Groundskeeper

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA):
Since its establishment in 1945, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has remained focused on aiding and assisting Hoosier veterans and qualified family members or survivors, who are eligible for benefits or advantages provided by Indiana and the U.S. government.

Role Overview:

The Groundskeeper serves as a key hands-on team member at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, performing essential grounds maintenance, landscaping, and burial support tasks to ensure the cemetery remains a dignified, well-maintained final resting place for Indiana’s veterans and their families. This role delivers respectful, reliable service in support of IDVA’s mission to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community.

The position involves daily physical labor outdoors in all weather conditions, including mowing, trimming, equipment operation, grave preparation assistance, and general facility upkeep. The Groundskeeper works under the direction of the Cemetery Foreman as part of a small team that includes the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Foremen. This is a non-exempt position with a standard 37.5-hour work week. This position is not eligible for overtime; any work beyond the standard schedule is managed through flex time to maintain the required weekly total. Core hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM to support cemetery operations and services, with any deviations requiring prior approval from the Cemetery Foreman.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $31,668.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute the following duties at a high level of proficiency.

1. Grounds Maintenance and Landscaping

• Mow, trim, edge, and maintain cemetery lawns, shrubs, trees, flower beds, and landscaping using riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, string trimmers, blowers, and hand tools.
• Perform seasonal tasks including leaf removal, snow and ice removal, fertilizing, weed control, mulching, and irrigation maintenance.
• Maintain cemetery roads, walkways, and parking areas to ensure safe and presentable conditions for visitors and funeral services.

1. Burial and Interment Support

• Assist with preparing gravesites, including opening and closing graves, setting vaults or urns, backfilling, sodding, and site restoration under the direction of the Cemetery Foreman.
• Help with the placement and installation of grave markers and monuments.
• Support committal services and funerals by ensuring the site is prepared, clean, and dignified.

1. Equipment and Facility Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on cemetery equipment, vehicles, and tools (mowers, tractors, backhoes, etc.).
• Conduct general facility maintenance tasks such as cleaning buildings/restrooms, basic carpentry, painting, plumbing, and trash removal.
• Inspect and maintain tools and equipment for safety and functionality.

1. General Responsibilities

• Work respectfully and professionally in a solemn environment, maintaining the dignity of the cemetery at all times.
• Follow all safety protocols, especially when operating heavy equipment or working near funeral services.
• Raise and lower flags according to protocol.
• Assist with special events, Memorial Day preparations, and other cemetery projects as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and report issues to the Cemetery Foreman.
• Participate in required training on safety, equipment operation, cemetery policies, and veteran honors.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Cemetery Foreman or Superintendent.

What You'll Need for Success

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• Pursuant to IC 10-17-1-11, the employee must satisfy the requirements set forth in IC 10-17-1-5(a).
• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or general labor, preferably in a cemetery, parks, or similar outdoor setting.
• Ability to safely operate grounds maintenance equipment (mowers, trimmers, tractors, etc.).
• Valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor outdoors in all weather conditions, including lifting up to 50+ pounds, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and respect for veterans and their families.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a small team with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to obtain necessary certifications (e.g., pesticide applicator, equipment operation) as required.
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and maintaining a dignified work environment.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoors at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Involves prolonged periods of physical labor, equipment operation, and exposure to dust, noise, and outdoor elements.
• Occasional indoor facility maintenance tasks.
• Standard 37.5-hour work week with core hours 8:00 AM–4:00 PM to support cemetery operations. Any deviation requires prior approval from the Cemetery Foreman.
• This position is not eligible for overtime; additional hours are managed through flex time within the standard weekly schedule.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.