Funeral directors help people to make funeral
arrangements upon the death of a loved one. They arrange for the collection
of the deceased from the hospital, mortuary or place of death and complete
necessary paperwork to register the death. Funeral directors interview
families to
discuss matters such
the type of coffin, floral arrangements,
type of service, after-service catering and all other aspects of the funeral
and reception. In some cases, they may also assist in dressing and preparing
the body for viewings and open casket services. Funeral directors may also
be responsible for managing the actual business, which includes organising
finances, marketing, and hiring and training staff.
A funeral director, also known as a mortician or
undertaker, is a professional involved in the business of funeral
rites. These tasks often entail the embalming and burial or cremation of the
dead, as well as the planning and arrangement of the actual funeral
ceremony. Funeral directors may at times be asked to perform tasks such as
dressing (in garments usually suitable for daily wear), casketing (placing
the human body in the container), and cossetting (applying any sort of
cosmetic or substance to the viewable areas of the person for the purpose of
enhancing appearances).
A funeral director coordinates and supervises funeral workers, including
embalmers and drivers. They also provide assistance and support for the
family through all aspects of the funeral procedure, including organising
documentation, caskets and decorations, as well as facilitating the ceremony
itself.
ANZSCO description:451311: Plans and coordinates arrangements for
funerals according to the wishes of the deceased or their relatives.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Alternative names: Mortician, Undertaker
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A funeral director needs:
excellent communication and interpersonal skills
excellent organisational skills
to be mature and responsible
good time management skills
a high level of empathy
to have a neat and tidy appearance.
Duties and Tasks
interviewing 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
advising on funeral costs and welfare provisions
collecting bodies from mortuaries
ensuring death certificates have been issued,
burial and cremation certificates processed and that other legal
requirements are met
preparing bodies for viewing and burial by
washing, draining body fluids, applying padding and cosmetics, dressing
bodies and placing them in coffins
liaising with clergy and cemetery and crematorium
staff
coordinating the movement of coffins and funeral
cars, arranging floral displays and collecting attendance and tribute
cards
arranging the placement of coffins at funeral
sites, and placing and adjusting floral displays and lighting
keeping records and accounts of transactions and
services performed
may arrange the construction of memorials and the
disposal of ashes
Working conditions
Funeral directors work in mortuaries, and the offices and workshops attached
to funeral homes. They are also expected to travel to hospitals, private
residences, places of worship, cemeteries and crematoriums. They work
closely with people from a wide variety of cultural and socio-economic
backgrounds, who are often experiencing an emotionally difficult or
traumatic time. Funeral directors must understand and respect the different
ways in which people deal with death and the loss of a loved one, offering
emotional support where required, while maintaining a professional manner.
Funeral directors generally work irregular hours, which may include working
nights, weekends and public holidays. They are often on call and must be
available to clients. At larger funeral homes the on-call roster may be
rotated between several funeral directors.
Tools and technologies
Funeral directors arrange the presentation of various elements of a funeral
including flowers, coffins/caskets, photographs and monuments. They may also
drive a hearse or limousine to transport the deceased and close family and
friends to a funeral service. They will also use general office equipment,
such as computers and telephones, for a range of activities, including
writing notices for newspaper publication and managing business activities.
Funeral directors need to maintain a well-groomed appearance and will
generally be required to wear formal business attire.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Funeral Directors usually need an Associate Degree,
Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least 3 years of relevant experience
Funeral attendants assist with the handling of people who have died, the
preparation for funerals, the transportation of the deceased, placement of
coffins, assisting at the funeral ceremony and the maintenance of funeral
premises.
ANZSCO ID: 451399
Alternative names: Funeral Director's Assistant, FDA,
Knowledge, skills and attributes
enjoy helping people
neat personal appearance
tactful and sympathetic
good communication skills
emotional maturity
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
good driving record
good organisational skills.
Duties and Tasks
Funeral attendants may perform the following tasks:
record the aspects of the
funeral and follow out instructions of family
collect the body from the hospital, morgue or
place of death
assist with preparing the body and placing it in
the coffin
escort mourners to funeral chapels
arrange burial equipment such as mats and
lowering straps
distribute and collect attendance and tribute
cards
drive passenger vehicles, mortuary vans and
hearses
The work of funeral attendants may be demanding and sometimes stressful.
They are often required to work irregular hours, including evenings and
weekends, and are often required to be on call to meet their clients' needs.
In small companies, one person may perform a variety of tasks, which
requires a broad range of skills and a flexible attitude.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a funeral attendant without any formal qualifications, and
get training on the job.
You may improve your job prospects if you complete a traineeship in funeral
services. The traineeship usually takes 24 months to complete.
