Cemetery Grounds Attendant

Career Guide

A Cemetery Grounds Attendant maintains cemetery property so it stays safe, respectful, and presentable for visitors and services. The role combines outdoor groundskeeping with careful attention to detail and sensitivity when working near gravesites and during burials.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Mow, trim, and edge lawns and landscaped areas
Plant, water, and prune trees, shrubs, and flowers
Remove litter and manage debris and green waste
Operate and maintain grounds equipment such as mowers and trimmers
Assist with grave setup and site preparation for services
Backfill and level ground after interments when assigned
Set up chairs, tents, and other items for ceremonies
Clean and maintain walkways, curbs, and drainage areas
Perform minor repairs on fences, gates, benches, and signage
Report safety hazards and support visitor wayfinding
Follow respectful work practices around memorials and visitors
Support seasonal tasks such as snow removal and leaf cleanup

Top Skills for Success

Reliability

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Respectful Communication

Teamwork

Physical Stamina

Equipment Operation

Basic Equipment Maintenance

Landscaping

Turf Care

Plant Care

Safe Lifting

Workplace Safety

Customer Service

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Grounds Crew Lead

Cemetery Sexton

Cemetery Maintenance Supervisor

Facilities Technician

Landscaping Crew Leader

Transition Opportunities

Landscaper

Groundskeeper

Parks Maintenance Worker

Facilities Maintenance Technician

Arborist Assistant

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Equipment Safety ProceduresIrrigation BasicsPesticide Safety KnowledgeTree Trimming BasicsGrave Site Setup ProceduresWork Order Documentation

Development SuggestionsAsk for training on equipment safety and preventive maintenance, learn basic irrigation and turf care, and practice clear written notes for work orders and site conditions. If your site uses chemicals, complete a pesticide safety course before handling products.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$28,000 to $36,000 per year

Mid Level$36,000 to $46,000 per year

Senior Level$46,000 to $58,000 per year

Growth Trend

Stable demand. Hiring is steady due to year round property maintenance needs, with seasonal increases in spring and summer.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Service Corporation InternationalStoneMorCarriage ServicesCity and County Cemetery DepartmentsReligious and Community Cemetery Associations

Industry Sectors

Cemetery and memorial parksFuneral and death care servicesLocal governmentReligious organizationsProperty and facilities services

Recommended Next Steps

Earn an OSHA 10 General Industry card or equivalent workplace safety training

Complete a small engine maintenance course for mowers and trimmers

Take a basic landscaping or horticulture course at a community college

Request cross training on grave site preparation and ceremony setup

Build a simple portfolio of before and after photos of completed grounds projects

Track your work using checklists and maintenance logs to support promotions