Cemetery Administrator (As Needed)

Job Summary

Plans, develops, organizes and coordinates the operation of City-owned Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum and Mortuary. Supervises, assigns and reviews the work of staff engaged in maintenance duties and office support. Prepares, administers and maintains Woodlawn’s budget.

Works under the administrative supervision of the Director of Public Works or designee who occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. Exercises administrative and technical supervision over section staff, with responsibility for outlining work assignments, frequently reviewing work in progress, and carefully reviewing completed work.

*Note: This is a temporary position without benefits.

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE 03/17/2025

Representative Duties

Develops, recommends, and implements administrative, operational, and maintenance policies and procedures for the City’s cemetery, mausoleum, and mortuary. Coordinates, supervises, and monitors office, grounds, and facilities maintenance activities.

Selects, trains, and supervises and reviews the work of maintenance and office support staff. Assigns, schedules, and monitors work. Prepares employee performance evaluations.

Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of cemetery operations, mortuary services, and related customer service functions. Recommends and develops methods and programs to improve service delivery and business operations.

Prepares and administers Woodlawn’s budget. Analyzes financial data, maintains administrative and internal control systems, and monitors revenues and expenditures.

Ensures deposits of funds generated from the sales of interment spaces, funeral services, merchandise, and various fees in accordance with City policy.

Conducts market research and community outreach to promote a variety of funeral products and services; develops marketing strategies and promotional materials; and establishes and coordinates customer service information, public relations, and marketing programs.

Provides information to prospective clients on funeral service options, products, and merchandise.

Develops, implements, and coordinates procedures for the sale of grave sites, mausoleum crypts, niches, and related goods and services. Reviews and recommends rate changes.

Supervises interments and disinterments. Identifies location of grave site boundaries and positioning of graves, markers, and related items. Identifies decedents and confirms services performed by contractors.

Assists in the planning and delivery of services, including pre-need planning and at-need mortuary, funeral and burial arrangements, and memorial services. Orders necessary supplies and coordinates service arrangements with vendors and contractors.

Procures death certificates, burial permits, and other documents from government agencies. Maintains accurate records.

Enforces safety rules, provides safety training programs, and ensures staff complies with laws and regulations regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Develops and maintains liaison with local law enforcement, health department, coroner’s office, government officials, hospital staff, and hospice organizations.

Interprets and applies policies and procedures. Reviews and approves requests by private groups for special accommodations.

Serves as the City’s representative for Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum and Mortuary at meetings with community groups, governmental organizations, professional associations, City Council and the general public. Makes oral and written presentations as necessary.

Responds to inquiries and resolves escalated complaints and concerns.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of public administration
Practices and procedures of cemetery/facilities maintenance operations
Business principles and practices
Program development and implementation
Budget development and administration
Accounting principles and financial methods
Methods and techniques of contract administration
Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations
Safe work practices and procedures
Principles of supervision and management
Effective training techniques
Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:
Plan, manage and coordinate the operation of a cemetery and mortuary
Select, train, supervise and evaluate the work of staff

Develop and implement processes and procedures
Develop and implement innovative strategies and programs
Analyze problems and develop effective solutions
Prepare and present clear, concise and comprehensive oral and written reports
Conduct research and develop informational materials
Develop and promote community outreach and marketing strategies
Prepare and maintain accurate administrative and financial records and reports
Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches and drawings
Locate and plot interment spaces, markers and related items
Interpret and apply policies, laws and regulations
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with outside agencies, contractors, vendors, City staff and the general public
Provide effective customer service

Skill in:
Handling sensitive matters with tact and discretion
Effective written and verbal communication
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications

Education, Training, and Experience:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in business or public administration or a closely related field. Additional qualifying work experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year for year basis. (Successful completion of 30 units is equal to one year of the additional required work experience.)

Experience: Four years of recent, paid work experience in the administration and operation of a cemetery and/or increasingly responsible experience in the administration and operation of public facilities operations and maintenance. At least two years of the recent work experience must have included responsibility for financial management and leading and coordinating the work of staff. Work experience performing mortuary services or closely related funeral establishment responsibilities is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

A Funeral Director’s License from the State of California must be obtained within six months of date of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally performed indoors in an office environment dealing with sensitive situations and diverse individuals. Office work involves sitting and using a computer keyboard and screen. Physical demands include walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, bending, and moving heavy objects. The incumbent may move and lift objects up to 100 lbs. with assistance. Position involves exposure to a mortuary with embalming and holding room facilities where cadavers, remains of persons and hazardous materials are kept, and outdoor elements when walking through cemetery grounds. Must be able to work evenings and weekends. Responding to emergency situations may be required.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.

Selection Process:
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Background Investigation:
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 3/28/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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