Level 2 Operative - Bereavement Services

About the Role

Worcester City Council seeks a committed and hands-on Bereavement Operative to assist in maintaining the city’s cemeteries and managing burial services. This role involves outdoor work in all weather conditions, providing essential support to ensure cemetery grounds are safe, accessible, and well-kept for community members and visitors.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform burial tasks manually and with machinery and maintain grounds across two cemetery sites.
• Handle seasonal vegetation upkeep including mowing, trimming, clearing paths, hedge trimming, shrub care, and planting efforts.
• Exercise care and precision during grounds maintenance to avoid disturbing graves or memorials.
• Execute emergency clearance and safety works after adverse weather events, adhering to safety protocols and training.
• Conduct routine site inspections, document defects and completed tasks, and manage follow-ups.
• Engage in litter collection, checking bin areas, reporting illegal dumping, and general site upkeep.
• Operate various tools and machinery safely, including diggers, strimmers, brushcutters, blowers, mowers, ride-on mowers, and cut-and-collect equipment upon authorization and training.
• Perform physically demanding grave digging using safe practices and shoring equipment where necessary.
• Collaborate with colleagues, volunteers, and community groups as needed.
• Respond professionally to public inquiries, site concerns, and urgent work requests while working in a public-facing environment.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest or practical experience in grounds maintenance or related outdoor work and a sincere dedication to providing respectful service to bereaved families. They should be reliable, safety-minded, adaptable to varying weather and priorities, and capable of working independently and as part of a team. Strong communication and the ability to follow instructions carefully are essential.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Hands-on experience or demonstrated interest in cemetery or grounds maintenance roles.
• Understanding of health and safety practices for outdoor and public-facing work environments.
• Capability to perform physically strenuous tasks under diverse weather and terrain conditions.
• Competence in identifying and reporting hazards and tree safety concerns.
• Experience with hand tools and powered outdoor machinery or a willingness to train.
• Effective communication skills and a cooperative attitude towards colleagues, volunteers, community groups, and the public.
• Ability to maintain basic records of inspections, defects, completed tasks, and necessary follow-ups.
• Possession of a full UK driving licence or ability to commute efficiently between sites around Worcester.

Desirable Qualifications

• Certifications from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management or equivalent body.
• Relevant machinery operation certificates such as NPTC, LANTRA, or equivalent (digger, brush cutter, pesticide application, tractor, ride-on mower, trailer towing).
• Prior experience in grounds maintenance.
• First aid certification.

Typical Duties

Daily activities include digging full graves and cremated remains, periodic grass cutting, litter management, memorial installations, shrub and hedge maintenance, path clearing, and adapting a flexible work schedule based on burial demands, weather, ground conditions, nesting seasons, safety concerns, and sudden call-outs.

Why Join Worcester City Council?

Joining this team offers the chance to positively impact Worcester’s cemeteries and provide a valued service to bereaved individuals and families within the community. Worcester City Council is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from all community sections. The council supports accessibility in the application process and can provide accommodations such as alternative application formats or remote interview options.

Additional Information

Contact: Warwick Neale, Bereavement and Greenspaces Manager at Warwick.Neale@Worcester.gov.uk

Application Deadline: 23 August 2026

Interview Date: 11 September 2026

For assistance during application, contact the Recruitment team via recruitment@worcester.gov.uk.

Attachments: Role profile and benefits information are included for this position.