Cemetery Operator I

**Job Details**:
Permanent Full-Time (CUPE 136)

**Posting Status**:
Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants

**Closing Date**:
Applications for this position must be received at oakville.ca by no later than 11:59 pm on **December 23, 2024**

This position reports to the Supervisor of Cemeteries & Environmental Services. This position performs duties relating to the operation of the Town Cemeteries. The functions performed in this position are in accordance with established procedures and practices.

**Responsibilities**:

- Plans, coordinates, executes and evaluates cemetery operations. Develops new and/or revises relevant policies and/or standard operating procedures for the section as required.
- Delegates work assignments to staff and students ensuring appropriate scheduling and quality control.
- Ensures work is performed efficiently and effectively in accordance with Town or Department maintenance standards/specifications, and other legislative requirements (e.g.: Labour and Health and Safety Regulations, Traffic Control, Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, etc.)
- Hires students and monitors performance including initiating corrective action and/or progressive discipline when required. Assists with Seasonal hiring as required.
- Liaises closely with Supervisor and/or Manager to report progress, resolve issues, and refine planning.
- Ensures cemetery operations are conducted according to family requests for services and ensures that all requests are carried out on time and on schedule.
- Responds and investigates public inquiries, by-law issues and initiates work orders as appropriate.
- Monitors and maintains expenditures. Oversees allocation of resources (financial, employee hours etc.).
- Assists with budgets preparation, program development and staff training development.
- Accurately maintains daily records for the purpose of tracking, reporting and documenting of all cemetery activities and adjusts schedules as necessary.
- Interprets cemetery maps which confirm lot locations.
- Ensures all equipment is operated competently, safely and maintained in a good operating condition ensuring proper and timely documentation for repair of defective equipment (including circle checks of all assigned rolling stock).
- Keeps current with ongoing technical, cultural and procedural improvements in cemetery operations.
- Trains and guides staff, students, part-time staff and volunteers involved in activities.
- Supports information dissemination, training and communication for cemetery activities.
- Liaises with, and oversees the work of contractors and other service providers.
- Analyzes information, data, progress etc. and looks for means of improving cemetery operational performance.
- Represents the Corporation and Department in a professional, courteous and respectful manner in all dealings with the public, other groups, and associations.
- Perform role of Stand-in Supervisor on occasions when the supervisor is not available.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:

- Diploma in Horticulture or related field of study or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2-3 years of progressively responsible experience in cemetery operations including preparing graves for burials, installing markers, turf management, pruning, operating relative equipment.
- Certifications in Forklift, Chainsaw, 0-8 tons crane operations and load securement are desirable
- Proven experience in directing and assigning work to others, including training and monitoring work performance.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to cope with emotional stress involved in cemetery work are required;
- Demonstrated effective leadership, organizational, communication, both oral and written, customer service and problem solving skills. Proficient time management skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties;
- Ability to work with mínimal supervision and as part of a team;
- Must hold and provide a copy of a valid and unrestricted Ontario Driver’s Licence Class DZ minimum (standard and automatic transmission) with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. Note: Applicants with 6 or more points are ineligible for consideration. The successful applicant, who is a new hire, will be required to provide the Corporation with a current drivers abstract (no older than 30 days) and pass a Town administered road test as a condition of employment;
- Must be willing to work a 40-hour workweek in varying weather conditions and be available for shift work and stand-by as required including weekends and nights, and expected to work Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays when funeral arrangements so require.

**DATED**:December 2, 2024**

***We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.