Backhoe Operator / Laborer

Position Summary

The Backhoe Operator / Laborer is responsible for preparing graves and maintaining cemetery grounds in a safe, respectful, and professional manner. This position includes operating backhoes, excavators, loaders, lawn care equipment, trucks, and other cemetery-related machinery, as well as performing laborer and grounds maintenance duties as needed.

The employee will assist with all aspects of cemetery operations, including grave preparation, burials, monument setting, landscaping, cleanup, and maintenance of cemetery property and equipment.

Hours of Work

• Regular work schedule is 40 hours per week.
• This position requires coverage for weekend funerals and may require additional work hours on Saturdays and holidays based on operational needs.
• Overtime may be required during peak operational periods, inclement weather events, snow removal, emergency situations, or special projects.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare graves for burials using a backhoe, excavator, loader, or other equipment.
• Excavate and backfill graves while maintaining proper depth, alignment, and safety standards.
• Assist with burial functions, including installing vaults, concrete crypts, and urns.
• Perform cemetery grounds maintenance, including sodding, seeding, fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pruning, planting, and general landscaping.
• Set monuments, markers, foundations, forms, and veteran markers in accordance with cemetery standards.
• Operate earth moving, lawn care, snow removal, and cemetery maintenance equipment.
• Assist in cemetery cleanup and maintenance, including debris removal, trash collection, and watering stations.
• Set up and remove tents, chairs, lowering devices, and other funeral service equipment.
• Perform snow removal and ice control duties as assigned.
• Assist with opening and closing cemetery grounds, raising and lowering flags, and preparing cemetery areas for public use.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, fueling, and inspection of vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Assist with maintenance and repair work, including painting, basic masonry, stone wall repairs, monument cleaning, and related tasks.
• Support other cemetery staff as needed to ensure respectful, accurate, and timely burial services.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
2. Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts DOT Medical Card.
3. Should be familiar with landscaping and grounds maintenance practices.
4. Must have exhibited a good attendance record.
5. Must possess good communication skills and attention to detail.
6. Must be able to operate backhoes, loaders, and other heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
7. Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
8. Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials and equipment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow all safety rules, regulations, and cemetery operating procedures.
• Report safety concerns, equipment issues, or hazards to a direct supervisor immediately.
• Perform a variety of cemetery caretaking duties, including mowing grass using riding and hand mowing equipment, trimming, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, planting, raising and lowering flags, opening the cemetery daily, and other routine or special projects.
• Work individually or with other groundskeepers to ensure the proper and respectful preparation of interment spaces.
• Dig and prepare grave sites in advance of burial services.
• Set forms for headstones and install veteran markers in accordance with veterans’ standards.
• Empty trash cans, pick up litter and debris, and maintain water barrel stations.
• Set up and take down tents and burial equipment as needed.
• Maintain cemetery equipment and keep work areas, tools, and equipment clean and orderly.
• Clean monuments, memorials, and statues.
• Perform general cemetery maintenance, including painting, masonry work, and stone wall repairs.
• Assist with snow plowing, snow removal, sanding, and salting operations during winter months.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support cemetery operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work on uneven terrain for extended periods.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and hand tools.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily outdoors in a cemetery environment and may involve exposure to weather extremes, dirt, mud, dust, noise, machinery, and other outdoor conditions. Employees are expected to maintain a respectful and professional appearance and demeanor when interacting with the public, funeral directors, clergy, families, and coworkers.

NO PHONE CALLS AND NO WALK-INS.  To apply for this position please forward your resume and a cover letter including salary requirements via email to info@bcca.comcastbiz.net

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Cemetery Laborer

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week. Coverage for weekend funerals, which may require additional Saturday/Holiday hours.

Job Description: Prepares graves and maintains cemetery grounds, including but not limited to excavating of graves, burial functions (installing vaults, concrete crypts, and urns), sodding, seeding, fertilizing, monument and marker setting, operating earth moving and lawn care equipment, and cemetery cleanup and maintenance.

Eligibility Requirements:
1. Must have a valid driver’s license and MA Dot Medical card.
2. Should be familiar with landscaping practices.
3. Must have exhibited a good attendance record.
4. Needs to possess good communication skills and attention to detail.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Follows all safety rules and regulations. Brings safety concerns to a direct supervisor.
• Perform a variety of cemetery caretaking duties, including mowing grass using riding and hand mowing equipment, trimming, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, planting, raising and lowering of flags, opening the cemetery daily, and other routine or special projects.
• Work individually or in partnership with other groundskeepers to properly and respectfully ensure the accuracy of interment. Dig and set up grave sites in preparation for burial services. Set forms for headstones and install veteran markers to veterans’ standards.
• Empty trash cans and pick up trash and debris. Provide water to water barrel stations.
• Set up and take down tents as needed.
• Maintain cemetery equipment and clean up work areas, tools, and equipment.
• Clean monuments and statues.
• Perform various tasks associated with the general maintenance of the cemetery, including interior and exterior painting and general masonry on stone walls.

NO PHONE CALLS AND NO WALK-INS.  To apply for this position please forward your resume and a cover letter including salary requirements via email to info@bcca.comcastbiz.net