Burial Ground Operative (22891)

• Advertised Salary: £26,151 (£12.86ph)
• Function: Funeralcare
• Job Number: 22891
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Full/Part Time: Full Time
• Total Contracted Hours: 39
• Closing Date: 4 April 2025
• Postcode: BH21 2RG
• Shift Pattern: Mon-Sat 6am-8pm (Variable)
• Location: Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground, Christchurch, Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Burial Ground Operative.

The shifts will be variable between the hours of 06:00 - 20:00 Monday to Saturday. Gate opening Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays when required.

You'll be an integral part of the team, you'll be responsible for preparing and carrying out burials, maintaining our grounds and supporting the wider team 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.

What you'll get..

• 31 days leave (incl bank holidays) rising to 36 with service
• 20% store discount
• Healthcare cash plan, pension & share incentive plan
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Training & development opportunities

What to expect..

• Accurately & safely 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.
• Undertake basic maintenance of buildings, plant machinery and ancillary equipment, including but not limited to general cleaning, grounds clearance and bin management.
• 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 End of life services.

What we're looking for..

• Great communication skills.
• Customer facing experience.
• Can 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.

Training..

• Previous experience within the funeral industry is not required as we'll provide full training.
• Travel to other sites will be required.

About Us

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 300,000+ 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.

Successful candidates will undergo a DBS check as part of compliance requirements.

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.