, have over 4,000 colleagues, and a purpose of working together for the benefit of our communities. We have a commitment to sustainable business and a promise to provide a fair, fresh approach for all. Become part of the family who are proud to serve local communities and put people first.
If you’re successful in your application, we’ll need to perform a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to ensure Southern Co-op Funerals are compliant with the NAFD's Funeral Director code.
If we receive a high volume of relevant applications, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so please apply as soon as you can.
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