Cemetery Team Member

About the Role

The cemeteries managed by Napier City Council serve as important spaces for remembrance and connection. Behind their upkeep is a dedicated team ensuring these places are preserved with dignity and professionalism. As a Cemetery Team Member, you will contribute significantly to the upkeep of Napier's cemeteries, assist with burial and ash interment duties with sensitivity, and support smooth daily operations.

This varied, hands-on position involves preparing burial sites, maintaining grounds, and providing compassionate assistance during important family moments, creating a lasting positive impact in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare graves and manage burial and ash interments with care.
• Maintain cemetery grounds by mowing, gardening, and general upkeep.
• Safely operate and maintain machinery and equipment used in grounds maintenance.
• Ensure cemetery facilities remain safe, welcoming, and respectful for visitors.
• Offer professional and courteous service to funeral directors, contractors, and the public.
• Collaborate effectively within the Cemeteries team and promote a strong health and safety culture.
• Assist the broader Parks & Reserves team as needed.

Candidate Profile

• Holds a full New Zealand Class 1 Driver Licence.
• Experienced in operating outdoor maintenance machinery or small plant equipment.
• Physically capable of demanding outdoor work.
• Committed to upholding health, safety, and safe working practices.
• Good communication skills and a respectful, customer-focused attitude.
• Able to work independently whilst actively contributing to a team environment.
• Eager to learn new skills and develop professionally.

Experience in cemetery operations, parks or grounds maintenance, possession of machinery licences, Growsafe certification, or First Aid training is advantageous but not mandatory.

Benefits

• Five weeks' annual leave after two years of service.
• Access to discounted health insurance and eye test subsidies.
• Retail discounts and study assistance opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support.
• Recognition through quarterly awards, birthday vouchers, and social club activities.
• Free annual flu vaccinations.
• Participation in Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga, NCC Kapa Haka, and Te Reo Māori language classes.

Additional Details

This is a permanent, full-time role requiring 42.5 hours per week from Monday to Friday. The position is based at Wharerangi Cemetery in Napier, with duties predominantly at various sportsgrounds.

The hourly pay range is between $27.62 and $29.35, depending on experience, with eligibility for KiwiSaver contributions. Candidates will undergo pre-employment checks including criminal background, health screening, and drug & alcohol testing. Being part of Civil Defence response during community emergencies may also be expected.

Napier City Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and accessibility in recruitment. Support or accommodations during hiring processes are available upon request. The organisation works closely with Mana Whenua and Iwi to strengthen cultural competency through dedicated partnerships and training.