Assistant Cemetery Operations Supervisor

ORGANIZATION

Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and now visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants overall.

Assists the Cemetery Operations Supervisor with the day-to-day management of Cemetery Operations including body and cremated remains burials, entombments, inurnments, and tasks associated with the preparation and installation of new grave memorials. Along with the Cemetery Operations Supervisor, is responsible for maintaining a safe gravesite and working conditions for staff and visitors. Acts as Cemetery Operations Supervisor when Supervisor is absent or unavailable.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Cemetery Operations Supervisor with all phases of daily operations and act as supervisor in their absence, performing all duties and responsibilities listed for Cemetery Operations Supervisor as necessary
• Perform all laboring duties connected to Cemetery interment related operations including, but not limited to, equipment operation, carrying of caskets, digging of graves, gravesite preparation
• Perform all laboring duties connected to new grave memorial operations including, but not limited to, foundation preparation and pouring, site work, and memorial setting
• Follow all pre-approved workflows related to interment operations and memorial setting with associated record keeping, digital and paper-based
• Assist the Cemetery Operations Supervisor in prioritizing projects and daily work assignments
• Assist the Cemetery Operations Supervisor with locating graves to be dug, opening graves correctly and safely, and making sure all aspects of funerals are carried out successfully and to expectations
• Supports a culture of safety within the department and follows all safety procedures and protocols
• May be required to perform other duties as requested by the Cemetery Operations Supervisor or the Director of Cemetery Operations
  
  

Qualifications

• Knowledge and familiarity with general labor hand tools, power tools, and terminology.
• Able to read a ruler, read a tape measurer, read a map, and use basic math skills.
• Some computer skills required specifically experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to use Cemetery CMS database and mapping software
• Ability to communicate in English (spoken and written) with staff, vendors, and clients is required. Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Massachusetts 2B Hoisting license.
• Minimum of three years of cemetery operations experience.
• Must follow all safety policies and regulations to contribute to a safe working environment and participate in all safety training and safety meetings.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Able to work alone and within a team.
• Able to establish priorities and organize work. Willing to accept more responsibilities at supervisor’s discretion as time warrants.
• Able to deal with stressful situations and be flexible as work demands.
• Mechanical experience is a plus.
• Must be able to work occasional overtime hours on Saturdays.
  
  

Required Physical Demands

• Work outside in all weather conditions including cold, heat, snow, rain, and other harsh weather.
• Assist with the lifting of caskets and other interment equipment.
• Communicate with two-way radios.
• Operate a jackhammer, backhoe and other heavy equipment.
• Stand, walk, kneel and/or bend for long periods of time.
• Lift caskets, 8x4 plywood sections, and interment greens.
• Climb and carry a ladder above and beneath ground.
• Drive Cemetery equipment as needed (trucks, tractors, trailers, GEM carts, Toros).
• Access all areas of the Cemetery grounds and buildings including walking up and down stairs, entering confined spaces, and navigating varied terrain.
• Lift and carry heavy materials (maximum 80 lbs.).
• Shovel snow, dirt and/or loam as needed and assigned.
  
  

The hourly range for this position is $30.00 - $31.25. This position is a full-time, 40 hour work week position.

Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.