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National Cemetery Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

... cemetery operations and related field programs; preparing executive-level correspondence and ... National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g ...

National Cemetery information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$15

$27

$35

How much do national cemetery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for national cemetery in Decatur, GA is $27.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.98 and $32.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a National Cemetery job?

A National Cemetery job involves working at a federally or state-managed cemetery dedicated to honoring veterans and their eligible family members. Positions range from groundskeeping and maintenance to administrative roles, funeral honors coordination, and cemetery management. Employees ensure dignified burials, maintain the cemetery’s appearance, and assist families during their visits. These roles are typically offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or state veteran agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the National Cemetery position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a National Cemetery Director or Administrator, you need strong organizational skills, knowledge of cemetery operations, and a background in facilities management or public administration. Experience with specialized cemetery management software, scheduling systems, and sometimes a valid driver's license or certifications related to grounds management is important. Exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and attention to detail are critical for interacting with grieving families and maintaining dignified services. These qualities ensure that the cemetery is operated with respect, efficiency, and in full compliance with federal standards and protocols.

How much do graveyard shifts make?

Workers in a national cemetery performing graveyard shifts typically earn higher wages than standard daytime roles, often due to shift differentials. Pay rates vary by location and experience but generally range from $15 to $25 per hour for cemetery staff working overnight or weekend shifts.

Can a wife be buried with her military husband?

In a national cemetery, a spouse of a military service member is typically eligible for burial alongside the veteran, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria and are properly registered. Spouses are usually eligible for interment in the same plot or nearby, and arrangements should be made through the cemetery's administration. Documentation such as marriage certificates and military service records are often required to confirm eligibility.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working in a National Cemetery management role?

Day-to-day responsibilities in a National Cemetery management role include coordinating burial services, supervising grounds maintenance, and ensuring records are accurately maintained. You may also interact with families, assist them with service planning, and oversee compliance with federal regulations pertaining to veterans' burials. The role often involves working closely with a team of groundskeepers, administrative staff, and occasionally external vendors. This environment requires a balance of administrative work and compassionate, direct communication with visitors and families. Managing these tasks is key to creating an environment of respect and honor for veterans and their loved ones.

What is the highest paying job in the funeral industry?

In the funeral industry, funeral directors and managers typically earn the highest salaries, often supplemented by experience, certifications, and business ownership. Senior roles such as funeral home owners or directors with extensive experience can earn significantly higher incomes, especially in larger or private establishments.

What do you need to be a cemetery worker?

To be a cemetery worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical stamina for outdoor work, and the ability to handle respectful interactions with visitors. Some positions may require knowledge of groundskeeping tools or basic maintenance skills, and a valid driver's license may be necessary for certain roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cemetery jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Cemetery jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What job categories do people searching National Cemetery jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for National Cemetery jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for National Cemetery jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most National Cemetery job openings:
Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant

National Cemetery Administration

Decatur, GA • On-site, Remote

$133K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is located at the NCA Southeast District Office in Decatur, Georgia. The incumbent of this position serves as a Program Analyst to the SED Executive Director, providing analytical and evaluative studies, confidential advice, technical counsel, and assistance on various Issues that affect the Administration.
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Duties
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Incumbent serves as the liaison between the SED Executive Director and subordinate cemetery directors, district staff, as well as NCA Central Office staff, four other NCA district office staffs, officials of other Government agencies (e.g. State Veteran Coordinators), local congressional staff offices and
Veteran Support Organizations (VSOs) as necessary to conduct the daily operations of the office. Advises the Director on potential issues that could affect the cemeteries, such as congressional interest in contracting issues, gravesite availability, personnel issues, budget and manning issues, etc.
Recommends resolutions and courses of action to correct or alleviate issues as needed.
Represents the SED Executive Director at meetings and is authorized to speak for and commit that official to courses of action that fall within established policies.
Reviews and evaluates requests from field facility Directors (e.g. requests for additional funding, additional Full-Time Equivalency (FTE), donations to cemeteries, changes to schedules, requests for ceremonies), briefs the Executive Director, and coordinates with Central Office program officials.
Provides follow-up service and takes necessary action to expedite decisions and responses to the field facilities.
Work schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. May include occasional weekends. Due to the mission of the National Cemetery, the cemetery cannot be closed for more than 2 consecutive days at any given time. Additionally, when a Federal holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, staff may be required to work on that holiday or a Saturday. All staff is required to work Memorial Day and Veteran's Day each year. Staff will be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays when necessary to meet the needs of the cemetery. Occasionally staff may be called back to the facility to perform emergency overtime work.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available
Telework: May be available
Position Description Title/PD#: Executive Assistant/PD1671692
The full performance level of this position is GS -14
Relocation Expenses: Authorized
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation services. Permanent Change of Station is the relocation of a household due to government convenience in connection with a transfer between duty stations or facilities. For more information go to http://vaww.fscdirect.fsc.va.gov/pcs.aspRelo.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Required
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
If interested in applying for this position you ay preview the online application:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12987943
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Subject to a background/security investigation.
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all specialized experience and time in grade requirements within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement, 06/26/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-14 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If your most recent non-award SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional non-award SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one year time-in-grade.
Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience , as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: conducting organizational and program studies; developing or revising policies and strategic communication materials; advising senior leadership on operational issues and recommending solutions; serving as a liaison with field facilities, Central Office, congressional offices, and external stakeholders; leading projects or teams to improve programs or develop new initiatives; evaluating cemetery operations and related field programs; preparing executive-level correspondence and briefing materials; and exercising independent judgment on sensitive or confidential issues.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Problem Solving
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Oral Communication
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Strategic Thinking

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.