If you're looking for job security, becoming a gravedigger is a job that never goes out of style. Jobs are available in many cities and, contrary to popular belief, you are working with large machinery such as backhoes instead of a shovel. Many graveyards are owned and operated by the town or city. Begin by looking for city job listings in the newspaper or online. You can also check listings at your local unemployment office.
The Work Day
Most gravediggers work regular 9a.m. to 5 p.m. shifts. A beginning gravedigger might spend his day loading and unloading materials, either at the graveyard or another work site. As time goes by, a gravedigger receives training in operating heavy machinery. A more experienced gravedigger would spend his days digging graves using machinery with large scoops, shovels and buckets. He excavates the area and uses the machinery to load dirt and rock. When digging the grave, he uses a drafting T, an instrument that ensures that he gets the measurements correct. A proper grave would be 6 feet, 5 inches deep.
Benefits
For those who enjoy working with large pieces of equipment and love being in the outdoors, gravedigging might be a wise career choice. Depending on experience, gravediggers make between $10 and $20 an hour. Most employers also offer sick time and vacation pay. Though the job has many perks, for most employees weekend work will be required due to the nature of the job.
