Location
City of Westminster

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£32,907 per annum

About the Role
Southwark Bereavement Services manages three cemeteries and one crematorium, delivering respectful and sensitive services for the bereaved. As a Cemetery Operative, you will undertake and lead on a wide variety of burial, exhumation, and grounds maintenance duties. You will play a vital role in preparing graves, maintaining memorial safety, and ensuring the highest standards of health and safety compliance in line with statutory legislation and local regulations.

Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing and excavating graves, verifying plot numbers, installing and removing shoring equipment, and reinstating sites after services
- Carrying out burial and exhumation duties, including reuse of burial sites as part of sustainability programmes
- Maintaining memorial safety through inspections and accurate record keeping
- Operating and carrying out pre-use inspections on heavy plant and machinery (e.g. excavators, dumpers, lorries)
- Delivering landscaping and grounds maintenance including turfing, grass cutting, hedge trimming, and general upkeep
- Supporting funerals and working sensitively with families, funeral directors, ministers, stonemasons, and contractors
- Contributing to public events, annual memorial services, and official visits

You will help ensure our cemeteries remain safe, dignified, and welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes and supporting a diverse and growing population. We are committed to tackling inequalities and promoting a just and fair borough through our Southwark Stands Together programme, which addresses racism, injustice, and inequality.

Experience
Experience within bereavement, care-related, local authority, or similar environments is required. Demonstrated understanding of health and safety requirements and safe working practices is essential.

About you
You are organised, compassionate, and committed to delivering excellent customer service in sensitive environments. You can organise plans and prioritise workloads effectively, work independently and collaboratively, and respond flexibly to service needs. You communicate clearly and professionally with residents, senior officers, members, and community representatives. You identify problems and produce practical, innovative solutions. You actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery.

Qualifications
Specific qualifications are not detailed; however, a full job description and person specification are available for further information. The role requires the ability to operate heavy plant and machinery safely and comply with statutory and local regulations.