Permanent Cemetery Operations Supervisor

Thornbury | £29,000 - £31,000 per year | 37 hours | Weekdays plus weekend rota | Permanent

Introduction

Acorn by Synergie is recruiting a Permanent Cemetery Operations Supervisor to manage Thornbury Cemetery. This role ensures high standards of site maintenance, smooth running of interments, and compliance with health and safety legislation and cemetery regulations.

The role includes officiating at interments, liaising with funeral directors and monumental masons, supervising grounds maintenance staff, and contributing to ecological and biodiversity improvements across cemetery grounds.

Key Duties:

• Oversee and manage all operations within Cemetery grounds.

• Ensure site safety, supervising grounds maintenance, burial preparation, and contractor activities.

• Monitor memorial permit schemes, ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Maintain and secure all Cemetery buildings in collaboration with the Facilities Officer.

• Care for and secure all tools and equipment.

• Supervise staff to ensure safe and efficient working practices.

• Prepare plots for interment of cremated remains safely.

• Assist funeral directors, clergy, and families at interments, ensuring all documentation is correctly processed.

• Maintain all plots and Cemetery plans, updating records as required.

• Provide assistance to the public, funeral directors, and monumental masons regarding grave locations.

• Conduct routine inspections of memorials, pathways, and grounds, implementing control measures for hazards.

• Contribute to risk assessments and safe systems of work based on site inspections and contractor activity.

• Ensure correct and safe use of tools, vehicles, machinery, and PPE by staff and contractors.

• Act as first point of contact for on-site incidents, securing areas and escalating as needed.

• Ensure all grounds maintenance is carried out according to agreed regimes, promoting biodiversity initiatives.

• Lead projects to develop the adjacent meadow into a memorial woodland, ashes interment area, and garden of remembrance.

• Oversee maintenance of St Mary's Churchyard, including inspections, volunteer liaison, and routine upkeep.

• Maintain open areas, floral displays, and other Cemetery facilities.

• Use horticultural knowledge to enhance biodiversity and ecological value across green spaces.

• Undertake general maintenance tasks such as painting and repairs to fencing, seats, and outdoor equipment.

• Perform any other reasonable tasks required across Council-operated sites.

Requirements:

• Previous experience supervising grounds maintenance or similar operations.

• Horticultural or ecology qualification preferred.

• Full driving licence for occasional travel to other local sites.

• Strong knowledge of health and safety practices.

• Ability to lead and motivate a team.

• Reliable, proactive, and able to work flexibly including weekends.

What We Offer:

• Permanent, long-term role with a supportive team.

• Opportunity to apply and develop horticultural and ecological expertise.

• Participation in meaningful projects enhancing green spaces and biodiversity.

• Time off in lieu for weekend rota participation.

Interested?

Apply now to join the team managing Thornbury Cemetery and contribute to the upkeep and improvement of vital community green spaces.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.