Groundskeeper

Are you passionate about the outdoors and take pride in maintaining serene spaces?

Forest Lawn Cemetery & Crematory Group is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Groundkeeper to join our team. This unique position involves maintaining the beauty of our grounds while providing dignified grave preparation and assistance to families and lot owners.

About us:

Forest Lawn Cemetery is one of the first deliberately designed and professionally landscaped rural cemeteries in the United States. Today, there are more than 165,000 permanent residents in our 269-acre, not-for-profit cemetery, where all are welcome.

The Groundskeeper (Grounds Care) position is responsible for the maintenance and overall care of the Forest Lawn Group’s cemetery grounds. This position coordinates the outlined duties with other departments and outside agencies in order to provide the highest quality care to our landscape, bereaved families and visitors.

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
• Rotating Saturdays 7:00 AM - 3:30
• Sundays as requested/required

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Grounds Maintenance

• Lawn mowing, hedge trimming, planting and care for flowers trees and shrubs
• Keep pathways, memorials and surrounding areas clean and well-kept
• Perform seasonal tasks such as snow removal and leaf clearing
• Manage irrigation, fertilization and pest control of plants and grassy areas
• Operate cemetery equipment including but not limited to chain saw, mower & lawn equipment, snowplow, etc.

Grave Digging & Preparation

• Prepare gravesites with accuracy and respect, ensuring proper dimensions.
• In cooperation with Interment Services, schedule and supervise the layout of graves and complete all duties for opening and closing of graves.
• Install and ensure that markers are recorded and placed
• Safely operate digging equipment and tools including but not limited to skid steer, excavator, shovels and backhoes.
• Set up chairs and gravesite markers for services.
• Backfill graves and restore surrounding grounds after services.
• Schedule and supervise crypt and niche openings and closings.
• Meet and lead funeral processions as requested.

Family Assistance

• Assist families in a respectful, compassionate manner.
• Provide guidance with graveside services when required.
• Communicate with funeral directors and cemetery staff to ensure a smooth, respectful service.

General Maintenance & Other Duties

• Maintain the safety of buildings and grounds for visitors and personnel.
• Perform light repairs and maintenance of equipment and tools.
• Keep storage areas and equipment organized.
• Report any grounds or equipment issues for timely resolution.
• Direct the maintenance and repair of fences, roads, signs, water, and sewer lines, etc.
• Keep work location, shop and break rooms clean and orderly.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations, bringing any safety concerns to direct supervisor.
• Work the assigned weekend rotation to include weekends (Saturday and/or Sundays) and holidays as needed.
• Travel to any cemetery owned and operated by Forest Lawn to perform the above duties as assigned.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in groundskeeping, landscaping or related field is preferred
• Experience with lawn and garden equipment required
• Valid drivers’ license
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Strong attention to detail and a respectful approach to handling graves and memorial spaces.
• Compassionate demeanor and ability to assist grieving families with care and sensitivity.
• Physical stamina to handle lifting, digging, and outdoor manual tasks.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk, hear and see. The employee must also be able to read, write and use a computer and mobile phone. The employee must lift and/or move up to 100 lbs. regularly, including a 2 foot by 1 foot granite marker. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Long periods of standing, walking and using outdoor equipment over various terrain such as steep inclines and uneven ground.

This job primarily operates in an outdoor setting where exposure to outside elements and variable weather are on a regular basis. There is also exposure to dirt, dust and cleaning supplies routinely. Regular use of equipment and tools are required.

Frequent travel to any of the Forest Lawn Group cemeteries is required as necessary.

Forest Lawn is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will be considered for employment or promotion without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or any other category protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Extended hours
• Rotating weekends

Application Question(s):

• Do you have the ability to work Saturdays and/or Sundays as needed or when required?

Experience:

• Landscaping/Groundskeeping: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $30