Bereavement Services Operations Officer ( Groundsperson)

We are looking for a pro-active, motivated and confident individual wanting to make a difference by providing a compassionate service to the bereaved.

About us,

Guildford’s bereavement service looks after two cemeteries, Guildford crematorium and eight closed churchyards. We are a small dynamic team who manage all the burial, cremations and related appointments for the borough. We are looking for a grounds person/ gravedigger to work within the service. This role attracts a salary range of £25,197 - £27,242 per annum (effective from 01/04/2023) depending on experience and an annual leave entitlement of 22 days per annum plus Bank Holidays. Full Lantra certificated training will be given on a wide range of machinery.

Job Profile

What you’ll do on a typical day:

• You would be working at one of the council’s two cemeteries (Stoke Cemetery at Stoughton Road/the Mount Cemetery Guildford) or at the crematorium on New Pond Road maintaining the grounds at these sites including mowing, strimming, weeding and litter picking
• Preparation of grave plots and undertaking burials in accordance with all relevant procedures.
• Interacting with funeral directors, stonemasons and the bereaved and assisting with enquiries from the public.
• Assisting occasionally with cleaning duties (i.e. the chapels) if required
• Assisting with relevant deliveries i.e. transporting fuel, grave shoring etc. between sites.
• Occasional cover for the cremator technician and or chapel attendant which will involve operation of the cremators (Full certificated training will be given).

What you need to succeed in this role:

At a minimum, you will be able to demonstrate:

• A proactive approach, with good administrative skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence in dealing with people at all levels.
• Attention to detail
• Strong commitment to undertake relevant training.
• Ability to follow written procedures and service standards.
• An understanding of the needs of the bereaved and ability to act accordingly
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Good organisational skills with the ability to take the initiative.

This job involves a degree of physical effort - please see attached job profile for further details

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Natasha Precious Bereavement Services Lead on 01483 444711

Previous applicants need not apply.

About Guildford

Guildford is a regional centre for leisure, business, education, shopping and culture set in beautiful countryside that includes the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guildford is a thriving market town and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night time economy. The town’s geographical location provides excellent transport links in all directions, London is just 30 minutes away on the train and the town is well-served by frequent bus routes and subsidised Park and Ride facilities. All of this contributes to a quality of life that attracts many people to live, work in and visit Guildford.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £25,197.00-£27,242.00 per year

Benefits:

• Store discount

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Guildford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: 10569