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Cemetery Laborer Jobs in Danvers, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Cemetery Laborer information

What is a cemetery laborer?

Cemetery laborers are workers responsible for maintaining cemetery grounds and assisting with burial services. Their duties often include digging graves, setting up burial plots, landscaping, trimming grass, and caring for trees and shrubs. They may also operate machinery such as backhoes and lawn mowers, and help set up tents and chairs for funerals. Cemetery laborers play a key role in ensuring that cemetery grounds remain respectful and well-kept for visitors and families.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cemetery laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cemetery Laborer, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and experience with grounds maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with landscaping equipment, power tools, and sometimes small machinery like backhoes is typically required. Reliability, respectfulness, and the ability to work collaboratively are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure cemetery grounds are well-maintained and services are conducted with dignity and professionalism.

What are some common challenges cemetery laborers face and how can they prepare for them?

Cemetery Laborers often face physically demanding tasks, such as digging graves, maintaining grounds, and operating heavy equipment in various weather conditions. Emotional resilience is also important, as the work environment involves sensitivity to grieving families and maintaining respect for burial sites. To prepare, candidates should be comfortable with manual labor, have good communication skills for interacting with coworkers and the public, and be adaptable to outdoor work year-round. Developing a strong sense of attention to detail and respect for the setting is essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Cemetery Laborer vs Cemetery Groundskeeper?

AspectCemetery LaborerCemetery Groundskeeper
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with burial preparations, digging graves, maintaining equipmentMaintaining lawns, trimming trees, landscaping, general grounds upkeep
Required SkillsPhysical stamina, basic equipment operationLandscaping skills, knowledge of horticulture
Work EnvironmentOutdoor cemetery sites, physical laborOutdoor grounds, landscaping areas
CertificationsNone typically requiredOptional horticulture or landscaping certifications

The main difference between a Cemetery Laborer and a Cemetery Groundskeeper lies in their primary duties. Cemetery Laborers focus on assisting with burial-related tasks and physical labor, while Groundskeepers handle landscaping and grounds maintenance. Both roles require outdoor work and physical stamina, but Groundskeepers often have additional horticultural skills. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers find the right position in the cemetery industry.

What cities near Danvers, MA are hiring for Cemetery Laborer jobs?

Cities near Danvers, MA with the most Cemetery Laborer job openings:

Cemetery Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cemetery Laborer job openings in Danvers, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

PW10 MEO III Working Foreperson - Cemetery/DPW

City of Medford

Medford, MA • On-site

$1.2K - $1.3K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

POSITION: PW 10 MEO III Working Foreperson #J2026
DEPARTMENT: DPW Cemetery Division Posting Removal: Until Filled
HOURS OF WORK: Full time (40 hours week) Mon. – Fri. 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
SALARY: Union PW 10 ($1,237.36 -$1,325.10/Week)

BASIC FUNCTION:
The MEO III position operates CDL vehicles and supports the maintenance of the Cemetery Division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
  • Receive general supervision from the Cemetery Forman or Superintendent of Cemetery.
  • Provides technical guidance to crew workers assigned to lower-grade positions.

Examples of Work:
Locate and excavate grave sites; set casket lowering device; backfill graves; set foundations and gravestones.

Assist funeral directors and members of the public at burials, locate grave lots, and in various other capacities, assist in the maintenance of cemetery grounds; perform various grounds-keeping and maintenance operations at cemeteries.
Essential Functions:
  • Operate a variety of motorized equipment such as front-end loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, snowplows, tractors with various attachments, and other related maintenance construction equipment as assigned to assist with construction, repair, and/or maintenance projects in the Cemetery division of the Department of Public Works.
  • Operate mechanical and other non-grade determining equipment related to assigned maintenance, construction, and repair projects, such as air compressors, power saws, paint machines, cement mixers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, weed whackers, leaf vacuums, welders, jackhammers, etc.
  • Participate in snow and ice removal and treatment operations, some of which occur after normal work hours; participate in other inclement weather operations and services; assist in the coordination/monitoring of contractual snow removal crews.
  • Maintain and care for all equipment, machinery, and vehicles used during work assignments; perform preventive maintenance tasks regularly; report required maintenance and repair of equipment and vehicles.
  • Provide functional and technical guidance to junior members of the assigned crew; may assist with training other employees on the operations of equipment and in maintenance, repair, and construction techniques on projects.
  • Performs additional related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Operations, services, and activities of the Department of Public Works.
  • Operational, maintenance, and repair activities are required for the assigned areas.
  • Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Operations of appropriate equipment, tools, machinery, and facilities.
  • Operate a variety of motorized equipment.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely.
  • Perform basic operator-level vehicle and equipment maintenance tasks.
  • Operate assigned equipment safely in all weather conditions; perform manual labor pertaining to the assigned area.
  • City of Medford policies and procedures.
  • Occupational hazards, safety rules, equipment, and principles related to the operation of motorized equipment.
  • Operation and maintenance requirements of a variety of hand and power tools.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Minimum Requirements:
  • High School or GED.
  • Four years’ experience in public works or utilities construction, maintenance, and repair environment, preferably with equipment operations experience.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION:
  • Possession of a CDL Class A or B.
  • Possession of a Hoisting Equipment Operators License, Class 2B.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Indoor and outdoor environments with wide range of weather conditions; exposure to vibrations and noise; work on slippery or uneven surfaces, work with electrical energy; work with and around heavy machinery; work in or near vehicle traffic; exposure to dust and fumes from motorized equipment; irregular working hours for inclement weather situations and other circumstances.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:
Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time; moderate to heavy lifting and carrying which includes the ability to lift up to one hundred pounds; pulling, reaching, bending, climbing, and kneeling; use of fingers, both hands and legs required; must be able to distinguish colors and operate assigned vehicles.
ADDRESS ALL COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES TO
Human Resources Department
City of Medford – Room 204 |85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155
Or send cover letter and resume with the job title in the subject line to jobs@medford-ma.gov For the posting, please visit the City of Medford's website – www.medfordma.org
The City of Medford is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/504 Employer Residents of the City of Medford, Women, People of Color, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.