STATE VETERANS CEMETERY WORKER

DEFINITION

This is semi-skilled work in the preparation and maintenance of gravesites and surrounding grounds at a Missouri State Veterans Cemetery.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Prepares gravesites in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Excavates, fills, and levels graves using a backhoe, auger, dump truck, and related tools/equipment.

Surveys burial sites using transits to ensure proper alignment of graves and headstones; aligns and sets headstones and vault niches.

Transports caskets to gravesites using a tractor or truck; inserts vault liners when necessary; lowers and covers casket with sand and soil.

Prepares committal shelters for services; arranges chairs and flowers ; provides blankets as needed to ensure the comfort of mourners; raises and lowers flag; operates speaker system equipment.

Prepares columbarium for urn placement; removes cover and cleans niche; places urn into niche and reseals.

Maintains cemetery grounds; sows and mows grass; trims weeds from around headstones, buildings, and flower beds; applies fertilizers/herbicides; plants flowers, shrubs, and trees; trims and prunes shrubs and trees.

Cleans facility structures and performs minor maintenance repairs.

Checks backhoe's tire pressure, fluids, oil, and hydraulic lines on a daily basis; lubricates backhoe as needed; removes and sharpens mower blades.

Removes snow, ice, leaves, and other debris from roads, parking lots, walkways, and building entrances.

Prepares reports and maintains records of material usage, equipment maintenance, and vehicle mileage.

Assists the public by providing information regarding cemetery operations and regulations and the location of gravesites.

Receives general administrative direction.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Intermediate knowledge of landscaping, including methods of soil preservation.

Introductory knowledge of groundskeeping methods and practices.

Introductory knowledge of cemetery operations relating to burial preparations, procedures, and services.

Ability to provide information and/or assistance regarding the Missouri State Veterans Cemeteries.

Ability to communicate effectively with the public in stressful and/or emotional situations.

Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.

Ability to operate backhoes, tractors, dump trucks, mowers, and power/hand tools.

Ability to use survey transit and related equipment to align graves and headstones.

Ability to perform preventative maintenance on equipment and machinery.

Ability to perform minor maintenance repairs to facility structures.

Ability to do physical work which could include lifting heavy objects.

Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods of time.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession of a valid Missouri vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)

One or more years of semi-skilled experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, heavy equipment operation, building, electrical, or mechanical trades, or in general farm work; and completion of the eighth grade.

(Minor Revision 4/1/09)