Serving Those Who Served: The Role of a Cemetery Caretaker
Are you looking for a career that combines physical activity with a profound sense of purpose? The National Cemetery Administration is currently hiring a Cemetery Caretaker to help maintain the grounds of the Calverton National Cemetery in New York. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to ensuring our Veterans receive the honor and dignity they deserve in their final resting place.
Job Responsibilities
As a Cemetery Caretaker, you will be on the front lines of site maintenance. Your daily tasks will include:
- Grounds Maintenance: Mowing, weeding, mulching, pruning shrubs, and clearing debris using power trimmers, chainsaws, and blowers.
- Interment Support: Digging and squaring graves, assisting in placing caskets, and preparing sites with precision.
- Headstone Care: Cleaning and aligning markers to ensure they remain in pristine condition.
- Facility Upkeep: Maintaining administrative and service areas, removing snow and ice, and performing general repairs.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate the following:
- Physical Fitness: The ability to lift 50 lbs and perform strenuous physical labor in all weather conditions.
- Technical Proficiency: Experience with hand tools, power tools, and grounds maintenance equipment.
- Compliance: A valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
- Documentation: All applicants must submit a resume of two pages or less.
Salary and Comparison Table
This position is a federal WG-grade role. Below is a quick look at the compensation structure.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $26.89 - $31.39 per hour |
| Schedule | Full-time (includes weekends/holidays) |
| Location | Calverton, NY |
| Promotion Potential | Yes, to WG-06 |
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including health insurance, generous leave accrual, and a secure retirement plan. This role offers the stability of a federal position within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Application Tips
- Watch the Page Count: Federal hiring is strict. If your resume is over two pages, you will be disqualified. Focus on relevant experience.
- Be Specific: Describe your experience with specific tools and machinery. Don't leave it to the recruiter to guess your skills.
- Use PDF: Save your documents as PDFs to ensure they upload and display correctly without formatting issues.
If you enjoy working outdoors and want to contribute to a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply for the Cemetery Caretaker position in Calverton. Your hard work will ensure that our national shrines continue to provide a serene and respectful environment for the families of those who served our country.
Why This Cemetery Caretaker Job Matters
Honor our nation's heroes by maintaining the sacred grounds of Calverton National Cemetery as a vital member of the National Cemetery Administration.
Cemetery Caretaker Job Overview
The National Cemetery Administration is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as a Cemetery Caretaker in Calverton, New York. In this role, you will perform essential grounds maintenance and interment support duties to ensure our national shrines remain places of dignity, beauty, and respect for Veterans and their families.
Requirements for Cemetery Caretaker
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID-compliant state driver's license.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
- Completion of a background and suitability investigation.
- Ability to perform heavy physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Commitment to a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Cemetery Caretaker
- Proven experience in professional landscaping, groundskeeping, or related manual labor trades.
- Demonstrated ability to operate power tools, lawn maintenance equipment, and small tractors safely.
- Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Technical aptitude for interpreting specifications and facility instructions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly federal pay rates.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Accrual of annual leave and sick leave.
- ✓Stable federal employment with opportunities for career progression.
💡 How to Apply Cemetery Caretaker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cemetery Caretaker Job
- Create or update your account on the federal job portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less in length.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, such as DD-214 or transcripts, if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on August 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding two pages will result in automatic disqualification.
- Clearly detail your landscaping or manual labor experience, including specific tools and machinery used.
- Ensure your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant prior to applying.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count requirements.
- Double-check that your application includes all required supporting documents before hitting submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, but it requires flexibility. Because cemeteries cannot remain closed for more than two consecutive days, you may be required to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when necessary, including Memorial Day.
Is this a physical job?
Yes, this position requires heavy physical effort, including walking on uneven terrain, lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, reaching, and operating machinery. You will work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Do I need to be a Veteran to apply?
No, this position is open to the public.
What is the probation period?
New appointees are subject to a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance and suitability.
Job from National Cemetery Administration
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our mission is to honor Veterans and their families with final resting places in national shrines. By preserving these grounds, we ensure that every visitor can appreciate the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes. Joining the NCA means becoming part of a dedicated team that values compassion, respect, and excellence.