Assistant Sexton

Introduction

Holy Cross Cemetery opened on James Island in 1961 when the need for additional burial space became a must as the original Catholic cemetery in Charleston, St. Lawrence Cemetery (downtown), edged toward capacity. Holy Cross Cemetery is comprised of nearly 20 beautiful acres peppered with Live Oak, Water Oak, Magnolia, and Palm trees. Holy Cross offers traditional in-ground and above-ground casket burials, columbariums for the inurnment of the cremated remains of the body and in-ground cremation burial in several peaceful gardens.

Job Description

The Assistant Sexton is responsible for performing and/or coordinating the burial of the dead and maintaining the cemetery grounds at eight diocesan cemeteries located in South Carolina, with a focus on those in Charleston County. Cemetery grounds maintenance to include mowing grass, weed eating, leaf pickup, blowing, watering, planting, trash removal, and other duties as assigned by the Sexton.

Responsibilities

• Operate cemetery software to locate graves for burial/visitors or to install/replace shutters, markers, or monuments.
• Operate cemetery equipment and vehicles including cemetery truck, backhoe, mausoleum lift, dump trailer, crane, and cargo trailer.
• Open and close graves, remove and replace/seal crypt or niche plates and shutters as assigned by Sexton.
• Assist Vault Company with set up as needed.
• Provide support for funerals such as inspecting area before arrival and ensuring space is neat and organized, assisting with parking, and addressing needs of family members and funeral directors.
• Install markers and monuments including prepping the area, and installing concrete foundations.
• Maintain cemetery grounds; grass and pathways. Includes leaf pickup, mowing, weed eating, trash and debris removal, plowing, application of fertilizers and herbicides, and related functions.
• Maintain landscape and gardens keeping them free of weeds, trash and debris; maintain proper mulch levels; and water and fertilize seasonally or as needed.
• Plant new annuals, perennials and shrubs; remove dead, dying or diseased materials seasonally or as needed.
• Assist Sexton and/or Equipment and Materials Coordinator with the removal of dirt from settled graves, installation of new topsoil, leveling of graves and surrounding areas, installing seed as directed.
• Perform irrigation repairs.
• Clean monuments, markers, sidewalks, walls, etc.
• Assist Equipment and Materials Coordinator as directed to keep garage, storage room, storage sheds, spoils yard, and maintenance bathroom clean and secure.
• Travel to all Diocesan Cemeteries as needed to perform job functions.
• Use cemetery-assigned vehicle.
• Other duties as assigned by Sexton or administrative personnel.

Requirements

• Ability to successfully work independently.
• Previous experience with independent judgment with ethical dilemmas.
• Experience working in a team setting and independently.
• Valid SC driver’s license and car insurance.
• Experience in grounds maintenance, use of cemetery-related equipment.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills.

Instructions to Apply

Excellent benefits with generous paid time off. For consideration, please either email a resume to apply@charlestondiocese.org or complete an application in person at 604 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412.