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Grave Digging Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pacer Group

Grounds Worker

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Digging graves, placing headstones, hauling dirt, set up and tear down of gravesites. * Sets ... Fills grave, tamps, seeds or sods * Adheres to all Company safety rules and Universal Precautions

Pacer Group

Grounds Worker

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Digging graves, placing headstones, hauling dirt, set up and tear down of gravesites. * Sets ... Fills grave, tamps, seeds or sods * Adheres to all Company safety rules and Universal Precautions

All JobsGrave Digging JobsGrave Digging Jobs in Virginia

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?

AspectGrave DiggingCemetery Maintenance Worker
CertificationsNone required, but OSHA safety training recommendedOften requires groundskeeping or horticulture certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, in cemeteries, involving physical laborOutdoor, maintaining cemetery grounds, including landscaping
Job DutiesExcavating graves, operating digging equipmentMaintaining 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:

Grave Digging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grave Digging job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Grounds Worker

Pacer Group

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

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

Job description

Grounds Worker

The position provides overall grounds and maintenance service conducive to provide burial, landscaping, and burial marker installation services

Job Responsibilities may include:

  • Assist in performing openings & closings for burials, entombments, and inurnments
  • Operating a mower, weed eater and blower
  • Digging graves, placing headstones, hauling dirt, set up and tear down of gravesites.
  • 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 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 a clean and orderly work area
  • Completes Dignity training as assigned
  • Adheres to all standards of the Dignity Memorial Promise
  • Performs all other duties as assigned by management

Requirements:

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

Experience:

  • Minimum of six (6) months experience operating standard equipment
  • Ability to operate hand-held tools and equipment, including, but not limited to a shovel, pick, rake, sledgehammer, 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, yard stick, etc.)
  • Ability to communicate effectively with fellow associates, contractor personnel and client families
  • Ability to lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.

Work Conditions:

  • Work indoors or outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions

Work Hours:

  • 40 hours a week

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