Job Title: Plant Operator Gravedigger
Salary: C1 £28,598 - £31,022
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Cemeteries (3 vacancies)
As a Plant Operator Gravedigger, you’ll thrive on being part of a highly skilled team of dedicated Plant Operators/Gravediggers and be part of the wider diverse council where you will have prospects to succeed. Best City Ambition
The successful candidate will be a highly flexible, well‑motivated self‑starter who possesses excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest level of service to the bereaved. This post will include evening and weekend work on a rota as overtime to provide an out‑of‑hours burial service.
Job Purpose
To assist in the provision of an efficient bereavement service to the public of Leeds, through the digging and backfilling of graves using excavator machinery or hand digging methods and to undertake other duties to support the maintenance of cemeteries.
Responsibilities
* Prepare sites and undertake the digging and backfilling of graves, working to specified tolerances using excavator machinery or by hand, often without direct supervision and without damaging adjacent memorials, headstones and graves.
* Operate a range of plant, vehicles and other machinery safely, in line with training and safe systems of work and be responsible for allocated resources including daily vehicle/plant inspections, routine operator maintenance and cleaning.
* ‘Dress’ graves for burials, assist with graveside services and the disposal of cremated remains as required.
* Carry out exhumations including all grave preparation and removal of interred remains.
* Safely load and drive a vehicle and trailer combination when required (non‑HGV).
* Be available on a rota basis for an out‑of‑hours burial service.
* Keep accurate clerical and digital records of work undertaken.
* Undertake grounds maintenance and manual labouring duties, including litter clearing, removal of waste and floral tributes, topping up and levelling sunken graves and other duties as required to assist the maintenance of cemeteries to the required standard.
* Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
* Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up‑to‑date knowledge and skills.
* Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
* Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days and events as requested.
* Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures, e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns.
* Be aware of and support equality, ensuring an anti‑discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies.
* Work within the adopted flexibility protocol as specified for this role.
* The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and may also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the evaluation outcome for this post.
Qualifications
* A full manual driving licence with BE entitlement.
* CPCS, NPORS or other relevant certification in excavator and plant types.
* Post holders will be expected to achieve ICCM Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme (COTS) part 1, part 2a and 2b as part of workplace development.
Experience Required
* Experience in the use of excavator machinery or JCB 2CX or similar.
* Experience in the use of powered plant and equipment.
Skills Required
* Use plant, vehicles and other machinery safely.
* Precision mechanical and hand digging in tight areas.
* Prepare areas for grave digging and backfilling.
* Drive a vehicle with a trailer (non‑HGV).
* Undertake maintenance of machinery, plant and equipment.
* Communicate with a wide range of people individually and in groups.
* Work as part of a team and on own initiative without direct supervision.
* Keep accurate clerical and digital records.
* Display a calm and sympathetic attitude when dealing with the bereaved.
* Undertake manual labouring duties.
* Work flexibly across different work locations and areas as required.
Knowledge Required
* Knowledge of excavator machinery control mechanisms.
* Knowledge of plant, vehicle and other machinery maintenance and care.
* Knowledge of current UK regulations regarding towing and loading for road‑going vehicles.
* Knowledge of faith‑specific requirements in relation to burials.
Behavioural & Other Characteristics
* Committed to continuous improvement.
* Understand and observe Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policy.
* Carry out duties in line with Health & Safety Policies.
* Willingness to actively participate in training and development for continuous professional development.
* Understand and embrace the council’s values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
Desirable Requirements
* ICCM Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme (COTS) part 1, part 2a and 2b.
* Experience in the use of excavator machinery within a bereavement services setting.
* Experience driving with trailers and towed equipment.
* Experience in the use of dumpers.
Benefits
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* A range of staff benefits to support wellbeing.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people. The role is based in the UK and candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment.
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