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Mortuary Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NorthStar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... Graduation pending from accredited mortuary college or other degree as required by state/province ...

NorthStar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... Graduation pending from accredited mortuary college or other degree as required by state/province ...

Northstar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... Graduation pending from accredited mortuary college or other degree as required by state/province ...

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Mortuary Apprentice information

What is a mortuary apprentice?

A mortuary apprentice is an individual who is gaining practical experience and training in funeral service under the supervision of a licensed funeral director or embalmer. This role involves learning about embalming, funeral arrangements, restorative art, and assisting with the day-to-day operations of a funeral home. Mortuary apprentices often work toward fulfilling the requirements necessary for licensure in funeral service. Duties may include preparing bodies for burial or cremation, helping with funeral services, and administrative tasks. The apprenticeship period is an important step in developing the skills and knowledge required for a career in funeral service.

What are some common challenges mortuary apprentices face during their training period?

Mortuary Apprentices often encounter challenges such as adapting to the emotional demands of working with grieving families, learning specialized embalming and restorative techniques, and managing multiple tasks in a time-sensitive environment. The role requires a balance of technical skills and compassionate communication, which can be overwhelming for newcomers. With mentorship and hands-on experience, apprentices develop resilience and confidence, gradually taking on more responsibilities as they progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mortuary apprentice?

To thrive as a Mortuary Apprentice, you need foundational knowledge in mortuary science, anatomy, and embalming techniques, usually supported by enrollment in or completion of an accredited mortuary science program. Familiarity with embalming equipment, safety protocols, and record-keeping software is essential. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in supporting grieving families and collaborating with funeral directors. These skills are vital for maintaining professional standards, ensuring respectful handling of remains, and delivering sensitive service during emotionally challenging times.

What is the difference between Mortuary Apprentice vs Funeral Director?

AspectMortuary ApprenticeFuneral Director
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingLicensing, certification, experience
Work EnvironmentAssisting in funeral homes, preparing bodiesManaging funeral arrangements, client interactions
Industry UsageEntry-level role, learning the tradeSenior role, overseeing services

Mortuary Apprentices are entry-level workers gaining hands-on experience in funeral homes, focusing on body preparation and support tasks. Funeral Directors are licensed professionals responsible for planning and managing funeral services. While apprentices learn the basics, funeral directors handle client relations and overall service coordination.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mortuary jobs in California? The most popular types of Mortuary jobs in California are:
Mortuary Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mortuary Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Mortuary Leadperson

Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Association

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Job description

Description
Forest Lawn is in search of a compassionate, dedicated leader to support the Mortuary department at Hollywood Hills. This position provides assistance to the Mortuary Supervisor with administrative duties, training, and coordinating all activities within the Mortuary Department. In addition to the care and preparation of human remains for visitation, services, cremation and/or interment in conformity with legal requirements and Forest Lawn standards.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Prepares, disinfects, and temporarily preserves human remains for visitation, services, cremation and/or interment.

  • Reviews workflow to ensure that all decedents are prepared in advance of specified visitation service times.

  • Prepares daily schedule in the supervisor's absence.

  • Evaluates housekeeping in the facility and meets with housekeeping staff to review facility care.

  • Assumes responsibility for professionally and respectfully instructing and assisting employees as needed.

  • Oversees the entire mortuary department in the absence of the supervisor and provides updates to the Park Vice President.

  • Fosters good working relationships and teamwork with all support groups and supervisors.

  • As assigned, expedites all first calls and follows-up on any issue as necessary.

  • Assures the preparation room and work areas are in a sanitary condition at all times to ensure compliance with health regulations. Ensure all is ready in cases of a state inspection.

  • Assists with the Work Study and Apprentice Embalmer training programs. Observes and evaluates the development of employees to ensure proper guidance.

  • Instructs and oversee work of Apprentice Embalmer on cases and paperwork.

  • Assists supervisor with mortuary safety meetings.

  • Assists supervisor with inventory control of caskets and other assigned items.

  • Performs case analysis for all incoming human remains, enters, and updates Forest Lawn's systems to ensure accurate information is available for inquiry.

  • Assures the care and preparation of human remains meets California Law and is consistent with Forest Lawn's standards.

  • Operates various machinery in conjunction with assigned responsibilities.

  • Assists with the disinterment of human remains.

Requirements
  • Associate's degree (A.A) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school within Mortuary Science or Embalming.
  • Completed apprenticeship and licensed to perform duties as a Licensed Embalmer defined by the state of California.
  • Minimum 4 years of experience as a Licensed Embalmer in good standing.

Competitive Benefits
Forest Lawn takes pride in offering an excellent benefits package to our employees, which taken as a whole, leads our industry and is competitive with the benefits in just about any other industry.
Click here to learn more about our benefit offerings.
Drug Testing Policy
Prior to beginning employment, all job applicants who receive a job offer will be required to voluntarily submit to a drug screening test conducted by a laboratory designated by Forest Lawn. The drug screening method is a hair collection test that will detect the use of illegal drugs within the past 90 days. A positive drug test may result in the withdrawal of the job offer.
E-Verify Statement
Forest Lawn has registered to participate in the federal government's E-Verify program. With E-Verify we are able to confirm the employment authorization of all newly hired employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. With respect to new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with a new hire's completion of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification upon commencement of employment. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.
For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to https://www.e-verify.gov/employees/e-verify-overview.
Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Forest Lawn will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

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