Cemetery Operations Technician

ORGANIZATION

Mount Auburn Cemetery is the first rural, or garden, cemetery in the United States, located on the line between Cambridge and Watertown 4 miles west of Boston. It is the burial site of many prominent Bostonians as well as being a National Historic Landmark. Dedicated in 1831 and set with classical monuments in a rolling landscaped terrain, it marked a distinct break with Colonial-era burying grounds and church-affiliated graveyards. The 175-acre cemetery is important both for its historical aspects and for its role as botanic garden. It is Watertown's largest contiguous open space and extends into Cambridge to the east. It was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2003.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Cemetery Operations Supervisor, performs a variety of skilled and semi skilled manual labor tasks pertaining to the daily operation of the Cemetery. Duties will require the employee to work outside in all weather conditions year-round. Responsibilities include assisting with daily interment activity and installing new grave memorials. Performs additional tasks as assigned. In addition, there will be cross training within the Cemetery Operations Department including security, cemetery services, and events operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs routine tasks in the preparation, set-up, and completion of interments by machine and/or by hand, installs and removes equipment such as lowering devices, dress greens, ladders, 8x4 plywood sheets, tents, and casket carriers

• Performs tasks to assist with the setting of new monuments and the digging and pouring of foundations.
• Under general supervision, performs tasks requiring knowledge and experience operating a variety of general maintenance equipment such as backhoe, dump truck, turf vehicles, and concrete mixer.
• Digging and pouring of foundations and setting gravestones.
• Assembles and breaks down tables, chairs, podiums, easels, flipcharts, tents and shade structures, and other furnishings in accordance with the day’s setup needs.
• Communicates effectively and timely to department leaders, co-workers, and management by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Maintains hours worked and time off requests for payroll using an automated timekeeping system (Paycom).
• Work Overtime hours as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.
  
  

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 knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Ability to communicate fluently 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.
• Able to shovel snow, dirt and/or loam as needed and assigned.
• Must follow all safety policies and regulations to contribute to a safe working environment and participate in all safety trainings and safety meetings.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Able to work alone and under supervision.
• 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
  
  

Physical Requirements

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.).

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.