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