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Cemetery Maintenance Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Description Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Homes, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has a new full-time ... Must maintain a professional appearance and adhere to the companies Appearance Policy. * Must be a ...

Burial Crew Member

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

This position is also responsible for other cemetery grounds maintenance duties and assisting with setting up and taking down seasonal displays. Duties/Responsibilities: * Prepares burial plots and ...

Burial Crew Member

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

This position is also responsible for other cemetery grounds maintenance duties and assisting with setting up and taking down seasonal displays. Duties/Responsibilities: * Prepares burial plots and ...

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Cemetery Maintenance information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$29

$52

How much do cemetery maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cemetery maintenance in Iowa is $29.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $35.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a cemetery maintenance groundskeeper?

To become a cemetery maintenance groundskeeper, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience with landscaping, gardening, or groundskeeping. Physical stamina, knowledge of tools and equipment, and the ability to perform outdoor maintenance tasks are important; some positions may require a valid driver's license or certification in equipment operation.

What is the difference between Cemetery Maintenance vs Groundskeeper?

AspectCemetery MaintenanceGroundskeeper
CertificationsTypically requires landscaping or horticulture certificationsOften requires similar landscaping certifications
Work EnvironmentSpecifically in cemeteries, focusing on memorial groundsBroader outdoor environments like parks, lawns, and gardens
Job DutiesMaintaining gravesites, monuments, and cemetery groundsMaintaining lawns, trees, and outdoor spaces
Employer & IndustryCemeteries, funeral homes, memorial parksPublic parks, private estates, commercial properties

While both roles involve outdoor maintenance and landscaping skills, Cemetery Maintenance focuses specifically on cemetery grounds, monuments, and memorial areas, often requiring specialized knowledge of cemetery regulations. Groundskeepers have a broader scope, maintaining various outdoor spaces like parks and lawns. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and interests.

What is a cemetery maintenance worker?

Cemetery maintenance workers are responsible for the upkeep and care of cemetery grounds. Their duties typically include mowing lawns, trimming trees and shrubs, planting flowers, repairing headstones, and ensuring that the cemetery remains clean and presentable. They may also assist with grave preparations, such as digging and filling graves, and setting up for ceremonies. The work requires attention to detail, respect for the environment, and sensitivity to the needs of grieving families.

What does cemetery maintenance do?

Cemetery maintenance involves caring for and preserving gravesites, including tasks such as mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, cleaning headstones, and repairing fences or pathways. Workers often operate equipment like lawnmowers and pruning tools and may need knowledge of safety procedures and horticulture. The job typically requires physical stamina and attention to detail to ensure a respectful and well-kept environment.

What are some common challenges faced in a cemetery maintenance role, and how are they typically addressed?

Cemetery maintenance professionals often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in various weather conditions, handling sensitive interactions with grieving families, and maintaining large, landscaped areas efficiently. To address these, teams are usually provided with proper training on equipment use, safety protocols, and respectful communication. In addition, schedules may be adjusted to account for weather, and staff often work collaboratively to ensure grounds are kept tidy and respectful at all times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cemetery maintenance worker?

To excel as a Cemetery Maintenance Worker, you need knowledge of landscaping, groundskeeping, and basic facility repair, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lawn care equipment, power tools, and sometimes small machinery is typically required. Attention to detail, respectfulness, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are important soft skills. These abilities ensure the cemetery remains well-maintained, safe, and respectful for visitors and families.
What are popular job titles related to Cemetery Maintenance jobs in Iowa? For Cemetery Maintenance jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cemetery Maintenance jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Cemetery Maintenance jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cemetery Maintenance jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cemetery Maintenance job openings:
Infographic showing various Cemetery Maintenance job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,674 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Cemetery Services Specialist (temporary)

Service Corporation International

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Service Corporation International rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 9 rated funeral services


Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Participates in openings and closings for interments, entombments, inurnments, and disinterment as well as the installation of memorials and markers. Performs grounds and facilities maintenance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Performs openings & closings for burials, entombments and inurnments

  • Sets, installs, and assembles foundations, memorials, and markers

  • Installs outer burial containers

  • Handles and completes work orders from client families as it pertains to individual grave and marker maintenance

  • Responds to and completes requests for service/work orders

  • Conducts Interment Verification Procedures

  • Conducts 25 foot radius preparation for burials and ensures the area is clean and neat

  • Fills grave, tamps, seeds or sods

  • Adheres to all Company safety rules and Universal Precautions 

  • Maintains and protects Company assets by performing regular preventive maintenance on machines, equipment and facilities

  • Maintains a clean and orderly work area

  • Completes Dignity University courses and other training as assigned

  • Adheres to all standards of the Dignity Memorial Promise

  • Performs all other duties as assigned by management

Minimum Requirements

Education

  • High School degree or equivalent

Experience

  • Minimum of six (6) months experience operating standard equipment

Licenses

  • Acceptable driving record and applicable license(s) to operate equipment/vehicles

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to operate hand-held tools and equipment, including, but not limited to a shovel, pick, rake, sledge hammer, lawn mower, weed trimmer, leaf blower, chain saw and pump

  • Ability to operate mechanical equipment including, but not limited to, a dump truck, tractor, utility vehicle, marker trailed, dump trailer, jack hammer, tamper and backhoe

  • Ability to accurately use measuring devices (i.e. tape measure, yardstick, etc.)

  • Ability to communicate effectively with fellow associates, contractor personnel and client families Ability to lift heavy objects up to 30 lbs.

  • Ability to work in various adverse weather conditions

  • Understands safety and security issues and implications

  • Mechanical aptitude

Postal Code: 50265Category (Portal Searching): Cemetery MaintenanceJob Location: US-IA - West Des Moines

Company Description

We are proud to be North America's leading provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services.

Our nearly 25,000 associates are driven by our guiding purpose to compassionately support families during their most difficult times, celebrate the significance of life and preserve memories that transcend generations.

We’ve created a culture of Service Excellence to our families and to each other. It’s the reason more than 600,000 families turn to us each year to care for their loved ones.


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