Embalmers preserve, sanitise and prepare the bodies of deceased
people for presentation and burial. Usually a member of a funeral
firm, an embalmer is responsible for preserving the appearance of
the person from the time of death until the funeral. This work
involves washing and disinfecting the body, replacing bodily fluids
and gases with preservatives, washing and arranging hair, and if
required applying cosmetics. Depending on the case, the embalmer may
be required to reconstruct the appearance of the person. In some
instances, embalming work is part of the work of the funeral
director. Embalmers are also expected to help keep the mortuary
clean, adhere to strict health and safety regulations and complete
any necessary paperwork.
In most cases, embalming is not required by law in Australia. If a funeral
director is pressuring you into embalming or has included it as a service
without discussing this with you, it’s a red flag that you might be speaking
to a bad funeral director.
Embalming is generally only strictly required in the following
circumstances:
above ground burials in a mausoleum, vault or
crypt
if the body is being repatriated or transported
overseas or interstate
However, in addition to these cases, there are a number of circumstances
where families may find it desirable to arrange for a partial or full
embalming. In particular:
to make the body more presentable for a viewing
or visitation
if there will be a long delay between the death
and the funeral (i.e. several weeks)
If you are considering a natural or green burial, the use of chemicals to
preserve the body will not be permitted.
ANZSCO description:451399:
Embalmers preserve, sanitise
and prepare the bodies of deceased people for presentation and
burial.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
An embalmer needs: * to be comfortable working closely with
deceased persons * to be sensitive to people's feelings * an ability to provide support to people
experiencing grief and loss * good hand-eye coordination * an interest in chemistry and anatomy * physical strength and stamina to lift
bodies and stand for long periods.
Mr Hockin with his embalming make-up kit used for
reconstructions (Source:
ABC)
Duties and Tasks
Fill out paperwork
Log personal items
Write down any bruising, discoloration, or cuts
that are manifest on the body
Document procedures and chemicals to be used
Remove clothing, bandages, and anything else upon
the body
Use disinfectant to cleanse skin and face
Massage muscles if rigor mortis has set in to
loosen them
Shave male and female faces with razor
Place limbs in ideal position for viewing
Glue eyelids together or place cotton balls
behind eyelids to prevent dehydration
Tie jaw together with piece of suture string
Place mouth former in mouth to shape it
Glue lips in place
Squeeze caulk inside mouth to give it a fuller
shape
Mix embalming fluid and prepare for injection
Inject embalming fluid into artery
Drain blood from a nearby vein simultaneously
Inject chemicals into other areas of the body
Ensure blood is drained into sewer system
Remove arterial and jugular tubes and tie vessels
shut
Suction fluids out of internal organs with trocar
Inject cavity fluid into torso
Wash body and hair to remove chemicals
Apply makeup to face and hands and trim nails
Style hair and place clothes on decedent.
Working conditions
Embalmers work in mortuaries in hospitals, funeral parlours and
universities. These workers come into direct contact with deceased
persons and are exposed to bodily fluids and infectious diseases.
Embalmers tend to work normal business hours but can also be
expected to be on-call as embalming work needs to be carried out
soon after death. Embalmers carry out most of their work standing
up.
Tools and technologies
Embalmers work with chemicals such as formaldehyde, which is used to
preserve and disinfect the body. These workers sometimes use
injection machines to pump chemicals through the body to replace
blood and interstitial fluids. Embalmers also use surgical
instruments to carry out reconstructive work. These workers need to
wear protective clothing such as gloves, chemical-resistant boots
and masks to protect themselves from body fluids and chemicals.
Education and training/entrance requirements
It is possible to work as an embalmer without any formal
qualifications and get training on the job.
You may improve your employment prospects if you complete a
traineeship in funeral services (embalmer). The course usually takes
24 months to complete.
Egyptian painting depicting the
ancient practice of embalming (Source: Gathered Here)
Coffin
makers make coffins or
caskets using solid timber, flat-panel or timber-based
products and a wide range of laminates and other materials.
ANZSCO ID: 3941
Specialisations:
Casket Liner or Casket Upholsterer: Pads and lines inside of bodies and tops of caskets: Spreads
layer of excelsior evenly over bottom of casket and spreads layer of cotton
over excelsior. Cuts cloth from supply roll, using hand shears, and tacks or
staples cloth over bottom padding. Pads and covers sides and ends of casket
with cotton and crepe. Staples or tacks lining over padding. Tacks or
staples prepared lining into top panel or cuts or drapes lining material
into top, depending on casket style. May also attach handles and supporting
hardware. May also fit and glue fabric to inside of casket cover body to
fashion designs onto head panels.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A cabinetmaker or
coffinmaker needs:
to be skilled in practical and manual activities
to be good at basic mathematical calculations
excellent hand-eye coordination
to have a keen eye for detail and accurate in
their work
no serious breathing problems or allergies to
dust
creative ability.
