Crematory Operator - FT

Why Join Heritage Family? Since 1943, Heritage Family has been a trusted name in personal, compassionate care. Our legacy is built on meaningful service, deep respect, and a commitment to honoring every life. At Heritage Family, we offer more than a job — we offer purpose. Our team is united by shared values and a mission that matters: Honor Every Life with Compassion: We provide personalized, heartfelt services that celebrate each unique life, meeting families where they are with care and understanding. Lead with Innovation and Respect: We blend time-honored traditions with modern approaches to create thoughtful, meaningful experiences for the families we serve. Foster a Culture of Empathy: We care deeply — for our communities and for one another. You’ll join a team that supports and values every voice, empowering you to make a lasting difference. A career in deathcare is both a calling and a responsibility. At Heritage Family, you’ll find a supportive environment where you can grow professionally while helping others in some of life’s most tender and meaningful moments. Position Summary: The Crematory Operator is responsible for the respectful, safe, and efficient operation of the cremation process in compliance with all applicable state, federal, and company regulations. This role ensures each cremation is performed with the utmost care, dignity, and professionalism. The operator is responsible for maintaining crematory equipment, managing required documentation, and supporting funeral home staff and families as needed. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Operate crematory equipment safely and efficiently, following all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies. Review and verify all required documentation and authorizations prior to initiating any cremation. Ensure accurate identification and tracking of remains throughout every step of the cremation process. Maintain detailed crematory logs and chain-of-custody documentation. Prepare cremated remains for return to families, including packaging and labeling of urns according to company standards. Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of cremation equipment to ensure longevity and safe operation. Follow all safety procedures and OSHA standards related to crematory operations. Assist funeral home staff with the removal, transportation, handling, and transfer of decedents as needed. Participate in the after-hours or on-call rotation. Share responsibility for holiday on-call coverage on a rotating schedule with the other funeral directors. Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment. Communicate with funeral directors and families in a respectful and compassionate manner when necessary. Perform other duties as assigned by management. Skills and Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. Prior experience in crematory operations, funeral services, or a related field is preferred but not required. Possession of a valid Crematory Operator Certification as required by state law. Familiarity with state and federal laws regarding cremation and funeral industry regulations. Excellent attention to detail with strong recordkeeping and documentation skills. Ability to handle emotionally sensitive situations with discretion, compassion, and professionalism. Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and follow strict procedures. Basic mechanical skills to troubleshoot and maintain equipment. Demonstrated capacity to provide compassionate and professional service to families. Willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends and holidays. Must successfully pass a background check and possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Must maintain insurability under company vehicle use policies. Skills and Competencies: Empathy, professionalism, and a strong commitment to serving grieving families. Strong verbal and written communication. Problem-solving and organizational skills. Emotional resilience, composure, and discretion in emotionally sensitive environments. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, maintain professionalism, and support a positive and respectful workplace culture. Technical proficiency in funeral management software and Microsoft Office Suite. Work Environment and Physical Requirements: This role requires both physical stamina and emotional resilience to perform essential duties in a professional and compassionate setting. The work environment and physical expectations include: Work occurs in funeral homes, preparation rooms, cemeteries, and off-site service locations. Frequent interaction with grieving families and the public; emotional resilience and professionalism are essential. The ability to lift or move up to 75 pounds (e.g., caskets or equipment) with or without reasonable accommodation. Potential or regular exposure to hazardous chemicals and biological materials related to embalming and preparation procedures. Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift for extended periods. Ability to push, pull, or move heavy objects. Regular exposure to high temperature, chemicals, and biological materials. Flexible availability including evening, weekend, holidays, and on-call rotation. Possible exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions during services or transfers.