Funeral Director / Embalmer / Aquamationist

Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Aquamationist

Location: Manchester, CT

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $60,000 - $90,000 per year (based on experience) Benefits

About Us

John F. Tierney Funeral Home is a third-generation, family-owned funeral home that has served the Manchester community with care and compassion since 1956. We are dedicated to providing families with meaningful, personalized services, including traditional burials, cremation, and Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis), an environmentally friendly alternative to flame cremation. Our mission is to guide families through loss with empathy, professionalism, and unwavering support.

Position Overview

We are seeking a versatile, compassionate, and team-oriented Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Aquamationist to join our family-owned funeral home. This role is not just about performing tasks—it’s about being part of a team that supports each other, upholds our mission, and creates a positive, uplifting work environment.

We believe that the best way to serve families in their time of need is to ensure that we, as a team, are in a good place ourselves. This means fostering a supportive, collaborative, and joyful workplace where we help one another, stay connected to our purpose, and approach our work with heart. The ideal candidate will bring a strong sense of camaraderie, professionalism, and empathy—not just for the families we serve but for their colleagues as well.

As a Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Aquamationist, you will play a key role in helping families navigate loss with dignity and care. Whether guiding them through service arrangements, ensuring a high standard of preparation, or educating them about Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis), your work will reflect our deep commitment to service, innovation, and respect for each individual’s journey.

Key Responsibilities

Funeral Directing & Arrangement

• Meet with families to plan and coordinate personalized funeral and memorial services.
• Guide families through the selection of services, caskets, urns, and memorial products.
• Handle all necessary documentation, including death certificates, permits, and insurance paperwork.
• Ensure seamless execution of funeral and graveside services, liaising with clergy, cemeteries, and other service providers.

Aquamation & Alternative Disposition

• Operate and oversee the Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis) system, ensuring ethical, professional, and technical handling.
• Educate families about Aquamation as an alternative to flame cremation.
• Follow strict environmental and procedural regulations to maintain best practices.

Facility & Team Collaboration

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the preparation and Aquamation areas.
• Work closely with the funeral home team to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Provide aftercare resources and compassionate support to grieving families.

Embalming & Body Preparation

• Perform embalming, restorative work, and body preparation according to industry and ethical standards.
• Maintain a high standard of care and preservation while respecting the wishes of families.
• Oversee proper handling, dressing, and casketing of the deceased.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the state of Connecticut (or the ability to obtain licensure).
• Experience with Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis) preferred or a willingness to be trained.
• Strong knowledge of funeral home operations, embalming, and body preparation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on empathy and professionalism.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call rotations.
• Comfort with technology and funeral management software (e.g., Tribute Management, Tukios).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to transport the deceased as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary ($60,000 - $90,000 based on experience).
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, bereavement).
• Bonus opportunities based on performance and service quality.
• Ongoing training and professional development.

Why Join Us?

• At John F. Tierney Funeral Home, we are more than just a funeral home—we are a family committed to supporting our community and evolving the future of funeral service. If you are passionate about helping families, dedicated to excellence, and eager to be part of a forward-thinking funeral home that embraces new and sustainable practices, we invite you to apply.