Job Description

The Roman Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Vancouver (RCCAV) is seeking an experienced Groundskeeper to join our team at Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery in Surrey, BC.The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining and preserving the cemetery grounds, ensuring all operations contribute to the respectful and seamless management of cemetery services.The incumbent plays a vital role in the mission of Catholic Cemeteries by delivering services with competence, care, and compassion. Responsibilities include a variety of landscaping and maintenance tasks that contribute to keeping Gardens of Gethsemani a peaceful retreat for prayer, reflection and loving memories of loved ones.

Responsibilities

• Cemetery grounds operations include grave preparations, burial functions, planting, maintaining irrigation systems and providing general care of property;
• The transport of human remains, lowering a casket, opening and closing a crypt or niche and communicating with the grieving family members at the gravesite;
• Ensuring that cemetery grounds operations are performed in compliance with established cemetery, Archdiocesan, governmental and health & safety regulations;
• Performing burial services and memorial placements at the cemetery accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with established policies and procedures;
• Assisting visitors with the location of gravesites/lots in a professional manner, utilizing available resources such as cemetery maps and interment records;
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in groundskeeping, and cemetery maintenance;
• High school diploma or higher, cemetery maintenance courses/experience preferred;
• Experience operating tools and machinery such as a backhoe, tractor, pickup, mowers, and other small equipment related to cemetery maintenance;
• Experience working in a Catholic or faith-based cemetery environment;
• Knowledge of the Catholic Church and Catholic burial traditions, including the key components of the rituals;
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team;
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role;
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions;
• Respectful and compassionate demeanor;
• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, courtesy and diplomacy;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Willingness to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop;
• Must possess and maintain a valid BC driver’s license as a condition of continued employment;
• Offer of employment is contingent upon submitting and maintaining a clean Police Record Search with Vulnerable Sector Search;
• Ability to meet the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Safe Environment policies;
• Must be compliant with all applicable personnel policies.
• This is a full-time position. Normal business hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM;
• It is understood that there will be evening and weekend work in order to fulfill the needs of this position, but typical schedule is Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday;
• Comprehensive group extended health and dental benefits and pension plan offered;
• Hourly range: $28 - $35

Deadline to apply: Open until filled

Please submit a résumé and cover letter with “RCCAV Senior Groundskeeper” in the subject line to:

Website:www.rcav.org/employment

Thank you for your interest; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.