Somerset Council
Crematorium Operative
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Closing date: 27/09/2026 Salary: Grade 13 - ranging from £25,989 to £28,142 per annum Contract: Permanent Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
About the Role
This is a rewarding and varied role within Bereavement Services, providing essential support to cremation, burial and grounds maintenance operations. As a Crematorium Operative, you will play a key part in delivering high-quality services to bereaved families, ensuring that all services are carried out with dignity, compassion and professionalism.
You will undertake training to become a qualified Cremator Operator, developing the skills and knowledge required to operate cremation equipment safely and in accordance with relevant legislation, industry standards and best practice. Alongside this, you will help maintain cemetery and crematorium grounds to an excellent standard, creating peaceful and well-presented environments for visitors and service attendees.
The role involves working closely with colleagues, funeral directors, clergy, memorial masons and members of the public, requiring sensitivity, attention to detail and a commitment to providing exceptional customer care. You will support funeral and burial services, assist with operational and grounds maintenance duties, and contribute to the delivery of a respectful, efficient and professional bereavement service.
This position offers an opportunity to develop specialist skills while making a meaningful difference to people at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
How You'll Make a Difference
As a Crematorium Operative, you will undertake training to become a qualified Cremator Operator while helping to maintain the cemetery and crematorium grounds to the highest of standards. You will support the burial and cremation services with professionalism, compassion and respect, ensuring that bereaved families receive a dignified and caring service. This is a varied and rewarding role that combines operational responsibilities, grounds maintenance and direct support for funeral services.
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Key responsibilities include:
- Support cremation services and undertake training to become a qualified Cremator Operator.
- Assist with funeral, burial and memorial services, always ensuring dignity and professionalism.
- Carry out grave preparation and support burial activities.
- Maintain cemetery and crematorium grounds, including grass cutting, planting, pruning and general upkeep.
- Operate vehicles, machinery and equipment safely and effectively.
- Ensure buildings, equipment and work areas are clean, secure and well maintained.
- Provide courteous and compassionate support to families, funeral directors, clergy and visitors.
- Follow all health and safety, environmental and operational procedures.
- Contribute to record keeping, memorial inspections and other service-related duties as required.
What You'll Bring
Essential
- A compassionate, professional and respectful approach when supporting bereaved families and visitors.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Good attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures accurately.
- Willingness to undertake training and development, including Cremator Operator qualifications.
- Ability to carry out physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Commitment to health and safety standards.
- Experience of using tools, machinery or equipment safely.
- Basic IT skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Full UK driving licence.
Why Join Us?
At Somerset Council, we're a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving lives and delivering excellent services for our communities. Located in one of England's most beautiful counties, we offer the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying an outstanding quality of life.
In return, we offer:
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most secure and comprehensive pension schemes.
- Flexible working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance, where service requirements allow.
- A range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
- Paid volunteering days, giving you the opportunity to make a positive difference in your community.
- Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your personal and professional growth.
- A supportive and inclusive working environment where your contribution is valued.
- The opportunity to develop specialist skills and qualifications, including training to become a qualified Cremator Operator and Grounds Operative.
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Joining Somerset Council means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to providing compassionate, professional and high-quality bereavement services for our communities.
Find out more about working at Somerset Council:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council
Further Information
- 25 days annual leave (in addition to bank holidays).
- Role based at Taunton Crematorium.
- This role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact John Ranger, Head of Bereavement Services, via email: john.ranger@somerset.gov.uk.
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0214 Crematorium Operative.pdf
Job ref: 1233/DT
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