The Town of Winthrop is hiring a seasonal Cemetery Sexton. This position involves a combination of manual labor and administrative responsibilities related to the operation, maintenance, and management of all Town-owned cemeteries and selected municipal green spaces. The job description is posted
here.
Essential duties and responsibilities (illustrative only):
- Assist residents and families with locating and selecting burial lots; direct individuals to the Town Clerk’s Office for lot purchases.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date cemetery records, including burial information and maps; coordinate documentation with the Town Clerk’s Office.
- Receive and verify burial certificates from funeral directors and ensure proper filing with the Town Clerk’s Office.
- Perform routine and seasonal grounds maintenance for all Town cemeteries and designated municipal properties, including mowing, trimming, and general upkeep.
- Prepare gravesites for burials and complete backfilling following services.
- Coordinate with monument companies to ensure proper placement and installation of markers and headstones.
- Loam and seed gravesites as needed to maintain proper grading and appearance.
- Order, install, and maintain veteran grave flags and flag holders; ensure flags are placed for Memorial Day and as needed.
- Remove and dispose of deteriorated floral arrangements and other items in accordance with cemetery rules.
- Cut and remove brush; coordinate tree and branch removal as necessary.
- Collect and dispose of trash from cemeteries and associated facilities.
- Assist in the layout, clearing, and development of new cemetery sections.
- Arrange for or perform stone cleaning, straightening, and minor repairs.
- Report damage, safety concerns, and maintenance needs promptly to the Public Works Director and Cemetery Committee Chair.
- Attend Cemetery Committee meetings; provide recommendations on policies and assist in preparing the annual budget.
- Coordinate and participate in the annual Cemetery Clean-Up.
- Supervise and direct assigned staff or contractors as a working foreman when required.
- Assist the public with locating graves for genealogical or research purposes.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Public Works Director.
Requirements of work:
- Demonstrated strong work ethic and reliability.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town staff, contractors, and the public.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to follow direction.
- Strong verbal communication and listening skills. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Working knowledge of safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to perform physically demanding labor for extended periods in varying weather conditions; most work is performed outdoors.
- Ability to operate cemetery and grounds maintenance equipment, including: walk-behind and riding mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws and brush equipment.
- Ability to use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, picks, and related equipment.
- Ability to operate light to medium equipment, including a backhoe for grave excavation.
- Ability to perform minor maintenance and repairs on equipment.
- Knowledge of underground safety practices and regulations.
Training and experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, construction, or related semi-skilled labor preferred.
How to apply:
Town of Winthrop
Attn: Town Clerk Deborah Nichols
17 Highland Avenue
Winthrop, ME 04364
Application deadline: Open until filled
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