Cemetery Technician

We are looking for a dedicated and skilled Cemetery Technician to contribute to the care and maintenance of one of Missoula's most cherished landmarks. In this dynamic role, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of essential tasks, from grave excavation and interment to maintaining landscapes, buildings, and irrigation systems. Whether you’re building structures, operating equipment, or providing support to the community, this is a rewarding position that offers career growth within a supportive team.

If you have a passion for hands-on work, a commitment to quality, and a desire to serve your community, we want you on our team!

Screening of applications will begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.  Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received.

To Apply: All applicants must submit the City of Missoula Application.

Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application.     

** This position is part of a formal career ladder offering clear opportunities for advancement and increased responsibilities as you grow in this role.  The full range for Level I of the Career Ladder is $20.12 - $23.44/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.   

This position is part of a formal career ladder tying pay progression to the advancement and complexity of assigned duties and responsibilities.

• Perform a wide variety of skilled and semi-skilled cemetery maintenance projects including, surveying and locating plots, excavating and preparing graves, interring the deceased, raising sunken graves, etc.
• Construct and maintain buildings, restrooms, and septic systems. 
• Maintain and repair equipment; manage inventory of tools and equipment.
• Install and maintain irrigation systems, wells, water fountains and ponds.
• Perform welding and concrete work.
• Assist in cemetery facility winterization, including irrigation systems, wells, restrooms, etc.
• Install and maintain landscape, including trees, shrubs, flower beds, and turf;  aerate, fertilize, and seed lawn and turf areas; remove snow and leaves.
• Operate various light to heavy equipment and vehicles, including mowers, dump trucks, tractors, loaders, vac-alls, trenchers, aerifiers, fertilizer spreaders, etc.; operate small equipment, including chain saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, edgers, etc.
• Provide support to the public by responding to questions, complaints, and other inquiries.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of cemetery development and construction, including surveying, grading, landscaping, constructing buildings, irrigation systems, septic systems, etc.
• Knowledge of and ability to promote department safety considerations, City safety policies, OSHA standards and guidelines.
• Knowledge of horticulture landscaping and floriculture practices; basic carpentry, welding, plumbing and electricity; and vehicle, building, grounds, and pond maintenance.
• Skill in concrete forming and finishing.
• Skill in the design and installation of irrigation systems, landscaping and building construction.
• Skill in safely operating various tools, equipment, vehicles and other machinery in the operations and maintenance of cemetery functions.
• Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Ability to read cemetery plat books, and maps for locating gravesites.
• Ability to understand and follow regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to learn departmental and City of Missoula practices and procedures.

Working Conditions:

• Position requires the ability to lift and maneuver 50 lbs. or less.
• Work environment may include exposure to unavoidable weather conditions, occupational hazards, construction hazards, and physical risks, including uneven terrain, and working in confined spaces, or open trenches, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Duties may require the ability to perform a wide range of physically strenuous tasks.

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to one (1) year experience in construction, maintenance, landscaping, grounds maintenance, or another relevant field. 

• Must have a valid Montana driver’s license with a verified acceptable driving record, or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• Additional job-specific certifications may be required.

Salary : $20 - $22