Serving with Honor: Become a Cemetery Caretaker at Fort Custer
Are you seeking a career that combines physical activity with a profound sense of purpose? The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is looking for a dedicated individual to serve as a Cemetery Caretaker at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. This role is more than just a groundskeeping job; it is a commitment to maintaining the dignity and honor of those who served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Cemetery Caretaker, you will perform a variety of manual labor and technical tasks essential to cemetery operations, including:
- Operating heavy grounds maintenance equipment like riding lawn mowers and tractors.
- Assisting with the interment process, including digging graves and placing caskets.
- Maintaining headstones, including cleaning and alignment.
- Landscaping duties such as pruning, mulching, and clearing debris.
- Snow and ice removal to ensure site access during winter months.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Cemetery Caretaker |
| Location | Augusta, Michigan |
| Salary Range | $24.69 - $28.81 / hour |
| Schedule | Full-time, includes weekends/holidays |
Requirements
This position requires physical stamina and a commitment to safety. Key requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A valid driver's license.
- Ability to perform heavy labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Willingness to work in all weather conditions.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly rate between $24.69 and $28.81 per hour. As a federal employee, you will also gain access to a robust benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Benefits
- Competitive Federal pay.
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Paid time off for federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, keep your resume concise (two pages or less) and specifically highlight your experience with power tools, machinery, and manual labor. Save your resume as a PDF and verify that it is under 5MB to ensure it uploads correctly.
If you have a strong work ethic and want to serve your community in a meaningful way, we encourage you to apply for the Cemetery Caretaker position at Fort Custer today.
Why This Cemetery Caretaker Job Matters
Honor our nation's heroes by serving as a Cemetery Caretaker at the Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Cemetery Caretaker Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Cemetery Caretaker to join the team at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. This role is essential to maintaining the dignity, beauty, and solemnity of our national shrines. You will perform vital groundskeeping and manual labor tasks to ensure the cemetery remains a fitting final resting place for those who have served our country. This is a direct-hire opportunity for individuals committed to a mission of respect and service.
Requirements for Cemetery Caretaker
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Ability to perform the job without more than normal supervision.
- Must be able to lift weights up to 50 lbs independently; assist with heavier items as needed.
- Must be able to walk on uneven, hilly, or flat terrain for extended periods.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and potential drug testing.
- Subject to a background and suitability investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Cemetery Caretaker
- Prior experience in professional landscaping or groundskeeping.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the safe operation of power tools and heavy grounds maintenance machinery.
- Experience in manual labor trades.
- Technical aptitude for interpreting blueprints or site specifications.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal career stability
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans including TSP
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave
- ✓Supportive work environment dedicated to the mission of honoring Veterans
💡 How to Apply Cemetery Caretaker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cemetery Caretaker Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Ensure your resume clearly details relevant experience and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including DD-214 or SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less to remain eligible.
- Use a clear, readable font like Lato or Arial.
- Be specific about your manual labor and machinery experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your background.
- Convert your resume to PDF format to preserve formatting and page count.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and less than 5MB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The role requires a Monday through Friday schedule with occasional weekends, holidays, and emergency overtime as needed to meet the mission of the cemetery.
Are relocation expenses covered?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all selected applicants are subject to a background and suitability investigation.
Job from National Cemetery Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Cemetery Administration are committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan." By maintaining national shrines, we ensure that the service and sacrifice of our Veterans are remembered for generations to come.