How to Become a Cemetery Sexton: A Career Guide

A cemetery sexton (or superintendent) manages the daily operations, grounds, burials, and records of a cemetery. It's a role blending horticulture, administration, and compassionate service.

Education & Training

• Minimum: High school diploma / GED.
• Preferred: Associate/bachelor's in horticulture, turf management, landscape architecture, mortuary science, or public administration.
• Certifications: Certified Cemetery Executive (CCE) (ICCFA), Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) (PGMS), Arborist (ISA), Pesticide Applicator License.

Essential Skills

• Grounds Management: Mowing, irrigation, tree care, seasonal planting, drainage, soil health.
• Burial Operations: Layout, excavation (or coordinating vault company), casket lowering, backfilling, marker installation, compliance with state/local regulations.
• Record Keeping: Deeds, interment records, mapping (GIS), genealogy requests, legal compliance.
• Compassionate Communication: Working with grieving families, funeral directors, monument dealers, veterans' agencies.
• Equipment Operation: Backhoe, skid steer, mowers, trenchers, trucks.
• Budget & Staff Management: Seasonal labor, contractors, capital projects.

Licensing (Varies by State)

• Some states require cemetery manager/sexton license (exam + CEU).
• Most require CPR/First Aid.
• OSHA safety training (excavation, equipment, chemicals).

Job Search Paths

1. Cemetery Associations / Private Cemeteries (largest employers).
2. Municipal / County Parks & Recreation (public cemeteries).
3. Religious Organizations (diocesan, parish, synagogue, mosque cemeteries).
4. Funeral Homes (some own cemeteries).
5. Job Boards: ICCFA, AGM, Indeed, GovernmentJobs.
6. Networking: State cemetery association conferences, ICCFA University.
7. Volunteer / Intern: Gain experience, prove reliability.

Advancement

• Senior Sexton → Cemetery Manager → Director of Operations → Executive Director (large cemetery corporations).
• Specialization: Historic preservation, green burial, cremation gardens, pet cemeteries.

It's steady, meaningful work—outdoors, serving families, preserving history. Not for everyone, but a vocation for the right person.