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Cemetery Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ladgov Corporation

Jewish Rabbi

Washington, DC · On-site

$47K - $61K/yr

Arlington National Cemetery, VA Position: Part-time Duties: * Officiate Jewish interments and chapel services * Coordinate with families to plan religious portions of services * Write and deliver ...

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US Government Jobs

Security Guard

Arlington, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

The position is for a Security Guard with Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Providing visitor protection and public safety at one of the Nation's most historic landmarks. Recruitment or ...

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How much do cemetery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cemetery in Washington is $31.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $37.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do cemetery workers make?

Cemetery workers, including roles such as groundskeepers and maintenance staff, typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized tasks may earn higher wages, and the job often requires physical labor and knowledge of safety procedures.

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

To thrive as a Cemetery Worker, you typically need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic landscaping or groundskeeping experience, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with machinery such as backhoes, lawn mowers, and record-keeping systems is commonly required. Compassion, reliability, and respectful communication are important soft skills for interacting with grieving families and working as part of a team. These skills ensure the cemetery is maintained with dignity, safety, and sensitivity to the needs of visitors.

What are some common challenges faced by cemetery workers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Cemetery workers often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and performing physically demanding tasks like grave preparation and landscaping. Additionally, the role requires sensitivity and professionalism when interacting with grieving families. To address these challenges, workers should prioritize safety protocols, use proper protective gear, and receive training in customer service and equipment operation. Many cemeteries also foster teamwork and provide support resources to help staff manage the emotional aspects of the job.

What Are Different Jobs at a Cemetery?

The jobs in a cemetery or graveyard revolve around taking care of the grounds and facilitating funeral services. You may find a position as a caretaker or groundskeeper whose duties include caring for the grounds of the cemetery and tending to the graves or other memorial markers. Cemeteries may also have a gravedigger whose responsibilities involve digging and placing the remains in the grave. A cemetery may have sales professionals who sell grave plots, memorial service directors, and other service providers, such as stone engravers, flower arrangers, and hearse drivers.

What are the different jobs at a cemetery?

Jobs at a cemetery include roles such as groundskeeper, funeral director, monument installer, administrative staff, and maintenance workers. These positions often require knowledge of cemetery operations, customer service skills, and sometimes certifications in funeral services or horticulture. Employees typically work in outdoor environments and may need to handle sensitive situations with professionalism.

What are cemetery workers called?

Cemetery workers are commonly called groundskeepers, maintenance workers, or cemetery attendants. They are responsible for tasks such as landscaping, maintaining gravesites, and assisting visitors, often working outdoors and requiring knowledge of safety procedures and sometimes certifications in groundskeeping or horticulture.

What is the difference between Cemetery vs Funeral Director?

AspectCemeteryFuneral Director
Primary RoleMaintains and manages burial grounds and grave sitesCoordinates funeral services and assists families with arrangements
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, cemetery groundsIndoor office, funeral homes, and sometimes outdoor sites
Required CertificationsMay require state-specific groundskeeping or maintenance licensesFuneral director license, embalming certification
Industry UsagePart of the funeral services industry, often working closely with funeral directorsFuneral services industry, overseeing arrangements and ceremonies

While cemeteries focus on maintaining burial grounds, funeral directors handle funeral arrangements and coordinate services. Both roles are essential in the funeral industry but serve different functions within the process of honoring the deceased.

What are cemetery workers and what do they do?

Cemetery workers are responsible for maintaining the grounds of cemeteries, preparing gravesites for burials, and sometimes assisting with funeral services. Their duties often include landscaping, operating machinery to dig or fill graves, setting up burial markers, and ensuring the cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful environment for visitors. They may also provide customer service to grieving families, help with record-keeping, and ensure compliance with legal and safety regulations. The role requires attention to detail, respect for the deceased and their families, and physical stamina.

What qualifications do you need to work at a cemetery?

To work at a cemetery, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include knowledge of groundskeeping, basic maintenance, and customer service; some roles may require certifications in operating equipment or handling hazardous materials. Prior experience in landscaping or funeral services can be beneficial.
More about Cemetery jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cemetery jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Cemetery jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Cemetery jobs in Washington? For Cemetery jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cemetery jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Cemetery jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Cemetery jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Cemetery job openings:
Cemetery jobs near you
Maintenance Worker

Maintenance Worker

Service Corporation International

Adelphi, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Service Corporation International rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 8 rated funeral services

Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.
Consider the possibilities of joining a Great Place to Work!
Maintains the overall appearance of cemetery, mausoleum and/or funeral home locations, which may include: maintenance and grounds keeping, locating grave sites, digging graves, installing crypt faces, conducting interments, entombments and inurnments, and simple repairs and maintenance tasks.
Maintenance Worker
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Cuts grass, maintains lawn, trims around trees, walkways and memorial markers, lays sod, moves and removes flowers to and from chapel and graveside
  • Clears debris and maintains drives and walkways which may require snow removal depending on location
  • Erects tents, canopies and arranges chairs for graveside ceremony
  • Assists with setup for openings and closings for interments, entombments and inurnments
  • Arranges chapel for services
  • Prepares crypts for entombments
  • Under supervision, may operate backhoe to dig graves without damage to surrounding vaults, markers or monuments
  • Installs grave markers, bronze memorials, crypt faces, etc.
  • Maintains and repairs existing markers and other cemetery features
  • Maintains, services, cleans and properly stores equipment
  • General maintenance of vehicles
  • Cleans and maintains facility to include performing minor repairs, painting, etc.
  • Observe safety rules and ensure compliance with the operating procedures of corporate, federal, state and local regulations, including OSHA regulations and Safety and Environmental guidelines.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education
  • High school education or equivalent or relevant work experience

Experience
  • Minimum 6 months of relevant experience

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 and leaf blower
  • Ability to accurately use measuring devices (i.e. tape measure, yard-stick, etc.)
  • Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to lift up to 150 with equipment assistance
  • Ability to push and pull up to 300 lbs.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with associates, contractor personnel and client families
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions
  • Ability to adapt to changing work schedules and multi-tasking
  • Basic computer skills to enable retrieving and responding to email communications

Postal Code: 20783
Category (Portal Searching): Cemetery Maintenance
Job Location: US-MD - Adelphi

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