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Funeral Workers NEC

451399 · Heavy Next-day ready

Description

This occupation group covers funeral workers not elsewhere classified. Occupations in this group include embalmer and funeral director's assistant.

Typical work tasks

Interviews families and associates of the deceased to assist with funeral arrangements such as the selection of coffin, type of service and publication of death notices; advise on funeral costs and welfare provisions; collects bodies from mortuaries; ensures death certificates have been issued, burial and cremation certificates processed and that other legal requirements are met; prepares bodies for viewing and burial by washing, draining body fluids, applying padding and cosmetics, dressing bodies and placing them in coffins; liaise with clergy and cemetery and crematorium staff; coordinates the movement of coffins and funeral cars, arranges floral displays and collects attendance and tribute cards; arranges the placement of coffins at funeral sites, and the placing and adjusting of floral displays and lighting; keeps records and accounts of transactions and services performed; may arrange the construction of memorials and the disposal of ashes.

Typical work environment

  • Employees work predominantly indoors, but also work outdoors in all but extreme weather conditions. Work spaces are generally adequately heated and ventilated, clean and well maintained.
  • Activities are closely associated with significant grief, sadness, death and preparing bodies for viewing, burial or cremation.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Sedentary to heavy physical demand levels. Heavy lifting, pulling or carrying is necessary when transporting coffins and transferring bodies, however lifting equipment and adjustable trolleys are utilised.
  • Employees frequently walk or stand and sit as part of their daily activities.
  • Stretching and reaching will be required for embalming. Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant component of the job. Employees frequently bend when lifting caskets.
  • There may be some contact with skin irritants or water through the cleaning and embalming processes of bodies.
  • Repetitive movements are likely to be required in embalming processes and when documenting funeral processes.
  • Driving is likely to be a occasionally required.
  • Hand tools are likely to be required.
  • Mental skills necessary include communication and organisational skills. Attention to detail and sensitivity to others is also required.
Entry signal Model estimate

Enter via experience or on-the-job training; no mandatory pre-entry qualification. A licence may be required for some roles or employers. Flagged next-day ready.

Entry barrier Experience or on-job training
Licence / registration Licence may be required
ANZSCO skill level 3
Next-day ready Yes

Unverified — this label is model-generated and not yet clinician-reviewed. Confirm against the WTDS before relying on it.

How this was determined (model-generated): Barrier/licence correct, but with experience_or_training AND licence only may_be_required, the rule makes next_day_ready true - proposal had it false.

Entry Requirements

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required. For entry-level positions on-the-job training is sufficient. Registration or licensing may be required.

Further Comments

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.