Backhoe Operator / Laborer

Backhoe Operator / Laborer Boston Catholic Cemetery Association Roslindale, MA Job Details Full-time $23 - $25 an hour 6 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Qualifications Masonry Vehicle inspections Occupational safety regulation compliance Excavator Maintaining an organized workspace Removing debris Outdoor work Safety regulations Pruning (plant care) Performing regular vehicle safety checks Mowing Driver's License DOT Physical Certification Snow plowing Driving Loader operation Backhoe operation Clean workspace maintenance Hand tools Routine maintenance projects Communication skills Facilities maintenance Fertilizing Entry level Full Job Description Position Summary The Backhoe Operator / Laborer is responsible for preparing graves and maintaining cemetery grounds in a safe, respectful, and professional manner. This position includes operating backhoes, excavators, loaders, lawn care equipment, trucks, and other cemetery-related machinery, as well as performing laborer and grounds maintenance duties as needed. The employee will assist with all aspects of cemetery operations, including grave preparation, burials, monument setting, landscaping, cleanup, and maintenance of cemetery property and equipment. Hours of Work Regular work schedule is 40 hours per week. This position requires coverage for weekend funerals and may require additional work hours on Saturdays and holidays based on operational needs. Overtime may be required during peak operational periods, inclement weather events, snow removal, emergency situations, or special projects. Essential Job Functions Prepare graves for burials using a backhoe, excavator, loader, or other equipment. Excavate and backfill graves while maintaining proper depth, alignment, and safety standards. Assist with burial functions, including installing vaults, concrete crypts, and urns. Perform cemetery grounds maintenance, including sodding, seeding, fertilizing, mowing, trimming, pruning, planting, and general landscaping. Set monuments, markers, foundations, forms, and veteran markers in accordance with cemetery standards. Operate earth moving, lawn care, snow removal, and cemetery maintenance equipment. Assist in cemetery cleanup and maintenance, including debris removal, trash collection, and watering stations. Set up and remove tents, chairs, lowering devices, and other funeral service equipment. Perform snow removal and ice control duties as assigned. Assist with opening and closing cemetery grounds, raising and lowering flags, and preparing cemetery areas for public use. Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, fueling, and inspection of vehicles, tools, and equipment. Assist with maintenance and repair work, including painting, basic masonry, stone wall repairs, monument cleaning, and related tasks. Support other cemetery staff as needed to ensure respectful, accurate, and timely burial services. Eligibility Requirements Must possess a valid driver's license. Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts DOT Medical Card. Should be familiar with landscaping and grounds maintenance practices. Must have exhibited a good attendance record. Must possess good communication skills and attention to detail. Must be able to operate backhoes, loaders, and other heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials and equipment. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Follow all safety rules, regulations, and cemetery operating procedures. Report safety concerns, equipment issues, or hazards to a direct supervisor immediately. Perform a variety of cemetery caretaking duties, including mowing grass using riding and hand mowing equipment, trimming, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, planting, raising and lowering flags, opening the cemetery daily, and other routine or special projects. Work individually or with other groundskeepers to ensure the proper and respectful preparation of interment spaces. Dig and prepare grave sites in advance of burial services. Set forms for headstones and install veteran markers in accordance with veterans' standards. Empty trash cans, pick up litter and debris, and maintain water barrel stations. Set up and take down tents and burial equipment as needed. Maintain cemetery equipment and keep work areas, tools, and equipment clean and orderly. Clean monuments, memorials, and statues. Perform general cemetery maintenance, including painting, masonry work, and stone wall repairs. Assist with snow plowing, snow removal, sanding, and salting operations during winter months. Perform other duties as assigned to support cemetery operations. Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work on uneven terrain for extended periods. Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Ability to work in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind. Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and hand tools. Work Environment Work is performed primarily outdoors in a cemetery environment and may involve exposure to weather extremes, dirt, mud, dust, noise, machinery, and other outdoor conditions. Employees are expected to maintain a respectful and professional appearance and demeanor when interacting with the public, funeral directors, clergy, families, and coworkers.

Pay:

$23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person