Serving with Honor: Become a Cemetery Caretaker in Colorado Springs
Are you seeking a career that blends physical work with a profound sense of purpose? The National Cemetery Administration is hiring a Cemetery Caretaker for the Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs. This position is more than just landscaping; it is a commitment to ensuring that the men and women who served our nation receive the dignity and respect they deserve in their final resting place.
Job Responsibilities
As a Cemetery Caretaker, you will perform a wide range of groundskeeping and facility maintenance tasks. Key responsibilities include:
- Grounds Maintenance: Operating small tractors, riding lawn mowers, and power trimmers.
- Site Preparation: Digging and squaring graves, leveling dirt, and managing soil conditions.
- Monument Care: Aligning headstones and cleaning markers with specialized equipment.
- General Upkeep: Pruning shrubs, removing debris, snow/ice removal, and maintaining administrative areas.
Work Environment
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Pikes Peak National Cemetery, CO |
| Setting | Primarily Outdoors |
| Schedule | M-F, with required weekends/holidays |
| Physical Demand | Heavy (Lifting up to 50 lbs) |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria by the closing date of November 5, 2026:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Licensing: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Skillset: Ability to safely operate machinery and perform physical tasks without excessive supervision.
- Vetting: Successfully pass pre-employment medical examinations and background checks.
Salary Overview
This position is compensated at an hourly rate ranging from $24.88 to $29.03, depending on experience and locality pay factors.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
- Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Recognition and support for your contribution to the Veterans community.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Federal agencies now enforce a two-page maximum for resumes. Ensure yours is concise and relevant.
- PDF Preferred: Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure it displays correctly for hiring managers.
- Be Specific: List your relevant equipment experience in detail. The agency cannot make assumptions about your capabilities.
- Check Your Status: Use your USAJOBS account to track your progress after you submit your application.
If you have a strong work ethic, enjoy working outdoors, and want to support our Veterans, this is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. Apply today through the official USAJOBS portal to join the Pikes Peak National Cemetery team.
Why This Cemetery Caretaker Job Matters
Honor our nation's heroes by serving as a dedicated Cemetery Caretaker at the historic Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
Cemetery Caretaker Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, is seeking a committed professional to join the team at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In this role, you will play a vital part in maintaining the beauty and dignity of a national shrine, ensuring that the resting places of those who served our country are cared for with the utmost respect and excellence.
Requirements for Cemetery Caretaker
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license
- Ability to perform duties with no more than normal supervision
- Pass a pre-employment medical examination
- Subject to background and suitability investigations
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform heavy physical labor
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
Preferred Qualifications for Cemetery Caretaker
- Demonstrated experience in professional landscaping or groundskeeping
- Proficiency in the safe operation of power equipment (mowers, trimmers, chainsaws)
- Experience with manual labor and hand tool usage
- Ability to interpret technical instructions and site specifications
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Retirement savings plans
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Work-life balance programs
💡 How to Apply Cemetery Caretaker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cemetery Caretaker Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less to comply with federal standards.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including your resume and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., DD-214).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 5, 2026.
- Monitor your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will not be accepted.
- Use a clear, sans-serif font like Arial or Calibri at a readable size.
- Save your documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
- Be specific and clear about your experience; do not assume the agency will infer your skills.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before hitting submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
The primary mission is to maintain the grounds of Pikes Peak National Cemetery, ensuring it remains a dignified, beautiful, and serene resting place for Veterans and their families.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes. The role requires significant physical effort, including lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, reaching, and working in all types of weather conditions.
What is the work schedule like?
The schedule is typically Monday through Friday but requires flexibility, including occasional weekends, holidays, and Memorial Day, due to the nature of cemetery operations.
Do I need a degree for this job?
*A: No, this is a trades-based position. Success is determined by your experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, and your ability to operate machinery safely.*
Will I have to work holidays?
*A: Yes. Because of the mission of the cemetery, you are required to work on Memorial Day and occasionally on other federal holidays or weekends to ensure the facility remains accessible.*
Job from National Cemetery Administration
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our mission is to honor Veterans with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service. We believe that every national cemetery should be a place that inspires visitors to appreciate the sacrifice of our Nation's Veterans.