VETERANS CEMETERY CARETAKER 1* - 10132026-81871

Opening: 10/13/2026 12:00AM CT – Closing: 10/26/2026 11:59PM CT. Location: Knoxville, TN. Department: Veterans Services. Job Type: Full‑Time.

About the role

The Cemetery Caretaker 1 performs skilled grounds maintenance work. This classification functions as an individual contributor under direct supervision. An employee in this class performs a variety of cemetery grounds maintenance work such as mowing grass, laying out grave sites, setting and maintaining headstones, applying fertilizers and insecticides. This class differs from Veterans Cemetery Caretaker 3 in that the incumbent of the latter functions as a lead. An applicant appointed to this flexibly staffed class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period; inadequate or marginal performance during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• Perform cemetery grounds maintenance duties including mowing lawns, trimming hedges and vegetation around monuments, beds and buildings, maintaining flower beds, removing wilted floral arrangements, collecting and disposing of debris, and cleaning headstones to maintain the dignity and appearance of the veterans cemetery.
• Assist equipment operators with opening graves, preparing the lowering device, lowering the casket into the grave, dressing and leveling the gravesite, and setting the Temporary Marker in line with adjacent markers.
• Act as a safety spotter during burial operations to ensure all procedures are completed safely and with proper respect.
• Prepare grounds for headstone placement and assist with setting headstones in accordance with National Cemetery Administration standards, ensuring proper alignment, spacing, and uniformity to maintain the cemetery's dignified appearance.
• Follow daily schedule and coordinate tasks with other cemetery leads.
• Prepare and apply proper chemicals for grounds, including fertilizers and pesticides.
• Review the job board safety and policy updates regularly.
• Operate tools, devices, and equipment according to safety rules and regulations.
• Check that personal protective equipment (PPE) is in good working condition and is used accordingly.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions including precipitation (rain, snow, sleet), temperature extremes (heat and cold), and high winds to ensure cemetery grounds are properly maintained year‑round.
• Perform additional duties as assigned or delegated.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school, or experience equivalent to one‑year full‑time cemetery or grounds maintenance work, or one‑year full‑time as a Veterans Cemetery Caretaker 1 with the State of Tennessee.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift more than 50 lbs of materials and equipment.

Skills

• Action Oriented
• Situational Adaptability
• Customer Focus
• Resourcefulness
• Collaborates
• Knowledges
• Customer and Personal Service
• Mechanical
• English Language Skills
• Active Learning and Listening
• Coordination
• Mathematics
• Time Management
• Equipment Maintenance
• Abilities
• Spatial Orientation
• Auditory Attention
• Depth Perception
• Multilimbed Coordination
• Prolonged Stamina
• Tools & Equipment
• Heavy and Light Equipment
• Equipment Implements and Attachments
• Power and Hand tools
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Office Equipment

Pay

• Monthly: $2,925.00
• Annually: $35,100.00