Caretaker Manager

About the Role

This hands-on, on-site position reports directly to the Virginia's Veterans Cemeteries Superintendent in Amelia. As a member of the Virginia Veterans Cemeteries Management Team, the role is responsible for leading, supervising, and managing Cemetery Caretakers (Senior/Team Leads) and Maintenance Technicians. The position ensures the safe operation of the cemetery grounds and burial processes, coordinates with the Cemeteries Director, Cemetery Superintendent, and Cemetery Administration Manager, and maintains all operational ground equipment and aspects of the cemetery.

Responsibilities

• Verify each grave/cremation/memorial site prior to opening, including placement of temporary memorial markers and documentation.
• Train staff in proper utilization of section maps to locate, verify, and open/close grave/cremation sites, and in the correct placement of memorials as per standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Supervise direct subordinates to safely perform daily tasks, maintain operational tempo, and utilize cemetery light and heavy equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Cemetery Superintendent/Cemeteries Director.
• Coordinate and supervise snow and ice removal from the cemetery.
• Retain qualifications as the leading cemetery heavy equipment operator, trainer, and grounds team employee equipment qualifier on all full-size and medium-size backhoes, tractors, dirt haulers, etc.
• Operate equipment to dig grave sites at least one busy cemetery burial day per week.
• Prepare for the 2026 NCA Audit, including equipment and irrigation repair.
• Participate in and complete leadership, IT, and HR classes.
• Travel to other veteran cemeteries to generate ideas for improving operations in Amelia.
• Assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of all daily operations of cemetery grounds, including burials and grounds maintenance.
• Experience supervising two to six grounds employees at a medium-size cemetery (400 to 700 annual burials).
• Versed in grave/cremation site location, grounds/tree and bush bed maintenance, and irrigation/sprinkler system operations, including basic computer programming and repairs.
• Understanding of concrete slab work for benches, including mixing, pouring, and finishing.
• Knowledge of gasoline and diesel equipment preventive maintenance and general repairs.
• Ability to train all subordinate personnel and maintain training documentation.
• Knowledge of building maintenance and oversight of minor repairs.
• Basic understanding of OSHA equipment requirements and ability to lift/maneuver a 220-pound grave marker with assistance.

Additional Considerations

• Prepare for the 2026 NCA Audit, including equipment and irrigation repair.
• Participate in and complete leadership, IT, and HR classes.
• Travel to other veteran cemeteries to generate ideas for improving operations in Amelia.
• May be required to perform duties outside of DVS/Cemeteries or assist in state emergencies.

Pay

Hiring Range: $65,000-$67,000

Agency: Dept of Veterans Services
Location: Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia
Agency Website: www.dvs.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Contact Information:
Name: DVS HR Team
Email: recruitment@dvs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Service-Connected Veterans are also encouraged to apply and submit their disability documentation if applicable.