Serving with Honor: Become a Cemetery Caretaker in Fayetteville
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) invites dedicated individuals to contribute to a mission that transcends typical employment. As a Cemetery Caretaker at the Fayetteville National Cemetery, you are not just maintaining grounds; you are preserving the final resting place of those who served our country. This role offers an opportunity to combine physical labor with a sense of purpose.
Job Responsibilities
This position is physically active and requires a variety of skills, including:
- Operating machinery such as small tractors, riding mowers, and blowers.
- Ensuring the proper care of grave sites, including digging, tamping, and headstone alignment.
- Maintaining overall landscape aesthetics through pruning, weeding, and mulching.
- Clearing debris and maintaining service areas to ensure safety and cleanliness.
- Assisting in logistics for committal services, including moving caskets and urns.
Requirements
To be eligible for this role, candidates must demonstrate:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A valid state driver’s license.
- The ability to perform duties without constant supervision.
- Physical capacity to handle heavy loads and challenging terrain.
Salary and Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $22.64 - $26.41 per hour |
| Schedule | Full-time, including potential weekend/holiday work |
| Location | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
| Physical Requirement | Must lift up to 50 lbs |
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy competitive federal benefits, including robust leave policies, retirement options, and the intangible reward of serving those who served us.
Application Tips
- Follow the two-page resume limit strictly.
- Clearly document your previous groundskeeping experience.
- Ensure your resume highlights your ability to work safely and independently.
Serving as a Cemetery Caretaker is a unique way to give back to the Veteran community. If you possess a strong work ethic and a desire to contribute to a national mission, we encourage you to apply.
Why This Cemetery Caretaker Job Matters
Honor our nation's heroes by maintaining the sacred grounds of the Fayetteville National Cemetery. We are seeking a dedicated Cemetery Caretaker to join our mission of respect and remembrance.
Cemetery Caretaker Job Overview
The National Cemetery Administration, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is looking for a committed individual to serve as a Cemetery Caretaker in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This role is essential to our mission of providing compassionate care and maintaining the final resting places of our Veterans with the dignity and honor they deserve. You will work in a fast-paced, outdoor environment, performing hands-on maintenance that directly impacts the experience of families and visitors honoring their loved ones.
Requirements for Cemetery Caretaker
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Ability to perform manual labor with minimal supervision.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
- Subject to a background and suitability investigation.
- Must be willing to undergo drug testing.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Cemetery Caretaker
- Experience in landscaping or groundskeeping trades.
- Proficiency in operating power tools and maintenance machinery (e.g., mowers, blowers, chainsaws).
- Proven ability to work in diverse weather conditions.
- Experience working with manual hand tools and construction equipment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for federal career progression
- ✓Access to a range of insurance options
- ✓Meaningful work serving the Veteran community
💡 How to Apply Cemetery Caretaker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cemetery Caretaker Job
- Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Ensure your resume is two pages or less and in a recommended format (PDF preferred).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Gather and upload required documentation, such as DD-214 or transcripts.
- Review your submission for accuracy before the closing date.
- Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume focused on relevant skills and limited to two pages to meet federal requirements.
- Ensure all contact information is current.
- Clearly define your paid and volunteer experience, including hours worked per week.
- Save documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
- Check your USAJOBS account regularly for status updates after the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
The Cemetery Caretaker ensures that the Fayetteville National Cemetery remains a place of honor, dignity, and beauty for Veterans and their families.
Is this position physically demanding?
Yes, this role requires heavy physical effort, including lifting up to 50 lbs, constant movement, and working in all types of weather conditions.
Will I be required to work weekends?
Yes, the role may require weekend and holiday work, especially around high-traffic periods like Memorial Day, to ensure the grounds are properly maintained.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
Are there drug testing requirements?
Yes, selected applicants may be subject to pre-employment drug screening.
Job from National Cemetery Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the National Cemetery Administration to provide a dignified tribute to the men and women who have defended our nation. Every staff member plays a critical role in ensuring that national shrines remain serene, clean, and respectful. By joining our team, you become part of a network committed to honoring President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military."