Honoring America’s Heroes: Cemetery Caretaker Opportunity at Natchez National Cemetery

If you are searching for a career that offers competitive federal pay, long-term security, and a deep sense of purpose, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is accepting applications for a Cemetery Caretaker at the historic Natchez National Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi.

This position plays an essential role in preserving the sacred final resting places of our nation's military Veterans. As a Cemetery Caretaker, you will carry out groundskeeping duties, operate physical equipment, align headstones, and assist grieving families during committal services.

Below is a detailed guide explaining everything you need to know about this career opportunity, including salary ranges, daily duties, qualification standards, physical demands, and application tips.

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About the Agency: National Cemetery Administration

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) operates as a major organization within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Carrying out President Abraham Lincoln’s pledge—"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan"—the NCA builds and maintains national shrines across the country.

Natchez National Cemetery, situated along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, stands as a memorial to thousands of service members. Employees of the NCA share a commitment to upholding the highest standards of dignity, respect, and compassion. Every groundskeeper, administrator, and supervisor contributes directly to creating an environment where visitors can appreciate the sacrifice of American Veterans.

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Primary Job Responsibilities & Daily Tasks

The Cemetery Caretaker (WG-06) position combines manual physical skills, mechanical equipment operation, and minor administrative responsibility.

Core Work Responsibilities:

• Grounds Maintenance: Mowing turf, trimming edges around grave markers, planting and pruning trees or shrubs, applying mulch and fertilizers, and removing debris, snow, or ice.
• Grave Preparation & Excavation: Digging and squaring graves using pneumatic tools, picks, shovels, and backhoes; leveling soil; placing grave planks; and setting up lowering devices for caskets and urns.
• Headstone Alignment & Care: Installing, raising, aligning, and cleaning marble or granite headstones using hand brushes and specialized chemical sprayers.
• Equipment Operation: Safely operating riding mowers, small utility tractors, chainsaws, power trimmers, leaf blowers, and pressure washers.
• Committal & Administrative Support: Greeting visitors and family members with empathy, serving as an on-site representative during services, preparing interment records, and entering data into tracking systems.

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Work Schedule & Environmental Conditions

Working at a national cemetery requires flexibility to support ongoing operational needs:

• Schedule: Standard full-time schedule (Monday through Friday), but weekend work, holiday shifts, and emergency overtime may be necessary.
• Mandatory Work Days: Due to public ceremonies, all staff members are required to work on Memorial Day.
• Weather Exposure: Work is performed outdoors year-round. Caretakers are exposed to extreme high heat, humidity, rain, cold, wind, and direct sunlight.
• Physical Strain: Heavy physical effort is continuous. Employees frequently bend, lift, stoop, walk over hilly or uneven terrain, and experience vibration from operating heavy power tools.

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Qualification & Physical Requirements

To qualify for the Cemetery Caretaker role, candidates must meet specific screen-out elements and exhibit physical capability.

Key Requirements:

1. Driver’s License: Possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license.
2. Supervision Ability: Perform assigned technical duties safely without more than normal supervision.
3. Citizenship & Security: U.S. citizenship is mandatory, alongside passing a suitability background investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
4. Medical Fitness: Pass a thorough physical exam verifying your capacity for heavy manual labor.
5. Weight Lifting: Capacity to lift and carry up to 50 lbs individually, and heavier loads with assistance.
6. Noise Tolerance: Work in environments exceeding 85 dBA (protective gear provided).

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Salary & Compensation Breakdown

This role operates under the Federal Wage System for blue-collar trade positions at the WG-06 pay grade.

Compensation Summary Table

Pay Detail	Details / Rates
Position Grade	Wage Grade 06 (WG-06)
Hourly Pay Range	$21.98 – $25.67 per hour
Employment Type	Full-Time, Permanent
Pay Interval	Bi-Weekly
Estimated Annual Base	$45,718 – $53,393 (based on 2,080 annual hours)
Overtime / Holiday Pay	Applicable per federal wage guidelines

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Comprehensive Federal Benefits

As a federal employee with the Department of Veterans Affairs, you gain access to an industry-leading employment benefits package:

• Healthcare Insurance: Choose from multiple nationwide plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
• Retirement System: Dual-tier retirement protection consisting of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) basic annuity and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%.
• Paid Time Off: Earn paid annual (vacation) leave, paid sick leave, and enjoy 11 official federal holidays every calendar year.
• Life & Long-Term Care Insurance: Optional group life insurance (FEGLI) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).

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Application Guidance: Mastering the 2-Page Resume Rule

The hiring process uses Direct-Hire Authority, but standards remain strict regarding documentation format.

Crucial Resume Formatting Rules:

CRITICAL RULE: Effective September 2025, federal agencies enforce a strict 2-page resume limit. Any resume submitted that exceeds two pages will result in immediate disqualification.

• Margins: Set margins to 0.5 inches on all sides.
• Font Choice: Use standard sans-serif fonts such as Lato, Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri.
• Font Size: 14-point font for headings; 10-point font for standard body text.
• File Format: Save and upload your file as a single standard PDF file under 5MB in size.
• Focus Content: Explicitly describe practical experience related to power tools, groundskeeping, heavy physical labor, driver safety, and basic computer entry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is prior experience in cemetery maintenance mandatory?

No. While prior groundskeeping or cemetery maintenance experience is helpful, candidates can qualify by demonstrating general experience operating power tools, landscape equipment, or relevant mechanical work.

2. Can I submit a multi-page federal resume?

No. You must keep your resume to two pages or fewer. Longer submissions are automatically screened out by system guidelines.

3. What is the deadline to apply for this vacancy?

Applications must be submitted electronically through USAJobs before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 9, 2026.

4. Does this job require a drug test?

Yes. The VA requires pre-employment urinalysis testing for illegal drug use for testing-designated positions.

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Working as a Cemetery Caretaker at Natchez National Cemetery is more than just a job—it is a noble calling to serve those who defended our nation. Offering reliable federal pay ($21.98 – $25.67/hr), robust medical and retirement plans, and meaningful day-to-day responsibilities, this role provides an exceptional career path in Natchez, Mississippi.

Review your qualification documents, polish your 2-page resume, and submit your application on USAJobs before the deadline!