This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Perform various tasks to arrange and direct individual funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners.
Also Known As:Arranger, Cemetery Manager, Certified Mortician, Embalmer, Funeral Arrangement Director, Funeral Arranger, Funeral Counselor, Funeral Director +12 more
Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.
Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.
Perform embalming duties, as necessary.
Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.
Remove deceased remains from place of death.
Contact cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves.
Plan, schedule, or coordinate funerals, burials, or cremations, arranging details such as floral delivery or the time and place of services.
Close caskets and lead funeral corteges to churches or burial sites.
Provide information on funeral service options, products, or merchandise, and maintain a casket display area.
Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
Direct preparations and shipment of bodies for out-of-state burial.
Discuss and negotiate prearranged funerals with clients.
Maintain financial records, order merchandise, or prepare accounts.
Provide or arrange transportation between sites for the remains, mourners, pallbearers, clergy, or flowers.
Arrange for clergy members to perform needed services.
Plan placement of caskets at funeral sites or place or adjust lights, fixtures, or floral displays.
Clean funeral home facilities and grounds.
Manage funeral home operations, including the hiring, training, or supervision of embalmers, funeral attendants, or other staff.
Inform survivors of benefits for which they may be eligible.
Arrange for pallbearers or inform pallbearers or honorary groups of their duties.
Receive or usher people to their seats for services.
Participate in community activities for funeral home promotion or other purposes.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
73%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)