Posted by A career maintaining a national cemetery is different from a typical groundskeeping or landscaping job. The work combines outdoor maintenance, cemetery operations, equipment handling and physical labor, while contributing to the upkeep of a place dedicated to honoring those who served the United States.
The U.S. National Cemetery Administration is hiring a Cemetery Caretaker at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offering $28.39 to $33.09 per hour for a full-time, permanent position. The role is classified at WG-06 and is open to U.S. citizens, with military veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply.
The position involves maintaining cemetery grounds, preparing gravesites, handling and positioning headstones, assisting with casket and urn placement, operating grounds-maintenance equipment, removing snow and ice, and keeping cemetery facilities and surrounding areas in proper condition.
Cemetery Caretaker Job Details
- Job Title: Cemetery Caretaker
- Employer: U.S. National Cemetery Administration
- Location: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Salary: $28.39–$33.09 per hour
- Pay Grade: WG-06
- Job Type: Full-time
- Appointment: Permanent
- Service: Competitive Service
- Work Arrangement: On-site; not remote
- Supervisory Status: No
- Relocation Expenses: Not authorized
- Travel: Occasional travel may be required
- Closing Date: August 26, 2026
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals or those owing allegiance to the United States
What Does a Cemetery Caretaker Do?
The Cemetery Caretaker performs a wide range of manual, groundskeeping and cemetery-maintenance duties.
The position requires employees to operate equipment, use hand and power tools and maintain cemetery grounds to appropriate standards.
Major responsibilities include:
- Operating small tractors and riding lawnmowers.
- Digging graves to the required depth and dimensions.
- Cutting and removing sod.
- Tamping and leveling soil.
- Digging and squaring graves using pneumatic equipment, picks and shovels.
- Assisting with lifting and positioning caskets on lowering devices.
- Loading and unloading materials.
- Aligning headstones.
- Clearing cemetery grounds of leaves, branches and other debris.
- Using trimmers, chainsaws, axes, shovels, rakes, blowers and vacuums.
- Weeding and mulching.
- Applying fertilizer.
- Pruning shrubs and low-level dead branches.
- Removing snow and ice.
- Cleaning headstones using sprayers and hand brushes.
- Cleaning service and administrative areas.
A Hands-On Outdoor Position
This is a physically demanding position that requires employees to spend much of their working time outdoors.
The caretaker may work across flat, rolling or hilly terrain and must be capable of operating equipment across different surfaces.
The job can involve:
- Reaching, bending and turning.
- Operating equipment controls.
- Working around machinery that produces vibration and jolting.
- Carrying caskets and urns.
- Lifting and moving grave planks.
- Setting headstones.
- Walking across cemetery grounds.
- Lifting weights of up to 50 pounds.
- Occasionally lifting heavier items with assistance from coworkers.
The position may also expose employees to noise levels exceeding 85 dBA for extended periods.
Working Conditions
Candidates should be prepared to work outdoors throughout the year.
The working environment can include exposure to:
- Extreme heat and humidity.
- Cold temperatures.
- Snow and ice.
- Rain and wind.
- Sun exposure.
- Dirt and dust.
- Mud and water.
- Motor and exhaust fumes.
- Noise from equipment.
- Pesticides and insecticides.
- Fertilizers.
Appropriate protective equipment is required when performing work involving these conditions.
Work Schedule
The position primarily follows a Monday-to-Friday schedule, but employees must be available to work outside the normal weekday schedule when cemetery operations require it.
The listing states that:
- Occasional weekends may be required.
- Holidays may be worked.
- Overtime may be required.
- All staff are required to work on Memorial Day each year.
- Employees may be called back for emergency overtime.
- When a federal holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, employees may be required to work that holiday or the corresponding Saturday.
Because national cemeteries cannot remain closed for more than two consecutive days, flexibility is an important part of the position.
Qualifications
The position does not have a formal education requirement. Instead, applicants must demonstrate the ability or potential to perform the work involved in landscaping, groundskeeping or related trades.
Relevant experience can come from paid or unpaid work, training or other activities that demonstrate the required skills.
Applicants should have experience or demonstrated ability involving:
- Landscaping or groundskeeping.
- Use of hand tools.
- Use of power tools.
- Safe operation of machinery and equipment.
- Cemetery caretaking practices.
- Following technical instructions and specifications.
- Safe work practices.
Volunteer experience may also count when it provides relevant skills and experience.
Important Screening Requirements
Applicants must first satisfy the position’s screen-out element before being considered for further evaluation.
The primary screen-out requirements include:
- Ability to perform the job without more than normal supervision.
- Possession and maintenance of a valid state driver’s license.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualification threshold will then be evaluated on several job elements, including:
- Technical Practices.
- Interpretation of Instructions and Specifications.
- Use and Maintenance of Tools and Equipment.
- Dexterity and Safety.
- Ability to work without more than normal supervision.
U.S. Citizenship Requirement
This is an important eligibility condition.
The position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States.
The announcement also states that the position is being filled under Direct-Hire Authority for the occupation.
Federal Employment Conditions
Selected candidates must satisfy several federal employment requirements.
These include:
- Background and suitability investigation.
- Pre-employment medical examination.
- Potential designated or random drug testing requirements.
- Selective Service registration for applicable males.
- Completion of federal onboarding requirements.
- Submission of acceptable identification for employment verification.
- A one-year probationary period.
The position is classified as non-sensitive/low risk and does not require a security clearance.
Federal Employee Benefits
As a permanent federal employee, the successful candidate may be eligible for the U.S. government’s comprehensive federal employee benefits package.
Benefits eligibility depends on the employee’s appointment and employment status. The position listing specifically directs candidates to the federal benefits program for details.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members
Military veterans and transitioning service members are specifically encouraged to consider the opportunity.
The National Cemetery Administration also provides career resources and support for veterans and transitioning service members through VA for Vets.
Who Is This Job Suitable For?
This position could be a strong fit for people with backgrounds in:
- Landscaping.
- Groundskeeping.
- Cemetery maintenance.
- Horticulture.
- Property maintenance.
- Construction-related trades.
- Equipment operation.
- Outdoor maintenance.
- Public-sector grounds maintenance.
It may also suit candidates who prefer practical, hands-on work and are comfortable working independently while following established procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Cemetery Caretaker job pay?
The position pays $28.39 to $33.09 per hour.
Where is the job located?
The position is located at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Is this a full-time position?
Yes. It is a full-time, permanent federal position.
Is the position remote?
No. The job is not remote or telework eligible.
Is a degree required?
No. The job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Is previous experience required?
Applicants must demonstrate experience or potential involving landscaping, groundskeeping or related trade activities, including the use of tools and equipment.
Is a driver’s license required?
Yes. Applicants must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Can volunteer experience count?
Yes. Relevant paid and unpaid experience, including qualifying volunteer work, may be credited.
Does the job require physical work?
Yes. The position involves heavy physical effort, lifting, bending, walking, operating equipment and handling cemetery materials.
Will employees work weekends and holidays?
Yes. Although the primary schedule is Monday through Friday, weekends, holidays and overtime may be required to meet cemetery operational needs.
Is the position open to non-U.S. citizens?
No. The announcement states that applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the United States.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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