Job Description

Our cemeteries are places of remembrance, reflection and connection. Behind every well-maintained space is a team committed to ensuring these special places are cared for with dignity, respect and professionalism.

As a Cemetery Team Member, you'll play an important role in maintaining Napier's cemeteries while supporting burial and ash interments with care and compassion. Working alongside the Cemeteries team, you'll help create safe, welcoming and well-presented environments for families and visitors, while contributing to the smooth delivery of day-to-day cemetery operations.

This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. From preparing burial sites and maintaining beautiful grounds to supporting families during important moments, your work will have a lasting impact on our community.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

In this role, you'll:

• Assist with burial and ash interments, including grave preparation and reinstatement.

• Maintain cemetery grounds to a high standard through mowing, gardening and general grounds maintenance.

• Safely operate and maintain a range of plant, machinery and equipment.

• Help ensure cemetery facilities remain safe, respectful and welcoming for visitors.

• Provide courteous and professional service to funeral directors, contractors and members of the public.

• Work collaboratively with your team while contributing to a positive health and safety culture.

• Support the wider Parks & Reserves team when required.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

You're someone who takes pride in your work and understands the importance of maintaining spaces that mean so much to our community. You enjoy working outdoors, are practical and reliable, and approach every task with care and professionalism.

You'll also bring:

• A full New Zealand Class 1 Driver Licence.

• Experience operating outdoor maintenance equipment or small plant.

• The ability to undertake physically demanding outdoor work.

• A strong commitment to health, safety and safe work practices.

• Good communication skills and a respectful, customer-focused approach.

• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team.

• A willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Experience in cemetery operations, parks, reserves or grounds maintenance, along with machinery licences, Growsafe certification or a First Aid Certificate, would be advantageous but isn't essential.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service

• Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy

• Retailer discounts + study assistance

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity working 42.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You’ll be based out of our Wharerangi Cemetery, Napier, but spend most time out across our sportsgrounds.

The hourly rate for this role is $27.62 - $29.35 per hour, plus KiwiSaver if eligible, with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

– Cemetery Team Member