Crematory Operator

Location: Middle Village, New York 11379

Department: Crematory

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $41,600 – $52,000 per year ($20.00 – $25.00 per hour) — non-exempt, overtime-eligible

About Fresh Pond Crematory

Fresh Pond Crematory has served New York families since 1884. We are a New York State–certified nonprofit crematory and columbarium, family-operated for more than five decades, welcoming all faiths and customs at our historic Middle Village building. Joining our team means doing steady, meaningful work at an institution families have trusted for over 140 years.

Job Summary

We are seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Crematory Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for operating cremation equipment, ensuring the respectful handling of remains, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. This role requires a strong commitment to providing dignified service to families during their time of loss.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain cremation equipment, following all safety and environmental regulations and established New York State operating procedures.

• Prepare remains for cremation, including identification verification and proper handling at every step.

• Conduct cremations in a respectful and professional manner, adhering to established protocols.

• Maintain accurate records of cremation services and ensure all required documentation is completed.

• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of crematory equipment and facilities.

• Collaborate with funeral home staff to coordinate services and ensure a smooth experience for families.

• Assist with the transfer of caskets into the building.

• Transfer cremated remains into urns and place urns in niches when needed.

• Perform building repair and maintenance as needed, which may include masonry, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and painting.

• Run company errands, including post office trips and transporting urns to and from engravers (requires driving).

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• New York State crematory operator certification through a Division of Cemeteries–approved program, or willingness to complete certification upon hire — Fresh Pond pays for the training.

• Previous experience in a crematory or funeral home setting preferred; additional training in mortuary science or a related field is a plus.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.

• Basic mechanical skills for equipment maintenance.

• Valid driver’s license — this role drives for company errands.

• Authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 lbs as needed; heavier items are moved with team lifts or equipment assistance.

• Comfortable working in a physically demanding environment, including work near high-temperature equipment.

• Ability to safely climb and work from ladders and to use stairs regularly throughout the shift.

• Schedule: five days per week including Saturdays, with a weekday off. Shifts are 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM with a half-hour lunch (40 hours per week). Closed Sundays.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary of $41,600 – $52,000 per year, based on experience and certification status, plus overtime eligibility.

• Medical insurance — Fresh Pond pays 50% of the premium for single coverage.

• Optional dental and vision coverage available (employee-paid).

• 401(k) plan with yearly employer contributions.

• New York State crematory operator certification training paid by Fresh Pond — next session is November 5, 2026 in Albany, NY (employee provides transportation).

Workplace

Fresh Pond Crematory is a smoke-free and vape-free facility, including all grounds.

Application Questions

Please answer each question below and include your answers with your application.

1. Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? ☐ Yes ☐ No

2. Are you at least 18 years of age? ☐ Yes ☐ No

3. This job is on-site in Middle Village, Queens (11379), five days per week — it cannot be done remotely. Can you reliably commute to this location? ☐ Yes ☐ No

4. This job involves daily hands-on handling of human remains and working around funeral services and grieving families. Can you perform these duties every day? ☐ Yes ☐ No

5. Can you perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including using stairs, regularly lifting up to 50 lbs, and working near high-temperature equipment? ☐ Yes ☐ No

6. The schedule is five days per week including Saturdays, with a weekday off — 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Can you work this schedule, with or without a reasonable accommodation? ☐ Yes ☐ No

7. Starting pay is $41,600 to $52,000 per year ($20.00 – $25.00 per hour). Would you accept a position in this range? ☐ Yes ☐ No

8. This job requires New York State crematory operator certification. Fresh Pond pays for the training if you don't have it. Are you willing to complete this certification? ☐ Yes ☐ No

9. This job includes driving for company errands, such as post office runs and urn deliveries. Do you hold a valid driver's license? ☐ Yes ☐ No

10. Do you currently hold New York State crematory operator certification? ☐ Yes ☐ No

11. How much experience do you have in a crematory, cemetery, columbarium, or funeral home? ☐ None ☐ Under 1 year ☐ 1–3 years ☐ Over 3 years

12. If offered the position, when could you start? ☐ Within 1 week ☐ Within 2 weeks ☐ Over 2 weeks

Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Fresh Pond Crematory provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs and observances.

Fresh Pond Crematory is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, New York State, or New York City law.

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