Job Title: Removal Technician and Crematory Operator
Department: Care Center
Reports To: Care Center Manager
Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly, Full-Time)
Position Summary
The Removal Technician and Crematory Operator is responsible for the respectful transfer, care, and handling of decedents, crematory operations, and support of mortuary and crematory operations. This position ensures the dignified, respectful, and compliant handling of decedents throughout all stages of care while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and customer service. The position provides operational support wherever needed to ensure the efficient functioning of the Mortuary, Crematory, and Care Center.
Decedent Care and Removal Services
- Respond to first calls and perform removals of decedents from residences, hospitals, nursing facilities, medical examiner offices, airports, and other locations.
- Transfer and transport decedents safely, respectfully, and professionally while maintaining dignity and proper identification at all times.
- Ensure proper chain-of-custody procedures, documentation, and identification protocols are followed during all removals and transfers.
- Receive decedents into the Care Center and verify all accompanying documentation and identification information.
- Assist families, healthcare personnel, and other professionals with compassion, sensitivity, and professionalism during difficult circumstances.
- Maintain accurate records related to removals, transfers, and decedent intake.
- Represent Oahu Cemetery Association in a professional manner while interacting with families, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and the public.
Crematory Operations
- Operate crematory equipment safely and efficiently in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
- Receive and verify authorization documents prior to cremation.
- Track and positively identify decedents throughout all phases of the cremation process.
- Initiate, monitor, and conclude cremations.
- Process, package, and prepare cremated remains for final disposition.
- Maintain accurate cremation records, logs, and chain-of-custody documentation.
- Perform routine cleaning of crematory equipment and facilities.
Funeral Home and Operations Support
- Assist funeral directors, arrangers, and other staff with services, visitations, and operational needs.
- Set up and break down chapels, visitation rooms, and service areas.
- Provide compassionate and professional interactions with families, visitors, vendors, and co-workers.
- Assist with all mortuary, crematory, cemetery, and care center operations as needed.
- Maintain facilities, equipment, vehicles, and work areas in a clean, safe, and professional condition.
- Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
Qualifications
- Previous funeral service, removal, mortuary, crematory, transportation, healthcare, or related experience preferred.
- Experience operating crematory equipment preferred.
- Valid Hawaii driver's license required.
- Good driving record required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and trustworthiness.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact compassionately with grieving families.
- Ability to remain calm, respectful, and professional in emotionally challenging situations.
- Strong work ethic, dependability, and attention to detail.
- Ability to safely lift, move, and transfer decedents and equipment and perform the physical demands associated with removal services.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to follow established procedures, safety protocols, and chain-of-custody requirements.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, move, and transfer decedents and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds and assist with heavier loads using proper lifting techniques, equipment, and team lifting procedures.
- Ability to safely push, pull, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, and stand for extended periods.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in residences, hospitals, nursing facilities, medical examiner offices, airports, and outdoor locations.
- Ability to safely operate company vehicles, cots, stretchers, lifts, and other removal equipment.
