Serving with Honor: Become a Cemetery Caretaker in San Antonio

Are you looking for a career that offers both purpose and stability? The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is currently seeking hardworking, dedicated individuals to serve as Cemetery Caretakers at the historic Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. This unique role is more than just a job; it is a profound service to the men and women who have defended our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Cemetery Caretaker, you will perform a variety of duties requiring physical strength and manual dexterity. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Grounds Maintenance: Operating riding lawn mowers, tractors, and power trimmers to ensure pristine lawn conditions.
Horticulture: Planting shrubs, mulching, pruning, and applying fertilizers to beautify the landscape.
Interment Support: Assisting in the preparation of gravesites, including digging, squaring, and cleaning areas for ceremonies.
Facility Upkeep: Cleaning headstones, clearing debris, and maintaining administrative and service areas.
General Maintenance: Ensuring that all tools and equipment are in safe, working order.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Physical Fitness	Able to lift 50+ lbs and work in all weather conditions.
Licensing	Must hold and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Background	Must pass a suitability investigation and potential drug screening.
Probation	Must complete a one-year probationary period.

Salary Overview

This position offers competitive federal compensation, with an hourly pay rate ranging from $23.54 to $27.45. Wages are determined based on the WG-06 pay scale.

Benefits

Joining the federal workforce comes with a robust benefits package, including health insurance options, federal retirement programs, and the pride of contributing to a national mission.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Overly long resumes will not be considered.
Clarity: Clearly detail your experience with tools and equipment in your resume.
Formatting: Save your document as a PDF to ensure fonts and margins are preserved.

Working at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery is a meaningful way to spend your workday. If you possess the physical endurance and a deep respect for those who have served, we encourage you to submit your application by November 9, 2026.

Why This Cemetery Caretaker Job Matters

Honor our nation's heroes by maintaining the sacred grounds of Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Join a mission-driven team where your hard work directly supports the final resting places of those who served.

Cemetery Caretaker Job Overview

The National Cemetery Administration is seeking dedicated individuals for a Cemetery Caretaker role in San Antonio, Texas. This essential position focuses on maintaining the beauty and dignity of national shrines, ensuring that the legacy of our Veterans and their families is honored with the highest level of care.

Requirements for Cemetery Caretaker

U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Ability to perform job duties with minimal supervision.
Must successfully pass a background and suitability investigation.
Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Cemetery Caretaker

Demonstrated experience in professional landscaping or grounds maintenance.
Proficiency in operating power equipment such as lawn mowers, tractors, and chainsaws.
Technical aptitude for maintaining hand and power tools.
Ability to interpret complex technical directives and specifications.
Strong commitment to workplace safety protocols.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly federal compensation.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Retirement savings plans (FERS).
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
✓Structured, mission-driven career environment.

💡 How to Apply Cemetery Caretaker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cemetery Caretaker Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents (Resume, DD-214 if applicable, etc.).
Submit your final application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the job elements mentioned in the announcement.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
Limit your resume to two pages as mandated by the Merit Hiring Plan.
Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS account.
Review your responses to the online questionnaire against your actual work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The Cemetery Caretaker serves as a steward of national shrines, performing manual and technical tasks to ensure that the resting places of Veterans are maintained with dignity and respect.

Is travel required for this position?

This position is primarily based at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes, this role involves significant physical effort, including walking on uneven terrain, lifting items up to 50 lbs, and operating machinery that may cause vibration or jolting.

Do I need prior experience in a cemetery?

*A: Not necessarily. We value experience in landscaping, construction, or general trade labor.*

What is the work schedule?

*A: You will typically work Monday–Friday, but flexibility for weekends, holidays, and Memorial Day is required to meet the cemetery’s mission.*

Job from National Cemetery Administration

The National Cemetery Administration, a branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs, is committed to providing compassionate care to our nation’s Veterans and their families. Our mission is to honor those who have served by maintaining national shrines that inspire appreciation and respect for their sacrifice. When you join our team, you become part of a legacy of service.