Vacancy overview

We are currently recruiting for a Gravedigger in the Bereavement Services team based within the Cemeteries and Crematoria of London Borough of Lambeth.

Bereavement Services are responsible for providing a high quality, professional and sympathetic service to the bereaved across all three Cemeteries, two Crematoria and Public Health Funeral Services.

You will be required to provide a number of funeral services according to booking schedules with some weekend work included.
The position primarily involves grave excavation (digging) and exhumation duties across our three cemeteries.

There will also be some duties related to the crematorium, Public Health Funerals, and grounds maintenance.

There will be contact with the deceased in this role.

You will receive professional supervision and become part of a small team of motivated, dedicated, and friendly colleagues.

Working knowledge of bereavement services and proven experience of working within the sector or a related service is essential.

Candidates who hold the Cemetery Operatives Training Schemes (COTS) Certificates are preferred but training can be provided to the right candidate.

We are a developing team working towards achieving outstanding results in Bereavement Services and are looking for the right candidate to help take this forward.

To provide burial and ground maintenance services under the direction of the Cemetery Chargehand, according to booking schedules and covering a weekend working rota.

To provide a high quality, professional and sympathetic bereavement service to the recently bereaved; and to provide advice, guidance, and support to relatives.

Assist with a range of duties associated with the Cemeteries, Crematoria, Coroner’s, mortuary, and Public Health funeral services.

Advise funeral directors, members of the public and other stakeholders, providing a first class responsive and helpful service, resolving day to day issues creatively and sensitively and acting as a good ambassador of the Council at all times.

Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction with the service.

Have obtained all parts of the COTS (Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme) certificate

Proven working knowledge of bereavement services within a cemetery setting

Good communication and interpersonal skills to deal with and engage with a broad range of people and clients in the work of the service

The ability to deliver a strong customer focused approach to service delivery

The ability to form, build and maintain strong, effective working partnerships with others including other team members, other Council staff and members of the public

Able to work on their own or in a team with minimal supervision

The ability to carry out duties in accordance with policies

To possess basic literacy and numeracy skills or a willingness to participate in training

Experience of working within a bereavement related service with the ability to demonstrate an empathetic manner towards members of the public

Experience of preparing graves, including plant use and maintenance. Knowledge of shoring and grave depths and understanding of legislation regarding correct documentation and grave depth.

Please note that you will be required to fill out an online application form to apply for this role, which can be found here: Gravedigger - Lambeth Careers (oraclecloud.com)

If you would like help completing the online application form or any additional support from Opportunity Lambeth, please email [email protected]