Cemetery worker
Prepare graves so bereaved families can say goodbye to their loved one at a funeral. Keep the cemetery tidy for when people visit to remember the person.
Also known as: grave digger, bereavement and environmental services operative
About the job
What it's like
You would prepare graves so families can say goodbye to their loved one at a funeral.
You’d look after the cemetery so it is tidy and pleasant when people visit in later months and years to remember the person.
You’d work outdoors to maintain the grounds at cemeteries and crematoriums. You’d respectfully tend the graves and memorial sites so families know that they are always cared for.
You would:
Measure and mark out the spaces for graves
Use a mechanical excavator and hand tools to dig graves
Prop up the sides of the grave with timber, using hydraulic equipment
Keep the cemetery and graves tidy
Check headstones for damage and remove those that are not safe
Cut and trim the lawns, verges and plants
You’d work with other funeral and cemetery staff including:
Crematorium technicians
Cemetery inspectors and superintendents
Council officials
General gardening staff
Hours
You will usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may also need to work at weekends.
Environment
You will be outdoors in all kinds of weather. It can be physically demanding, and involve lots of climbing and bending. Some aspects of the job may involve the use of heavy machinery and chemicals. Suitable protective clothing is provided when appropriate.
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Related industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- excavation
- mowing
- hand tools
- bereavement care
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- respecting
- empathising
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role; personal qualities are more important than academic.
Qualifications and experience in construction or gardening.
You usually have to be able to drive or ride on machinery, for example, a mower.
A full driving licence is usually required.
A licence with Categories B1E and C1E may be required and a JCB certificate is an advantage or be willing to gain a JCB Certificate once in work.
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