Cemetery Grounds Operative

Edgwarebury Joint Burial Board

Cemetery Grounds Operative

Job Description

Purpose of the Role

• To assist the Operations Manager in the high-quality maintenance, care, and presentation of Edgwarebury Cemetery.
• To assist in the delivery of graveside services, including the excavation and back-filling of graves, with diplomacy, empathy, and understanding during contact with the bereaved and members of the public.

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Organisation

Edgwarebury Jewish Cemetery opened in 1975. The Cemetery is managed by the Edgwarebury Joint Burial Board (EJBB) on behalf of the S&P Sephardi Community, West London Synagogue, Liberal Judaism, and Belsize Square Synagogue.

The EJBB comprises representatives from all four communities and is responsible for the general management, maintenance, and operation of the cemetery grounds.

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Role Specific Responsibilities

• To assist in and complete the excavation of graves, including the preparation of graves for burial and the back-filling of graves, using both manual and mechanical excavation equipment as required for which training will be given.
• To prepare graves for memorial consecrations.
• To undertake grounds maintenance operations including planting, pruning, weeding, spraying, grass cutting, hedge cutting, litter clearance, refuse removal, and landscaping.
• To carry out additional grounds maintenance duties as required, including memorial stone cleaning and renovation, for which full training will be provided.
• To drive and operate a range of vehicles and plant machinery as required and ensure they are maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ schedules and operational requirements.
• To use a variety of tools and equipment, including powered tools, hedge cutters, generators, mechanical water pumps, and light plant machinery.
• To maintain garages, workshops, storage containers, and equipment storage areas in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.
• To undertake all mandatory training deemed appropriate by the Operations Manager and Cemetery Director.
• To provide advice and direction to members of the public when appropriate, positively promoting the services provided by the Cemetery.
• To provide a visible presence on site, helping to prevent and report misuse of Cemetery facilities.
• To ensure that all work is carried out safely, respectfully, and within required timescales.

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Flexibility

• The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties to support the operational requirements of the Cemetery. Such duties will be consistent with the nature and grading of the post.
• The role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions, including exposure to varying temperatures, wind, rain, and snow, in accordance with EJBB guidelines and safe working practices.
• Working hours may vary in order to meet scheduled and unscheduled operational demands.

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Communication

• The post holder is required to communicate effectively with colleagues, funeral directors, contractors, stonemasons, and visitors to the Cemetery.
• The post holder must communicate with members of the public, including bereaved families, in a professional, honest, respectful, and sensitive manner.

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Equal Opportunities

The EJBB is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and to the principle that employees are entitled to work in an environment free from intimidation, discrimination, bullying, or harassment.

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Additional Information

• The post holder must adhere to the EJBB dress code. Cemetery uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn as required.
• Staff must be aware of, and comply with, their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and all associated EJBB health and safety procedures.
• It is the responsibility of the post holder to read, understand, and adhere to all EJBB policies and procedures.
• The post holder is required to maintain appropriate confidentiality in relation to Cemetery operations, staff matters, and bereaved families.
• This job description may be amended from time to time in response to changes in legislation or EJBB operational requirements.