Bereavement Services Operative
| Posting date: | 26 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £23,690 to £24,045 per year, pro rata |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 February 2026 |
| Location: | Maidstone, Kent |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Maidstone Borough Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
About the Role
Vinters Park Crematorium and Maidstone Cemetery provide a high quality, compassionate service to families during the most difficult of times. We maintain our grounds and facilities to ensure a respectful and peaceful environment for visitors.
We are seeking a Bereavement Services Operative to join our team. The successful candidate will help support delivery of a professional cremation and burial service for Maidstone Borough Council. Key duties include:
• Maintaining approximately 16 acres at Vinters Park Crematorium and 64 acres at Maidstone Cemetery to a high standard.
• Maintaining shrub beds and planters, pruning, mowing, and general grounds maintenance.
• Assisting with grave preparation and undertaking chapel attendant duties during funeral services (training provided).
This is a permanent, full time role (37 hours per week), starting at 7:00am
Monday–Friday. The position is site based with fixed hours due to the
operational requirements of funeral services. Based at Vinters Park Crematorium,
Maidstone, and to assist at Maidstone Cemetery, Sutton Road as required.
Career Development
This role provides the opportunity for a Grade 4 applicant to join the Council and be supported to develop through the career grade to a Grade 5 role, depending upon knowledge, skills and experience and the availability of a Grade 5 role.
About Maidstone Borough Council
Maidstone Borough Council is committed to delivering high quality services to residents and local businesses. We foster a supportive and innovative working environment where staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, develop their skills, and build rewarding careers.
Our Offer
We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:
• Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing after five years of local government service.
• Three additional days’ leave over the Christmas period.
• Staff wellbeing events, including holistic therapies and outdoor activities.
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential support.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover.
• Life Assurance (three times annual salary for LGPS members).
• Season Ticket Loan and lease car salary sacrifice scheme.
• Annual flu vaccine.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Retail, leisure, and travel discounts.
• Professional fee payment (where required).
• Excellent training and career development opportunities.
About You
As a Grade 4 Bereavement Services Operative, the ideal candidate will:
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Follow detailed procedures accurately, particularly around burials.
• Take pride in delivering high quality, detailed work.
• Hold a full UK driving licence, and have the ability to attend work at both Maidstone cemetery and crematorium locations.
• Prioritise health and safety at all times.
• Have horticultural knowledge (desirable).
• Demonstrate empathy and professionalism when dealing with the public, clergy, funeral directors, and colleagues.
This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to a key frontline service in a unique and meaningful environment.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed against the person specification. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and all staff are expected to uphold this commitment.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Mark Rundle on 01622 602928.
Job Description and Person Specification: https://docs.maidstone.gov.uk/jobs/Bereavement-Services-OperativeJDPS-Jan-26.pdf
Interview Dates: Tuesday 23rd February & Wednesday 24th February 2026
Vinters Park Crematorium and Maidstone Cemetery provide a high quality, compassionate service to families during the most difficult of times. We maintain our grounds and facilities to ensure a respectful and peaceful environment for visitors.
We are seeking a Bereavement Services Operative to join our team. The successful candidate will help support delivery of a professional cremation and burial service for Maidstone Borough Council. Key duties include:
• Maintaining approximately 16 acres at Vinters Park Crematorium and 64 acres at Maidstone Cemetery to a high standard.
• Maintaining shrub beds and planters, pruning, mowing, and general grounds maintenance.
• Assisting with grave preparation and undertaking chapel attendant duties during funeral services (training provided).
This is a permanent, full time role (37 hours per week), starting at 7:00am
Monday–Friday. The position is site based with fixed hours due to the
operational requirements of funeral services. Based at Vinters Park Crematorium,
Maidstone, and to assist at Maidstone Cemetery, Sutton Road as required.
Career Development
This role provides the opportunity for a Grade 4 applicant to join the Council and be supported to develop through the career grade to a Grade 5 role, depending upon knowledge, skills and experience and the availability of a Grade 5 role.
About Maidstone Borough Council
Maidstone Borough Council is committed to delivering high quality services to residents and local businesses. We foster a supportive and innovative working environment where staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, develop their skills, and build rewarding careers.
Our Offer
We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:
• Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing after five years of local government service.
• Three additional days’ leave over the Christmas period.
• Staff wellbeing events, including holistic therapies and outdoor activities.
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential support.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover.
• Life Assurance (three times annual salary for LGPS members).
• Season Ticket Loan and lease car salary sacrifice scheme.
• Annual flu vaccine.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Retail, leisure, and travel discounts.
• Professional fee payment (where required).
• Excellent training and career development opportunities.
About You
As a Grade 4 Bereavement Services Operative, the ideal candidate will:
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Follow detailed procedures accurately, particularly around burials.
• Take pride in delivering high quality, detailed work.
• Hold a full UK driving licence, and have the ability to attend work at both Maidstone cemetery and crematorium locations.
• Prioritise health and safety at all times.
• Have horticultural knowledge (desirable).
• Demonstrate empathy and professionalism when dealing with the public, clergy, funeral directors, and colleagues.
This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to a key frontline service in a unique and meaningful environment.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed against the person specification. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and all staff are expected to uphold this commitment.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Mark Rundle on 01622 602928.
Job Description and Person Specification: https://docs.maidstone.gov.uk/jobs/Bereavement-Services-OperativeJDPS-Jan-26.pdf
Interview Dates: Tuesday 23rd February & Wednesday 24th February 2026
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.