Crematory Operators

What the job really is

Operate crematory equipment to reduce human or animal remains to bone fragments in accordance with state and local regulations. Duties may include preparing the body for cremation and performing general maintenance on crematory equipment. May use traditional flame-based cremation, calcination, or alkaline hydrolysis.

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-4012
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 5

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment.
• Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced.
• Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.
• Explain the cremation process to family or friends of the deceased.
• Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
• Pick up and handle human or pet remains in a respectful manner.
• Place corpses into crematory machines to reduce remains to bone fragments using flame, heat, or alkaline hydrolysis.
• Pulverize remaining bone fragments into smaller pieces, using specialized equipment, such as a cremulator or grinder.
• Read documentation to confirm the identity of the deceased.
• Remove jewelry, watches, or other personal items from the deceased prior to cremation.
• Sweep or vacuum the cremation chamber to retrieve remains for storage in an urn or other container.
• Transport the deceased to a funeral home or crematory using a van, hearse, or other vehicle.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word, Belmar & Associates Mortware, HMIS Advantage

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Funeral Attendants
• Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
• Funeral Home Managers
• Embalmers
• Recycling and Reclamation Workers
• Coroners
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Crematory Operators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.