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Historic Cemetery Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Historic Cemetery information

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in historic cemeteries?

Staff in historic cemeteries often face unique challenges such as preserving fragile monuments, managing restoration projects, and balancing the needs of descendants with the requirements of historical preservation. They must also navigate regulations related to conservation and sometimes work with local historians or community groups on educational initiatives. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as is a commitment to maintaining the respectful atmosphere expected in these settings.

What is the difference between Historic Cemetery vs Cemetery Worker?

AspectHistoric CemeteryCemetery Worker
Required CredentialsMay require historical preservation knowledge, certifications in conservationTypically requires basic groundskeeping or maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentHistoric sites, preservation areas, outdoor settings with historical significanceGraveyards, cemeteries, outdoor grounds maintenance
Employer & IndustryHistorical societies, preservation agencies, museumsCemetery management companies, local government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve outdoor work at cemeteries, a Historic Cemetery specialist focuses on preservation and maintaining the site's historical integrity, often requiring specialized knowledge. A Cemetery Worker primarily handles groundskeeping and maintenance tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and interests.

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

To thrive as a Historic Cemetery Manager, you need expertise in cemetery operations, historic preservation, and grounds maintenance, often supported by a background in history, horticulture, or related fields. Familiarity with GIS mapping, cemetery management software, and preservation best practices is important. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate sensitively with the public set top candidates apart. These skills ensure the respectful preservation of historic sites, accurate records management, and positive community relations.

What is a historic cemetery?

Historic cemeteries are burial grounds that have significant historical, cultural, or architectural value, often reflecting the heritage of a community or region. These cemeteries may be the final resting places of notable individuals, veterans, or early settlers, and can contain unique monuments, headstones, and landscaping. Preservation of these sites helps maintain a tangible connection to the past and provides opportunities for education and research. Many historic cemeteries are protected by local, state, or national heritage organizations and may be listed on registers of historic places.

What are popular job titles related to Historic Cemetery jobs in Iowa?

For Historic Cemetery jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Historic Cemetery jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Historic Cemetery jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Historic Cemetery jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Historic Cemetery job openings:

Infographic showing various Historic Cemetery job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 18% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Family Service Counselor

Cedar Memorial

Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Homes, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has a new full-time sales opportunity for a Family Service Counselor to join our sales team!
 

This is not a job. It's a meaningful career in sales that makes a difference in the lives of people we serve while providing you with an opportunity you will love.
 

You will be joining an exceptional staff dedicated to providing care, compassion, and quality at every turn. So if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking for a rewarding career, our training program will equip you to become a productive and successful sales professional. The Family Service Counselor will participate in a unique training program designed for individuals who have a history of success and want to build a long-term career in pre-planning, helping & protecting families.


Cedar Memorial is dedicated to preparing families before their time of need. Our Family Service Counselors are performance-driven, self-motivated, and service-minded professionals. We provide an excellent structured program.


Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide empathetic cemetery services to bereaved family members and friends of the deceased and future follow-up to establish positive rapport.
  • Compassionately assists family members of the deceased to complete the authorization for interment promptly and accurately. 
  • Must obtain and retain knowledge of the design, layout, and certain operations of Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
  • Develop and nurture pre-need sales opportunities with conversion rates that meet or exceed individual and company goals.
  • Secure and schedule appointments with families seeking pre-planning opportunities and assist in finalizing pre-funding for funeral, cremation, and cemetery arrangements.
  • Effectively conducts appointments and presentations about service and merchandise selections. Those we are honored to serve are provided thorough and accurate education about the many options available, including related prices and payment options.
  • Offers cemetery interment rights, memorial markers, space reservations, and other related cemetery selections. Inquires regularly with all assigned families for customer satisfaction and the identification of further opportunities to assist. Regularly assists with the design and sale of bronze memorial markers.
  • Secures pre-need sales opportunities from a variety of sources. Contacts and develops customer service relationships. Submits identified opportunities promptly and complies with the documented management protocol.
  • Accurately and thoroughly completes purchase agreements and related contract documents. Complies with all applicable Iowa laws and rules related to pre-need sales.
  • As scheduled, serves as the first resource for all calls and walk-in inquiries. Provides appropriate outreach to inquiries in a manner that exceeds customer expectations.
  • Provides weekend and "on-call" coverage as scheduled. 
  • Schedules gatherings at the Cedar Memorial Park Family Center and Library while coordinating with catering services and Hospitality Associates.
  • Works with other departments and Associates positively and cooperatively to provide the best customer service experience.
  • Follows all safety policies and procedures.
  • Special projects and other duties as assigned.


Requirements

 Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Organized with attention to detail. 
  • Must be sensitive to others' emotional and personal needs. 
  • Excellent problem-solving, research and critical thinking skills. 
  • Excellent customer service skills. 
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. 
  • With training, become proficient in the use of the software programs used for data and records management.
  • Must maintain a professional appearance and adhere to the companies Appearance Policy. 
  • Must be a cooperative and team-oriented individual with consistent follow-through and dependability.

Education and Experience:

  • Associate's degree preferred; High School or GED required.
  • Two or more years of previously successful full-time sales or customer service experience is required.
  • Valid Iowa Driver's License and a safe driving record. Must maintain a safe driving record in accordance with Cedar Memorial's insurance policy. 
  • Before any sales activities, a Family Service Counselor must obtain a pre-need sales agent license issued by the Iowa Insurance Division. Sales activities include but are not limited to advertising, selling, promoting, or offering to furnish pre-need or pre-paid cemetery/funeral merchandise or services (as further outlined in Iowa code 523A, 523I, and Iowa Administrative Rules 191.100).
  • Within 24 months following the issuance of the pre-need sales agent licensed by the Iowa Insurance Division, a Family Service Counselor shall begin the process of receiving CPC certification from the National Funeral Directors Association.

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged period of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 
  • Travel to meet with families will be required on occasion. 
  • Stooping
  • Reaching
  • Walking
  • Keyboarding
  • Hearing
  • Standing
  • Talking
  • Repetitive Motions