Cemetery Sexton (Seasonal)

The Town of Winthrop is hiring a seasonal Cemetery Sexton. This position involves a combination of manual labor and administrative responsibilities related to the operation, maintenance, and management of all Town-owned cemeteries and selected municipal green spaces. The job description is posted here.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities (illustrative Only)

• Assist residents and families with locating and selecting burial lots; direct individuals to the Town Clerk’s Office for lot purchases.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date cemetery records, including burial information and maps; coordinate documentation with the Town Clerk’s Office.
• Receive and verify burial certificates from funeral directors and ensure proper filing with the Town Clerk’s Office.
• Perform routine and seasonal grounds maintenance for all Town cemeteries and designated municipal properties, including mowing, trimming, and general upkeep.
• Prepare gravesites for burials and complete backfilling following services.
• Coordinate with monument companies to ensure proper placement and installation of markers and headstones.
• Loam and seed gravesites as needed to maintain proper grading and appearance.
• Order, install, and maintain veteran grave flags and flag holders; ensure flags are placed for Memorial Day and as needed.
• Remove and dispose of deteriorated floral arrangements and other items in accordance with cemetery rules.
• Cut and remove brush; coordinate tree and branch removal as necessary.
• Collect and dispose of trash from cemeteries and associated facilities.
• Assist in the layout, clearing, and development of new cemetery sections.
• Arrange for or perform stone cleaning, straightening, and minor repairs.
• Report damage, safety concerns, and maintenance needs promptly to the Public Works Director and Cemetery Committee Chair.
• Attend Cemetery Committee meetings; provide recommendations on policies and assist in preparing the annual budget.
• Coordinate and participate in the annual Cemetery Clean-Up.
• Supervise and direct assigned staff or contractors as a working foreman when required.
• Assist the public with locating graves for genealogical or research purposes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Public Works Director.
  
  

Requirements Of Work

• Demonstrated strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town staff, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to follow direction.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Working knowledge of safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to perform physically demanding labor for extended periods in varying weather conditions; most work is performed outdoors.
• Ability to operate cemetery and grounds maintenance equipment, including: walk-behind and riding mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws and brush equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, picks, and related equipment.
• Ability to operate light to medium equipment, including a backhoe for grave excavation.
• Ability to perform minor maintenance and repairs on equipment.
• Knowledge of underground safety practices and regulations.
  
  

Training And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, construction, or related semi-skilled labor preferred.
  
  

How To Apply

Fill out this application and send it to dnichols@winthropmaine.gov or

Town of Winthrop

Attn: Town Clerk Deborah Nichols

17 Highland Avenue

Winthrop, ME 04364

Application deadline: Open until filled

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