Estate Maintenance and Gravedigging Operative

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias. Coventry Bereavement Service work tirelessly to deliver the highest possible standards of service to all bereaved families at their time of need. We are responsible for the provision of burial across 6 cemeteries located city wide, the management of Canley Crematorium and Gardens of Remembrance as well as various other sundry services including the provision of Public Health Funerals and post cremation memorialsation. Through the hard work, commitment and dedication of our skilled team of colleagues we are able to deliver a highly demanding service demonstrating both empathy and compassion. Bereavement Service is proud of the services it is able to deliver and guarantee the families are always at the heart of all it does. We will provide you with an environment where you can flourish by providing training, promote personal growth and learn new skills all whilst helping to deliver essential services to the bereaved.What is the job role? We are looking for the right people to join our team as Estate Maintenance/ Grave Digging Operatives. This is a unique role in which you will contribute to a wide range of maintenance activities with tight deadlines. These include manual and mechanical digging and backfilling of graves, preparing and setting out a grave for burial, and grounds maintenance activities such as mowing and hedge cutting. Excavating/preparing graves utilising an excavator and/or hand tools, performing all duties with due care and consideration for the bereaved. Cemetery Operative training is provided. Working hours are Monday - Friday 8.30 am - 4.30 pm

You should have good knowledge and practices of tools/equipment that will include working below ground level, ride-on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, and various hand tools. In addition you:

• hold a full driving license.
• Respectful in the environment in which you work
• Able to communicate effectively with members of the public
• Work within a team to achieve tight deadlines
• Able to work out in all weathers
• Have a working knowledge of horticultural and or excavating tools and equipment
• Knowledge of Health and Safety within the workplace
• Good customer care skills
  
  In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our Values are:
• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do., Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse. At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things. To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities. If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition