Job Description

The Town of Winthrop is hiring a seasonal Cemetery Sexton. This position involves a combination of manual labor and administrative responsibilities related to the operation, maintenance, and management of all Town-owned cemeteries and selected municipal green spaces. The job description is posted here .

Essential duties and responsibilities (illustrative only):

• Assist residents and families with locating and selecting burial lots; direct individuals to the Town Clerk’s Office for lot purchases.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date cemetery records, including burial information and maps; coordinate documentation with the Town Clerk’s Office. 
• Receive and verify burial certificates from funeral directors and ensure proper filing with the Town Clerk’s Office.
• Perform routine and seasonal grounds maintenance for all Town cemeteries and designated municipal properties, including mowing, trimming, and general upkeep.
• Prepare gravesites for burials and complete backfilling following services. 
• Coordinate with monument companies to ensure proper placement and installation of markers and headstones. 
• Loam and seed gravesites as needed to maintain proper grading and appearance. 
• Order, install, and maintain veteran grave flags and flag holders; ensure flags are placed for Memorial Day and as needed. 
• Remove and dispose of deteriorated floral arrangements and other items in accordance with cemetery rules. 
• Cut and remove brush; coordinate tree and branch removal as necessary. 
• Collect and dispose of trash from cemeteries and associated facilities. 
• Assist in the layout, clearing, and development of new cemetery sections. 
• Arrange for or perform stone cleaning, straightening, and minor repairs. 
• Report damage, safety concerns, and maintenance needs promptly to the Public Works Director and Cemetery Committee Chair. 
• Attend Cemetery Committee meetings; provide recommendations on policies and assist in preparing the annual budget. 
• Coordinate and participate in the annual Cemetery Clean-Up. 
• Supervise and direct assigned staff or contractors as a working foreman when required. 
• Assist the public with locating graves for genealogical or research purposes. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Public Works Director.

Requirements of work:

• Demonstrated strong work ethic and reliability. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town staff, contractors, and the public. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to follow direction. 
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Working knowledge of safety practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Ability to perform physically demanding labor for extended periods in varying weather conditions; most work is performed outdoors. 
• Ability to operate cemetery and grounds maintenance equipment, including: walk-behind and riding mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws and brush equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, picks, and related equipment. 
• Ability to operate light to medium equipment, including a backhoe for grave excavation. 
• Ability to perform minor maintenance and repairs on equipment. 
• Knowledge of underground safety practices and regulations.

Training and experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, construction, or related semi-skilled labor preferred.

How to apply:

Fill out this application and send it to dnichols@winthropmaine.gov or

Town of Winthrop
Attn: Town Clerk Deborah Nichols
17 Highland Avenue
Winthrop, ME 04364

Application deadline: Open until filled

Join our team and help make a positive impact in Winthrop!

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