A Landscaping or Grounds Supervisor supervises the staff that provide landscaping for residences, parks, public gardens, college campuses or building or office park grounds. Supervises work to care for plants and trees, including mowing, trimming and planting, and work to repair driveways, walks, benches or other structures. Oversees equipment maintenance and transportation, and communicates with residential customers.
We are seeking a Cemeteries Operations Manager for the Diocese of Grand Rapids Catholic Cemeteries. This position oversees the maintenance, appearance, service, and daily operations of our five diocesan cemeteries, ensuring all grounds and facilities meet diocesan standards. Working closely with the Managing Director, this role leads maintenance teams, manages equipment and resources, promotes safety and environmental best practices, and supports families with compassion and professionalism. Management Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOP). Ensure policies are in compliance with legal and safety requirements, cemetery policies and church directives. Works collaboratively with the Managing Director in supervising the overall cemetery grounds operations. With the Managing Director maintain a regular cadence of coaching opportunities with direct reports and staff. Provide individual coaching, training and development as needed. Conduct annual performance reviews. Provide daily work assignments for the Sexton, Grounds Crew, and Seasonal Grounds Crew. Responsible for overseeing that the grounds crews adhere to appropriate dress code. With the Managing Director inspect all roadways and walkways to avoid any insurance concerns and improve appearance (i.e. tripping hazards, potholes that warrant cold patching, etc.). Maintain a safe working environment by training the grounds crew the proper use of all equipment used and compliance with the appropriate regulations i.e., OSHA and EPA. With the Managing Director participate actively in the hiring, training, and onboarding of new employees. Help resolve any customer concerns/complaints. Work with outside contractors as needed.
Approves all expenditures with the Managing Director, both capital and recurring, associated with the operations of cemeteries. Develops and manages budget. Review and approve all timecards for direct reports and submit payroll to Managing Director for processing. Keep a schedule for equipment inspection maintenance and preventative maintenance. Complete and maintain appropriate inventory logs that include equipment, supplies, merchandise, safety equipment, and maintenance of equipment. Help with office personnel concerns over past burial records that may need clarification. Provide input on items that can be sold for additional revenue. With the Managing Director ensure policies are in compliance with legal and safety requirements, cemetery policies and church directives. Assume responsibility that the family wishes and cemetery policies, standards and procedures are following the physical components of the memorialization process, up to and including site preparation for the service. Maintain a high level of professionalism with customers, both in person and for every caller. Communicate available committal inventory and physically show family plot/crypt/niche locations at our cemeteries if necessary. Maintain membership and involvement with the Catholic Cemetery Conference. Grounds Maintenance Responsible for the care of the cemetery landscape, including trees, shrubbery, mowing of grass, completion of all burials, including the reseeding of sites and the replacement of headstones that were moved for the burial. Accountable for overall care of the cemetery to include installing headstones, memorials or vaults and all aspects of ground keeping i.e. chemicals. mulching, pruning. Works closely with the marker company confirming that necessary foundations have been installed and the scheduling of marker deliveries. Assist with burial services, including ground preparations, interments, and in the opening and closing of graves for burial services when necessary. Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education, training and experience preferred. Passion and energy for contributing to the growth of the organization and educating the community within the Diocese of Grand Rapids. A minimum of 5 years of cemetery grounds experience is strongly preferred. Demonstrated leadership experience preferred. Valid state issued driver's license in good standing and acceptable driving record. Possess a thorough understanding of the interment rituals and procedures associated with burials in the Roman Catholic Church. Be fully knowledgeable of all local and national regulations and industry-specific standards relating to the operation and maintenance of cemetery properties, individual gravesites, and interment procedures. A high level of integrity and must be comfortable as a role model for staff. Maintain confidentiality and trust in dealing with sensitive issues. Ability to multi-task and set priorities. Must have considerable knowledge of standard office procedures, labor practices, financial reporting, and terminology. Experience with managing projects and a budget; good reporting capabilities. Strong computer skills. Strong written and communication skills. Passion and energy for contributing to the growth of the cemetery. Must have the ability to communicate and foster relationships with families, parish priests, and funeral homes. Ability to operate maintenance equipment and machinery including backhoe and other lawn equipment. Outdoor duties may require exposure to natural elements such as inclement weather, extreme temperatures, uneven ground, dust, gas, and/or fumes. Regularly works near moving mechanical parts Equipment used to perform the essential function of this position includes hand-held tools and equipment, including but not limited to shovels, picks, rakes, sledgehammers, lawn mowers, weed trimmers and sod cutters. The position may occasionally use a ladder. Regularly required to climb, sit, stand, bend, kneel, and frequently lift to 75 pounds and may be required to lift to 100 pounds. May also require reaching, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to speak and listen in English. The position works onsite Monday through Friday with occasional weekends as needed. Employment in and by the Diocese of Grand Rapids is substantially different from secular employment. Diocesan employees must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals, laws of the Catholic Church or the Diocese of Grand Rapids, such that it can embarrass the Diocese of Grand Rapids or give rise to scandal. This position does not require that the employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic. It is expected that all employees will respect Catholic doctrine and religious practices. Reasonable accommodation for the religious practices of employees not of the Roman Catholic faith will similarly be provided. Interested applicants please submit your cover letter and resume to Rory Beth Novosad, Managing Director at rorybethn@grcathcem.org.
Pay:
From $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid jury duty Paid time off Retirement plan Safety equipment provided
