Serving Those Who Served: The Cemetery Admin Specialist Role
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is seeking a Cemetery Admin Specialist to join our team at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to honoring the men and women who served our country.
About the National Cemetery Administration
The NCA is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our mission is to provide final resting places for our nation's heroes and their families. Every employee at a national cemetery plays a vital role in ensuring that these locations remain national shrines—places of beauty, dignity, and respect.
Job Responsibilities
As a Cemetery Admin Specialist, your daily tasks are as varied as they are significant. Key responsibilities include:
- Interment Operations: Determining eligibility for burials and managing the associated documentation.
- Public Outreach: Serving as the face of the NCA during committal services and community events.
- Administrative Support: Using software like Microsoft Office to manage records, reports, and office communications.
- Conflict Resolution: Assisting families with sensitive inquiries and resolving complex administrative discrepancies with care and professionalism.
Requirements
You must meet specific criteria to be considered for this GS-07 position:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level.
- Technical Skills: Ability to type 40 WPM and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and carry up to 35 pounds.
- Licensure: A valid, REAL ID-compliant state driver's license is required.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GS-05 (Entry Level) | GS-07 (Target Grade) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Req | Basic Admin Support | Specialized Cemetery Knowledge |
| Responsibility | Task Completion | Independent Issue Resolution |
| Public Interaction | General Info | Sensitive/Grief Support |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $50,460 to $65,599 per year. Beyond the pay, federal employees enjoy:
- Excellent health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Federal pension and retirement savings (TSP).
- Ample paid leave and federal holidays.
- Stability and career growth within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is concise (max 2 pages) and maps directly to the specialized experience described in the announcement. If you are a current federal employee, your SF-50 is the most important document you will submit—ensure it clearly shows your time-in-grade eligibility.
Working at the Fort Custer National Cemetery offers a unique opportunity to provide service that truly matters. If you have the administrative skills and the heart to support Veteran families, we encourage you to apply before the July 31, 2026, closing date.
Why This Cemetery Admin Specialist Job Matters
Join the National Cemetery Administration in honoring our nation’s heroes. As a Cemetery Administration Specialist, your work ensures that Veterans and their families receive the dignified, compassionate support they deserve at their final resting place.
Cemetery Admin Specialist Job Overview
The Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Cemetery Administration Specialist. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity and mission of the National Cemetery Administration. You will balance sensitive administrative operations with frontline public outreach, providing critical support to grieving families, coordinating interment services, and ensuring the facility remains a respectful, well-maintained national shrine.
Requirements for Cemetery Admin Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must possess a valid REAL ID-compliant state driver's license
- Ability to type at least 40 words per minute
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent
- Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements
- Physical ability to stand for long periods and carry 23-35 pounds
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Must be available for weekends, holidays, and overtime as required by the mission
Preferred Qualifications for Cemetery Admin Specialist
- Completion of one full year of graduate-level education in a related field
- Bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement (3.0+ GPA or upper third of class)
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
- Demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations and public conflicts with empathy and professionalism
- Experience in data collection, office administration, and coordinating complex schedules
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care plans
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Cemetery Admin Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cemetery Admin Specialist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume (limit to 2 pages, English only, no photos or personal sensitive info).
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents, including your most recent non-award SF-50 and transcripts if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of July 31, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights how your experience matches the specialized experience requirements.
- Double-check your SF-50 documents; ensure they show your grade and tenure to meet time-in-grade requirements.
- Use the 'Application Status' link in USAJOBS to verify your documents have cleared the virus scan.
- Draft your resume to focus on accomplishments rather than just job titles.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
The primary mission is to provide compassionate, respectful service to Veterans and their families while managing the administrative functions necessary to maintain a national shrine.
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence for administrative tasks and outdoor cemetery operations.
Will I be required to work on holidays?
Yes. Due to the cemetery mission, staff are required to work on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, as well as other holidays if they fall on a scheduled workday.