Service Director

About the Role

Serving all faiths and cultures, Forest Lawn's Funeral Service Department is dedicated to ensuring that every funeral exceeds the expectations of the families we serve. Whether a traditional funeral service or a completely individualized ceremony is chosen, our goal is to provide compassionate guidance, seamless coordination, and exceptional service while honoring every life with dignity and respect.

Responsibilities

• Represent Forest Lawn in a courteous, compassionate, and professional manner while serving as the primary Funeral Service representative for client families, guests, clergy, and vendors.
• Lead and direct funeral, memorial, graveside, and committal services, ensuring every service is executed with excellence and attention to detail.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for families on the day of services, providing guidance, support, and timely communication throughout the event.
• Ensure all services are conducted in accordance with family wishes, Forest Lawn standards, applicable policies, and legal requirements.
• Review service documentation, permits, authorizations, and other required paperwork for accuracy and completeness prior to services.
• Coordinate and direct Service Assistants, assigning responsibilities and ensuring service preparations, guest assistance, floral placement, and facility readiness are completed.
• Oversee the setup and presentation of chapels, visitation rooms, gravesites, and reception areas to ensure a professional and welcoming environment.
• Provide direction for casket bearing, military honors, processions, and other ceremonial elements while maintaining dignity and professionalism.
• Confirm decedent identification and oversee the preparation and transportation of decedents as necessary.
• Operate Funeral Service vehicles and equipment safely and in accordance with company policies.
• Identify and resolve service-related concerns while exercising sound judgment to ensure a positive experience for client families and guests.
• Maintain confidentiality of all family, decedent, and service information.
• Complete comprehensive written service reports and all required documentation accurately and on the same day services are performed.
• Assist with training, coaching, and mentoring Service Assistants on funeral service procedures, safety practices, and Forest Lawn standards.
• Contribute to maintaining clean, safe, and presentable facilities, service areas, vehicles, and equipment.
• Attend all required safety, departmental, and employee meetings.
• Occasional hands-on contact with decedents as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least three years of previous funeral service experience preferred or hospitality or customer service experience.
• Must be able to direct a service and confidently speak in front of guests.
• Must understand the emotional and psychological effects of death as it relates to interactions with client families.
• Must have availability for a changing schedule based on service needs. Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. Ability to work overtime.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the A/V system used during funeral services, and the ability to assist in the training with technology, as well as troubleshooting of the equipment when needed.
• Valid California Driver’s License.

Armenian-Speaking preferred.

Benefits

Forest Lawn takes pride in offering an excellent benefits package to our employees, which taken as a whole, leads our industry and is competitive with the benefits in just about any other industry.