The Role

Are you a leader that can inspire? Are you passionate about driving improvement? Do you have cemetery related experience?

If so… we have the perfect role for you!

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Cemetery Operations Supervisor to join our Environment and Community Services at the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Come and join the team!

Our goals and vision

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is regarded as one greenest London Borough’s and has one of the largest parks and open spaces estates in the country. 

In 2020 the Council finalised the Climate Emergency Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan, which both detail an ambition to beat climate change and reduce air pollution. The Parks Team has always been environmentally focused, with nature conservation at the heart of how we deliver our service.

About the team

The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, ambitious, and experienced Parks Team that actively engages with stakeholders and residents, to ensure that our parks, open spaces, and cemetery grounds continue to meet the needs of the local community.

The Parks Team is very supportive and works closely with service-related contractors, community groups and volunteer groups, to identify necessary improvements and ensure that our parks, open spaces, and cemeteries are safe and welcoming for all.

The cemetery grounds are located throughout the Borough and therefore the Cemetery Operations Supervisor role will work remotely, with access to the Civic Centre (Twickenham) for administrative purposes. 

About the role

The Cemetery Operations Team undertake all operational aspects of the cemetery grounds in accordance with ICCM guidelines and the Council’s service policies, standards and procedures, legal requirements, and professional codes of practice.

You will be responsible for the supervision of the Mobile Cemetery Operatives, working closely with the Parks Operations Manager to develop and implement work schedules which ensure a high level of performance from the Cemetery Operations Team. 

You will oversee and ensure that all graves are prepared correctly, in compliance with Health and Safety Legislation, Burial Law (the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977), and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Code of Safe Working Practice in Cemeteries.

To be shortlisted for interview your CV and support statement will show:

• Good general standard of education, preferably at GCSE or equivalent including Maths and English.
• First Aid / Health and Safety Qualification
• ICT Literate – able to use Microsoft Office, Outlook and relevant databases
• Working in an open space’s environment in a supervisory capacity with grounds maintenance / gravedigger / stone mason or other related skills
• Relevant experience within a customer facing environment.
• Speaking with bereaved people with compassion, understanding and cultural awareness
• Able to work flexible hours, to adjust working hours to meet the operational demands if required.
• Must be of smart appearance when required to meet members of the public, attend meetings or provide cover at customer facing events.
• Prepared to work towards ICCM COTS (grave digging) course and Cremator Operator Qualification or equivalent

Benefits

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities. In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

• Closing Date: 11:59pm on Sunday 21st August 2022
• Shortlisting Date: 22nd - 23rd August 2022
• Interview Date: Wednesday 31st August 2022     

Useful Information: The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils