Cemetery Supervisor - Grounds Maintenance

Thornbury | £29,000 - £31,000 per year | 37 hours per week | Weekdays plus weekend rota | Permanent

Introduction

Acorn by Synergie is recruiting a Cemetery Supervisor - Grounds Maintenance to manage operations at Thornbury Cemetery. This role is responsible for maintaining high standards across the site, ensuring the smooth running of interments, and maintaining compliance with health and safety legislation and cemetery regulations.

The successful candidate will officiate at interments, liaise with funeral directors and monumental masons, supervise grounds maintenance staff, and support ecological and biodiversity improvements across the cemetery grounds.

Key Duties

• Oversee and manage all operations within the cemetery grounds.
• Ensure site safety, supervising grounds maintenance, burial preparation, and contractor activities.
• Monitor memorial permit schemes and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Maintain and secure cemetery buildings in collaboration with the Facilities Officer.
• Care for and maintain all tools and equipment.
• Supervise staff to ensure safe and efficient working practices.
• Prepare plots safely for the interment of cremated remains.
• Assist funeral directors, clergy, and families during interments, ensuring documentation is processed correctly.
• Maintain cemetery plans and burial records, updating documentation as required.
• Provide assistance to the public, funeral directors, and monumental masons regarding grave locations.
• Conduct routine inspections of memorials, pathways, and grounds, implementing control measures where hazards are identified.
• Contribute to risk assessments and safe systems of work based on site inspections and contractor activity.
• Ensure correct and safe use of tools, vehicles, machinery, and PPE by staff and contractors.
• Act as the first point of contact for on-site incidents, securing areas and escalating where necessary.
• Ensure grounds maintenance is carried out according to agreed schedules, supporting biodiversity initiatives.
• Lead projects to develop the adjacent meadow into a memorial woodland, ashes interment area, and garden of remembrance.
• Oversee maintenance of St Mary's Churchyard, including inspections, volunteer liaison, and routine upkeep.
• Maintain open spaces, floral displays, and other cemetery facilities.
• Apply horticultural knowledge to enhance biodiversity and ecological value across green spaces.
• Carry out general maintenance tasks such as painting and repairs to fencing, seating, and outdoor equipment.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks across council-operated sites as required.

Requirements

• Previous experience supervising grounds maintenance or similar operations.
• Horticultural or ecology qualification preferred.
• Full UK driving licence for occasional travel to other local sites.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Reliable, proactive, and able to work flexibly including weekend rota participation.

What We Offer

• Permanent role with long-term stability.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunity to apply and develop horticultural and ecological expertise.
• Involvement in meaningful projects improving green spaces and biodiversity.
• Time off in lieu for weekend rota participation.

Interested?

Apply now with your up-to-date CV to join the team managing Thornbury Cemetery and help maintai

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.