John Peddar hopes to
have found an occupation for life (Source:
ABC News)
Duties and Tasks
discusses requirements with dead person’s family
and friends
designs the coffin or casket
quotes
orders the right materials: wood, fabric, screws,
glue, paint etc
saws, glues, sands, paints the coffin
invoices the client
works to deadlines
Assembles wooden caskets from preformed panels and
moldings and attaches supplemental hardware: Nails and glues side, end,
and bottom sections together to form casket body.
Assembles preformed sections of top frame, using
hammer, glue, clamping nails, and bar clamps.
Locates and marks midpoint of top frame, using
ruler and pencil.
Glues and nails panelboard and brace block between
sides at midpoint for reinforcement.
Positions template over top edge of body or
measures body with ruler to locate position of hinges and catches, and
recesses positions, using hammer and chisel or portable router.
Drills holes at specified locations, using portable
power drill.
Installs hardware, such as corners, handles,
hinges, and catches, using hand or power screwdriver.
Sands and planes edges between body, top frame, and
top panel to form tight joint, using planer or portable sander.
Attaches top panel to top frame, using hand or
powered screwdriver.
Measures, cuts, and attaches ornamental molding or
beading to casket body, using saw, hammer, miter box, and ruler.
Sets nailheads, using hammer and nail set.
Fills cracks and nail holes with wood filler or
plaster of paris by hand or with putty knife.
Smooths joints and edges, using sandpaper and
handtools.
May cut or trim wood to specified size for use in
assembly of casket, using cutoff saw.
May be designated according to part of casket
assembled as Body Maker; Cap Maker; Molding Fitter; Panel Fitter;
Top-Frame Fitter; Top-Frame Maker.
Did You Know?
The difference between a coffin and casket is:
Coffin: usually a shaped box that is narrower one
end than the other: 6 – 8 sides
Casket: usually a simple box shaped with 4 sides
Coffin Makers may specialise in simple, low cost coffins and caskets
while others may make extremely elaborate and expensive ones. The
expensive ones may be covered in carvings, jewels and other
decorations and lined with very expensive silks and velvets.
Some Coffin Makers mass produce coffins for funeral homes while
others specialise in one-of-a-kind coffins or caskets. (Source:
CareerPlanet)
A simple, unlacquered
coffin can be made within a day, while a stained casket takes a
little longer to cure.
Mr Callahan said that back when he started in the job, 70 per cent
of coffins were a standard size.
"There's a six-foot coffin which traditionally was a coffin for a
man and there's a five-foot-nine coffin which is traditionally a
coffin for a woman and these were 20 inches wide and 12 inches
deep," he said.
Increasingly, though, the growing girth and height of Australians
means those dimensions would make eternity a tight fit.
The company now builds an oversized range — longer, deeper and wider
than the standard.
Mr Callahan said the funeral director would give the exact
measurements of the deceased for a coffin to be made.
Mr Callahan said about 70
per cent of people now chose cremation rather than burial, shrinking
the market for expensive, top-of-the-line coffins and caskets.
But while people are opting for lower and middle-range products,
they are also demanding much more individuality.
"That can be in the way of photos, or colours or markings or
decorations [on coffins]," he said.
We are
basically here to serve the funeral director and the customer.
(Source:
ABC News)
Working conditions
Cabinetmakers or
Coffinmakers work in large factories or small workshops that are frequently
noisy and dusty. They may use glues, and paints and varnishes, which can
release harsh fumes. They are almost always standing, and often have to
undertake heavy lifting. If they are self-employed or work for a small
business that does commission work, coffinmakers
will often deal with funeral directors.
Tools and technologies
Cabinetmakers or
Coffinmakers use hand and power tools, but may also use complex
computerised equipment that are part or wholly automated. They also use very
precise measuring equipment. Due to the nature of their working conditions,
they often need to wear protective shoes, earmuffs, goggles and masks.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a
coffinmaker or cabinetmaker, you usually need to complete an apprenticeship.
The cabinetmaker apprenticeship takes 42 months to complete and is
available as a school-based apprenticeship.
Crematorium workers ensure that
the cremation process runs smoothly and effectively.Crematorium
technicians and cemetery workers carry out the practical work involved in
cremating and burying the dead, and maintaining crematoria and cemetery
grounds.
Employees
work in a crematorium where they schedule and perform cremations. They
organise the collection or memorialisation of cremated remains, train
others, and undertake administrative functions.
