We are looking for a compassionate, reliable and professional individual to join our Bereavement Services Team as a Cremation Technician. This is a unique and rewarding role supporting the dignified, safe and compliant delivery of cremation services for our community. You will work as part of a small, dedicated team ensuring our cremators, cremulator and associated equipment operate safely, and that bereavement services are delivered with sensitivity, respect and attention to detail. This is a hands on operational role involving technical work, maintenance, and interaction with funeral directors, officiants, and members of the public during emotionally sensitive times. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. About the role In this role, you’ll help deliver safe, respectful and efficient crematorium services, working as part of a small team to ensure equipment, facilities and processes run smoothly. Operate and maintain cremators, the cremulator and associated equipment Follow all required procedures, legislation and the Code of Cremation Practice Keep all areas clean, safe and compliant with Health & Safety standards To carry out service attendant duties for cremation and burials. Support funeral services, including use of audio/visual equipment when needed Handle, store and record cremated remains accurately and securely Assist with visitors, funeral directors and officiants in a professional, compassionate manner Carry out basic maintenance tasks and report equipment issues promptly Assist in the admin office and carry out grounds maintenance tasks, as and when required. About you Essential Skills & Experience Good general level of education (GCSE Level 4 or equivalent in Maths & English preferred). Experience in a customerfocused environment, preferably in the funeral, bereavement or another sensitive public service. Ability to work independently, use initiative and make sound decisions. Strong communication skills and the ability to work with compassion and professionalism. Comfortable working in sensitive and sometimes challenging environments. Practical skills, including basic maintenance and safe operation of equipment. Ability to lift and carry heavy items safely. Confident IT user (Microsoft Office, Outlook, relevant databases). You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. You will be required to work some Saturdays on a rota basis and be flexible to adjust working hours to meet operational demands if required. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed Our offer We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave A wide range of flexible working opportunities Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) Day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) based at the civic office, rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax Closing Date: 5th April 2026 Interview Date:To be confirmed Interview Process: To be confirmed Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .