Maintenance Worker
Falls Church, VA · On-site
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 ...
Maintenance Worker
Falls Church, VA · On-site
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 ...
Grave Digging information
What is a grave digger?
Grave diggers are workers responsible for preparing burial sites at cemeteries. Their primary duties include digging and filling graves, maintaining cemetery grounds, and sometimes assisting during burial ceremonies. They may use hand tools or machinery to excavate graves to precise dimensions and ensure the safety and proper placement of caskets. Grave diggers often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may also help with landscaping and general cemetery upkeep.
What skills and qualifications are needed to be a grave digger?
To thrive as a Grave Digger, you need physical strength, endurance, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of burial procedures, often supported by on-the-job training. Familiarity with tools such as shovels, backhoes, and safety equipment is essential, and some cemeteries may require certifications in equipment operation. Reliability, respectfulness, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion are standout soft skills in this position. These skills ensure graves are prepared safely and respectfully, honoring both safety standards and the emotional needs of grieving families.
What challenges do grave diggers face during their daily work?
Grave diggers often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and may encounter difficult soil types or tight cemetery spaces, which can make digging challenging. They must also handle heavy machinery safely and respectfully coordinate with funeral directors to ensure graves are prepared on schedule. Emotional sensitivity is important, as grave diggers frequently work near grieving families and during services, requiring professionalism and discretion. Many cemeteries provide safety training and support to help employees manage these challenges effectively.
What is the difference between Grave Digging vs Cemetery Maintenance Worker?
| Aspect | Grave Digging | Cemetery Maintenance Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | None required, but OSHA safety training recommended | Often requires groundskeeping or horticulture certifications |
| Work Environment | Outdoor, in cemeteries, involving physical labor | Outdoor, maintaining cemetery grounds, including landscaping |
| Job Duties | Excavating graves, operating digging equipment | Maintaining lawns, planting, repairing headstones |
Grave digging focuses on excavating graves, requiring physical labor and equipment operation, while cemetery maintenance workers handle groundskeeping and landscaping. Both roles are essential in cemetery operations but differ in specific duties and certifications.
How much do people get paid to dig graves?
Grave diggers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. The job often requires physical strength, knowledge of safety protocols, and sometimes certification or training in cemetery operations.
What are popular job titles related to Grave Digging jobs in Virginia?
For Grave Digging jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grave Digging jobs in Virginia look for?
The top searched job categories for Grave Digging jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Grave Digging jobs?
Cities in Virginia with the most Grave Digging job openings:
Full-time
Re-posted 21 days ago
Service Corporation International rating
6.7
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.
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.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
What Service Corporation International employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
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