Bereavement Services Operative

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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

Interview Dates:
Tuesday 23rd February & Wednesday 24th February 2026