Funeral Director/Embalmer Apprentice
About The Position
Under the guidance of a licensed funeral director, the Funeral Director/Embalmer Apprentice implements choices made by families’ legal representatives regarding funerals, final disposition of the body, and memorialization. The role provides customer service for funeral arrangements, cremation ceremonies, and interment, supporting families after the loss of a loved one with personalized, professional service. The position includes on-call duties and care of the deceased, including embalming and preparation when authorized. It also involves arranging and conducting ceremonies, handling contracts and legal documents, coordinating interment or cremation, assisting with services and aftercare, completing service-related records, and engaging with community organizations.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of, or current enrollment in, a dual-degree training program at an accredited mortuary college or technical school specializing in funeral and mortuary science, as required by applicable state or provincial law and board requirements.
- Typically, at least 6 months of experience in a funeral home, crematory, or cemetery.
- Meet all applicable state or provincial licensing requirements.
- Current state- or province-issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
- Basic knowledge of customs of religious and fraternal organizations.
- Knowledge of computers and some software, including MS Office Suite.
- High level of compassion and integrity.
- Good communication skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Ability to multitask and set priorities.
- Attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Perform on-call duties, including taking first calls, speaking with families, answering questions, providing initial details, and conducting transfers.
- Supervise and care for the deceased respectfully, including verifying identification, obtaining embalming authorization, embalming, dressing, styling hair, applying cosmetics, and preparing cremated remains.
- Arrange and conduct funeral and memorial ceremonies in a professional, organized, and caring manner consistent with company policies and procedures.
- Negotiate and enter into funeral contracts, and handle contracts, legal documents, and payment collection in accordance with company policies.
- Inform client families about available veteran recognition and services, and ensure selected services are delivered.
- Arrange for the interment or cremation of human remains.
- Confirm authorization to proceed with service arrangements.
- Supervise or assist with funeral services, including parking, ushering, driving funeral vehicles, assisting at chapel, church, and cemetery services, delivering flowers and other items, setting up and removing chairs, and participating in special functions.
- Ensure adherence to applicable professional, municipal, provincial/state, and federal licensing requirements, regulations, and rules.
- Provide aftercare when a Family Service Counselor is absent.
- Share potential pre-need referrals with Family Service Counselors.
- Prepare and accurately complete documents and online entries related to services, cremations, and maintenance.
- Support heritage retention and market-share growth through active involvement with community, religious, and other organizations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
