Cremation Operator Trainee

Are you looking for a challenge? Do you have a high level of compassion, integrity & patience as well as good communication skills, attention to detail and a commitment to adhere to schedules & work assignments?

If so, McComas Funeral Home is seeking a Cremation Operator Trainee to join an elite team. While experience is desirable, this is a perfect opportunity to learn new skills.

Training is at our Bel Air facility and is generally conducted during the morning hours but once certified, you must have the flexibility to work mornings, afternoons or evenings. Your schedule is not firm with hours assigned on as-needed basis depending on the needs of the families we serve. This is perfect for someone looking for a part-time position which offers flexibility.

For additional information concerning detailed position requirements, the position description & the training program, as well as an application, please contact [email protected].

Experience is helpful; but, not necessary.

High school diploma or equivalency required.

A high degree of patience as the cremation process can’t be rushed.

High level of compassion and integrity.

Good communication skills.

A commitment to adhere to schedules and work assignments.

Detail oriented.

The ability to tolerate the sights and smells encountered in this industry.

Must abide by all company policies and keep all employee information confidential.

Strict adherence to all professional, municipal, state and federal licensing authority regulations applicable to the cremation of human remains.

Promote and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Other duties as directed by management.

Any individual selected as a potential hire will be required to shadow an experienced operator

performing a cremation before a formal offer is presented. This is to ensure that the

candidate can tolerate the conditions experienced during a normal cremation.

Documentation

Has a thorough understanding and demonstrates proficiency of policies and procedures detailed in the Crematory Operators Handbook.

Completes all required documentation with respect to cremation process and equipment maintenance.

Maintains chain of custody paperwork.

Performs verification/identification of the deceased and reviews required documentation prior to performing cremation.

Inputs case data utilizing software on crematory computer.

Health & Safety

Promotes a safe work environment by being aware of and practicing universal precautions while adopting general principles of safe conduct.

Complies with local laws and guidelines concerning retort operation and storage/use of chemical substances.

Maintains the crematory, equipment and adjacent facilities in a clean and safe environment following established housekeeping guidelines.

Fully cleans crematory equipment (e.g., retort) after each cremation to prevent commingling of cremated remains using appropriate tools and protective equipment.

Attends all required safety training meetings as scheduled.

Ensures that health and safety rules are strictly maintained.

Performs general maintenance and care of crematory equipment.

Reports unsafe equipment and conditions to management.

General

Cares for the deceased in a respectful manner while performing all the tasks involved in the cremation process.

Adheres to all professional and state licensing authority regulations applicable to the cremation of human remains.

Occasionally greets families witnessing cremations and, when asked, answers questions in a professional and sensitive manner.

At the end of each day, ensures that all urns with cremated remains are locked in the secured cabinet.

Prepares for unannounced visits by state inspectors who audit the crematory processes by scrupulously following rules and regulations, maintaining detailed records and logbooks, and keeping the crematory very clean.

Keeps the crematory manager promptly and fully informed of all problems and significant matters and takes prompt corrective action as needed.

Participates in training and skill development opportunities to improve competency and customer service.

Visually inspects the body to verify all jewelry, pacemakers, and prosthetics are removed.

Works under limited general supervision.

Ensures that all proper procedures, safety precautions and legal regulations during the cremation process are followed at all times.

Performs other duties as required.

Training to become a licensed cremation operator is accomplished at three levels:

Manufacturer’s Training

State Approved Cremation Operator Course

In-House, Hands-on Training with a Certified Cremation Operator

The manufactures training is accomplished by a representative of Matthew’s International, the manufacturer of our cremation unit. It may be in person at the Rose Hill facility; another cremation facility with like equipment; or, via webinar.

This training is conducted in a classroom environment, usually by CANA or NFDA, which are national funeral organizations. Seminars are conducted periodically and travel out of the local area may be required to attend one of these sessions. Costs will be covered by the McComas Funeral Home.

Even though you may not have received your manufacturers or classroom training, you will be allowed to perform cremations under the guidance of a licensed cremation operator.

Your in-house, hands-on training will account for the bulk of your training and will cover everything in the operator’s guide. While the manual is available online, a hard copy will be provided for your use. You will be introduced to a significant amount of information in your initial days, all of which is in this manual. Using it will also allow you to follow the text while working on the computer with the software as well as to record your personal notes.

While participating in the hands-on training, you may be rotated between the different shifts and work with different operators. This is to allow you to receive the broadest exposure to different cremation products and to work with the different members of the team. While we all receive the same training and reach the same end result, the path we take to get there may be slightly different. You will have the opportunity to hear about their experiences and learn their little “tricks” to make cremations go smoother.

While your first several cremations will be basically observing, the operator will introduce you to the various tasks and allow you to perform them to gain experience. As you continue to grow, you will be provided with more hands-on opportunities. At some point, the operator will be here to solely as a backup to you while you perform the cremation and complete the paperwork. Until all training is completed and you become licensed, the licensed operator is still legally responsible for the cremation.

Once you become licensed and your hands-on training indicates that you’re ready to take on the responsibility of performing cremations, you’ll go through two final stages:

While you will be responsible for the cremation, a member of the cremations team may be onsite for the first two or three cremations. Although their primary responsibility will be to evaluate your performance, they will also be available to answer your questions.

After the team and management feel comfortable with your performance level, you’ll begin taking cremation assignments as available. However, on your first several cremations, you will be informed as to who is available by phone or text in case you have questions. Regardless of how long you’re with the team, the general rule of thumb is to “ask” if anything unusual comes up or something just doesn’t feel right.