VETERANS CEMETERY CARETAKER 3 -04072025 - 66955

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES, TENNESSEE STATE VETERAN'S CEMETERIES DIVISION, KNOX COUNTY

A Motor Vehicle Records screening will be conducted prior to employment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and experience equivalent to two years of increasingly skilled full-time labor and trades experience including, at least, one year of experience in heavy equipment operation or two years full time as a Veterans Cemetery Caretaker with the State of Tennessee.

Preferred Experience: Operation of various size excavators, farm tractors and skid loaders.

NSQ's:

• Applicants for this class must possess a valid driver's license.
• Applicants must be able to lift >50 lbs of materials and equipment.

Overview

The Cemetery Caretaker 3 performs skilled grounds maintenance work. This classification functions as an individual contributor under moderate supervision. Employees in this class lead others in the performance of duties such as mowing grass, laying out grave sites, setting and maintaining headstones, applying fertilizers and insecticides. Additionally, the position assists the foreman with regular data entry and reporting tasks including headstone documentation, equipment status updates, and fulfills safety officer duties for the work team. This class differs from Veterans Cemetery Caretaker 2 in that the incumbent of the latter functions at the working level.

Responsibilities

1. Leads others in performing cemetery grounds maintenance duties including cutting grass, trimming hedges, detail trimming around beds and buildings, maintaining flower beds, removing dead and unsightly flower arrangements, picking up and removing trash and brush from grounds, and cleaning headstones to maintain the dignity and appearance of the veterans cemetery.
2. Leads others in assisting the equipment operators with opening of the grave by preparing the lowering device for setup and use in lowering casket into the grave, dressing and leveling the gravesite, and setting the Temporary Marker in line with adjacent markers. Acts as a safety spotter during burial operations to ensure all procedures are completed safely and with proper respect.
3. Leads others in preparing grounds for headstone placement and sets headstone in accordance with National Cemetery Administration standards, including socket preparation, ensuring proper alignment, spacing, and uniformity to maintain the cemetery's dignified appearance. Sets headstones using NCA recommended procedures including proper use of survey stakes, top line and back line techniques to maintain consistent appearance throughout the cemetery grounds.
4. Leads others in checking burial schedule and weather reports for daily scheduling; communicates necessary changes to supervisor and ensures all team members understand task priorities.
5. Leads others in communicating clearly to the supervisor, peers, and visiting public, maintaining a respectful and professional demeanor when interacting with bereaved family members and visitors.
6. Leads others in operating tools, devices, and equipment according to safety rules and regulations. Reviews job board safety and policy updates regularly. Ensures that personal protective equipment (PPE) is in good working condition and is worn by self and co-workers.
7. Works in harsh conditions such as all kinds of severe weather including rain, snow, sleet, extreme heat and cold, and high winds to ensure cemetery grounds are properly maintained year-round. Prepares and applies proper chemicals for grounds including fertilizers and pesticides.
8. Assists the foreman with administrative duties including regular data entry, documenting headstone placements and conditions, reporting on equipment status and maintenance needs, and maintaining required safety records. Functions as a safety officer for the team by conducting safety briefings, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and reporting potential hazards.
9. Additional duties as assigned or delegated.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:
1. Customer Focus
2. Ensures Accountability
3. Collaborates
4. Situational Adaptability
5. Action Oriented

Knowledges:
1. Customer and Personal Service
2. Mechanical
3. English Language

Skills:
1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Time Management
3. Instructing
4. Equipment Maintenance
5. Mathematics

Abilities:
1. Spatial Orientation
2. Written Comprehension
3. Speech Clarity
4. Multilimb Coordination
5. Reaction Time

Tools & Equipment

1. Heavy and Light Equipment
2. Equipment Implements and Attachments
3. Power and Hand Tools
4. Personal Protective Equipment
5. Office Equipment