A crematory
operator provides cremation services for a funeral home or crematorium. The
duties of a crematory operator are to ensure the body is treated with
respect, correctly labeled and placed into the crematory machine. Some
locations allow family members to witness the cremation, so a crematory
operator must have the skills needed to perform their task with sensitivity
and deference to the family.
Gravediggers, also known as cemetery workers or burial ground custodians,
dig graves in cemeteries for burials. Gravediggers work in quiet, landscaped
cemeteries. Their main job is digging the graves where coffins will be
placed. They no longer dig graves with shovels and axes. Now, most use
excavation equipment. Digging by hand can take 8 hours, while using a
backhoe takes about 30 minutes.
The soil
determines how much time it takes, how easy the process is, and how deep the
grave must be. Most people think that all graves are 6 feet deep, but modern
caskets allow graves to be a bit less. Technology has made this career much
more efficient and safer because there is no longer a fear of collapsing
graves. Every plot in the cemetery is planned to maximize the amount of
gravesites available. Sometimes graves are only five inches away from the
neighboring grave, which means a gravedigger must be a very accurate digger
so he won’t disturb the next grave.
Digging big
holes is challenging and gravediggers must watch out for rocks, roots, wet
soil, and frozen ground. In some colder climates, burials may be delayed
until the spring thaw unless the gravedigger has access to a frost burner
that makes it easier to dig through frozen soil.
Gravediggers
are given coffin sizes and funeral times the day before a burial. Digging
must be completed at least an hour before the ceremony. The dirt is loaded
into a truck and removed from the scene. After mourners leave, the
gravedigger returns with the truck, fills in the hole, and prepares it as a
lawn site or monument site.
Gravedigging is more than digging holes and filling them back in. When not
digging graves, some gravediggers stay busy laying sod, mowing grass,
setting grave markers, blowing leaves, pruning plants, and doing other jobs
that keep the cemetery looking pristine.
Day-to-day duties of a Crematorium
Technician could include:
cleaning and preparing the chapel before the
service
schedule
crematory activities
order
urns and other supplies
making sure cremation equipment is operating safely
receiving coffins and carrying out identification
checks
meeting mourners as they arrive and escorting them
into the chapel
meeting
the funeral cortege and escorting the
mourners into and out of the chapel.
Dealing
with any enquiries from members of the funeral
party, and may be responsible for playing recorded music during the
funeral service.
making sure that legislation and regulations are
followed: get
permits, authorisations and permissions necessary to cremate a body
operating cremation equipment
making sure cremated remains are identified, stored
and disposed of appropriately
accompanying visitors to existing memorials
keeping records
return
remains to the person's family
Cemetery worker
Measure and mark out grave
spaces.
Use mechanical excavators or
hand tools to dig graves.
Use timbers and special
hydraulic equipment to shore up the sides of graves safely.
Ensure there is safe access to
the graveside - removing anything that could be dangerous to mourners
and installing secure platforms around the edge of the grave.
Fill in the grave after the
service, taking care not to damage the coffin.
Place flowers and tributes,
being careful not to damage them.
Move memorials and headstones,
inspecting them for damage and making safe any that are dangerous.
Maintain equipment, such as
digging machines, water pumps, hydraulic and timber shoring equipment.
Maintain the grounds,
including grass cutting, hedge trimming, tree works, seasonal bedding
planting, shrub maintenance, litter picking and sweeping roads and
paths.
As a crematorium worker you
would work a standard number of hours per week, which may include Saturdays.
You would spend most of your time in the chapel or working with the
cremation machinery. Crematorium technicians spend most of the time indoors
and are required to stand for long periods. They may also need to do some
outdoor work. They need to be smartly dressed when working in public areas.
Clothing is often provided.
Cemetery workers usually work from Monday to
Friday, but hours of work can vary. Weekend work may sometimes be necessary.
Cemetery workers mainly work outdoors in all kinds of weather. The work is
very physical and sometimes dirty, with lots of climbing and bending. The
job might also involve using heavy machinery and chemicals. They may need to
wear protective clothing for most of their duties.
Education and training/entrance requirements
No formal qualifications
are required to become a crematorium worker. However, some
experience in working with the public, and basic administrative or
computer skills would be useful. You could also become a crematorium
worker through completion of a Certificate in Cemetery and
Crematorium Operations, which is part of the national Funeral
Services Training Package.
Cremation is a cheaper alternative to burial, and there has been a large
increase in cremations in recent years, due both to the pressures on the
availability of land for burials, and the cheaper cost of cremation.
Additionally, the number of deaths in Australia is expected to increase
steadily over the next couple of decades, directly related to the ageing
population.