Become a Cemetery Caretaker at Willamette National Cemetery
Are you looking for a career that combines physical activity with a profound sense of purpose? The National Cemetery Administration is currently hiring for a Cemetery Caretaker in Portland, Oregon. This is an opportunity to join a mission-driven team dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served our nation. As a caretaker, you will play a central role in maintaining the dignity and beauty of the Willamette National Cemetery.
Job Responsibilities
Cemetery Caretakers are the backbone of our operational maintenance. You will perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Operating and maintaining grounds equipment like riding mowers, tractors, and blowers.
- Performing internment support tasks such as grave digging, sod work, and assisting in the placement of caskets.
- Maintaining site aesthetics by weeding, pruning, and clearing debris.
- Cleaning and aligning headstones.
- Snow and ice removal during winter months.
Comparison: Standard Groundskeeping vs. Cemetery Caretaking
| Feature | General Groundskeeping | Cemetery Caretaking |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Aesthetic maintenance | Honoring the fallen |
| Sensitivity | Low | High |
| Physicality | Moderate | High (Interment support) |
| Schedule | Fixed | Flexible/Holiday required |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess a valid driver's license. Candidates will undergo a background check, physical examination, and drug screening. You must also demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $29.58 to $34.51 per hour, commensurate with the WG-06 pay scale.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, life insurance, and a generous retirement plan. You will be working in a professional environment that values safety and individual contribution.
Application Tips
- Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
- Be Specific: Detail your experience with machinery and physical labor clearly.
- Formatting: Use a PDF format and clean, sans-serif fonts to ensure your document is easily read by the system.
Serving as a Cemetery Caretaker is more than just a job; it is a commitment to our Veterans. If you are ready to apply your mechanical skills in a setting that demands respect and hard work, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Cemetery Caretaker Job Matters
Join a dedicated team in Portland, Oregon, where your hard work directly honors the service and sacrifice of our nation's Veterans.
Cemetery Caretaker Job Overview
The National Cemetery Administration is seeking diligent and physically capable individuals to serve as Cemetery Caretakers at the Willamette National Cemetery. In this role, you will perform essential grounds maintenance and interment support, ensuring that our national shrines remain dignified, respectful, and pristine places of remembrance for Veterans and their families.
Requirements for Cemetery Caretaker
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Ability to perform job duties without more than normal supervision.
- Must successfully complete a background and suitability investigation.
- Subject to pre-employment drug testing and potential random testing.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Cemetery Caretaker
- Demonstrated experience with landscaping, groundskeeping, or related manual trades.
- Proficiency in operating hand tools, power tools, and grounds maintenance equipment (mowers, trimmers, chainsaws).
- Ability to interpret technical instructions, specifications, and directives.
- Commitment to workplace safety and equipment maintenance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee health insurance options
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Retirement program enrollment
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave
- ✓Supportive work environment dedicated to service
💡 How to Apply Cemetery Caretaker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cemetery Caretaker Job
- Create a profile and account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Review all required documents, including DD-214 or SF-50 if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically details your landscaping and machinery experience, as assumptions will not be made by recruiters.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count.
- Use a standard, readable font like Calibri or Arial at 10-14pt size.
- Double-check your application for missing documents, as you will not be contacted for follow-up submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the physical nature of this job?
This position requires heavy physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs, working in all weather conditions, and operating equipment that involves significant vibration and strain.
Is this a standard Monday-Friday schedule?
While it is typically Monday through Friday, the mission requires flexibility. You may be required to work weekends, holidays (especially Memorial Day), and occasional emergency overtime.
Job from National Cemetery Administration
The National Cemetery Administration, under the Department of Veterans Affairs, is responsible for providing compassionate care to Veterans and their families. We operate as a national shrine, ensuring every resting place remains a location of peace, respect, and remembrance. By working with us, you contribute to a legacy of service.