Cemetery Grounds Attendant
Career GuideKey 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
1
Earn an OSHA 10 General Industry card or equivalent workplace safety training2
Complete a small engine maintenance course for mowers and trimmers3
Take a basic landscaping or horticulture course at a community college4
Request cross training on grave site preparation and ceremony setup5
Build a simple portfolio of before and after photos of completed grounds projects6
Track your work using checklists and maintenance logs to support promotions