S3302 - Cemetery caretaking

Operational Details
Caretakers of cemeteries are general maintenance workers who clean up debris along fences and maintain the grounds by removing underbrush, trimming trees and shrubs, planting flowers, and ensuring wreaths and other ornamental flowers are not strewn around other graves. Other duties include cleaning headstones, placing gravel back into the gravel enclosures, mowing the lawn and removing snow so funeral processions can proceed. The digging and closing of the graves is also part of the caretaker’s responsibility. Backhoes are used to do the majority of the work; the rest is completed using shovels and picks.

The caretaker provides security and assists family and friends in finding the graves of their loved ones by giving them instructions as to where to find the grave markers. While the caretaker does not become involved in landscaping, the workers will drain ditches or pump water away from low lying areas. In general, their job is to maintain the appearance of the cemetery in a neat and orderly fashion, ensuring the place is secure. Occasionally, because of vandalism, they may be expected to work odd hours to provide added security for the cemetery.

SIC Codes
000000773 - Cemetery caretaking