Cemetery Foreman (W-IV)

Essential Functions Leads work crews engaged in the maintenance of cemeteries. Includes digging graves, pouring monument footings, mowing, trimming, seeding, cleaning grounds, disposing of trash, raking, plowing, shoveling, and planting, trimming, and removing trees and shrubs. Operates heavy and light trucks and other equipment necessary for completion of projects; performs incidental labor associated with operating equipment. Ensures compliance with all applicable internal and external policies, including Cemetery Regulations, work‑site safety, OSHA compliance, and environmental laws (NPDES). Provides direct supervision over a group of employees, communicating assignments, solving problems, reviewing work, and maintaining schedules. Prepares reports concerning departmental activities. Scheduled and emergency overtime may be necessary and is expected. Interacts with the public, grieving families, and funeral directors with sensitivity, assists customers with selection of burial lots, oversees funerals, and keeps records. Responds to weather‑related emergencies and other emergencies as required by the Director of Public Works or designee. Submits recommendations for more efficient and economical operations. Performs similar or related work as required or as the situation dictates. Supervision Received Under general supervision. The employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently. The supervisor provides additional instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments, and the employee refers unusual situations to the supervisor for advice and further instructions. Judgment The work involves numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions that govern the work and requires additional interpretation. Judgment is needed to locate, select, and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation, or guideline. Complexity The work consists of a variety of duties which follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or procedures vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation. Nature and Purpose of Contacts Relationships are primarily with co‑workers, vendors and the public, involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations. More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uninformed persons. Education and Experience High school diploma; three to five years of experience in cemetery construction or maintenance, including heavy motor equipment operation; and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of procedures, methods, equipment, materials and tools relative to cemetery operation and maintenance; knowledge of laws and regulations related to cemetery operations, record keeping, and plot ownership; working knowledge of town procurement procedures and Massachusetts Public Ethics Laws. Abilities: Ability to interact tactfully and sympathetically with people in emotionally stressful situations; plan and organize projects and required resources; follow instructions and complete projects in a timely fashion; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work for extended periods under adverse conditions; supervise workers operating light, heavy, and special motor equipment; supervise work crews and projects; operate light, heavy, and special motor equipment safely; make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public. Skills: Skill in the use and operation of the required tools and equipment; supervisory skills. The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt or grease; work may be continuously performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions; may be required to be on call for extended hours or under prolonged pressure during emergency situations. Physical, Motor, and Visual Skills Physical Skills: Work requires moderate intermittent physical strength and effort daily, such as lifting heavy objects, carrying, stacking, placing them in vehicles or storage areas, pulling, pushing, standing or walking for the full workday; a great deal of physical effort is required. Motor Skills: Duties involve assignments requiring hand‑eye coordination, finger dexterity, and motor coordination. Visual Skills: Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes such as plans, maps, work orders, and technical specifications. Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer The Town of Wakefield provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Town of Wakefield complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. The Town of Wakefield expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the Town of Wakefield’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wakefield