Deputy Superintendent - Cemetery (Agency Only)

Department of Defense Veterans & Emergency Management

Job Class Code: 6440
Grade: 28/Supervisory
Salary: $63689.60-$90438.40/Annually
Location: Maine Veterans Cemetery Systems Augusta

Opening Date: May 30 2025

Closing Date: June 13 2025

The Bureau of Veterans Services (MBVS) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate leader to join our team as Deputy SuperintendentCemetery for the Maine Veterans Cemetery System. This honorable role oversees four sacred resting places: one in northern Maine two in Augusta and one in southern Maine. Based in Augusta this position requires travel to all cemetery locations using a state vehicle. Reporting to the Superintendent of BuildingsCemetery the Deputy Superintendent works under limited supervision ensuring the dignified care and operation of each site while honoring the service and sacrifice of our nations veterans.

Join us in honoring and serving those who have sacrificed for our country by ensuring the dignified care of Maines Veterans Cemetery System.

• Support cemetery operations Assist the Superintendent in overseeing daily functions across multiple cemeteries ensuring smooth and efficient management.
• Step in as needed Assume full operational authority in the absence of the Superintendent to maintain continuity of service.
• Maintain high standards Ensure compliance with State of Maine Veterans Cemetery Standard Operating Procedures the Annual Grounds Maintenance program and National Cemetery Administration standards.
• Oversee maintenance Manage external maintenance contracts and evaluate cemeteries for needed repairs and improvements.
• Coordinate services Organize funeral services and burials ensuring respectful and dignified interment processes.
• Assist with administrative duties Support budgeting grants special projects long-term planning and system operational priorities.
• Represent the Superintendent Serve as a key point of contact for internal departments and external organizations fostering collaboration and engagement.

This position is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring that every veteran receives the respect and remembrance they deserve.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Directly oversees cemetery operations maintenance and development of the Augusta cemeteries while providing guidance and oversight to Caribou and Springvale as needed.
• Oversees and manages the State of Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System SOP and annual grounds maintenance program for all assigned cemeteries.
• Inspects verifies and oversees contracts with external resources; discusses ideas negotiated plans budgets and performance-based output to exchange information and ensure contract specifications are met in a timely manner.
• Arranges and coordinates ceremonial occasions such as Memorial and Veterans Day events to ensure events are conducted smoothly.
• Coordinates funeral services and burials to ensure proper protocol is observed and to provide dignified burials for veterans and their families.
• Confers with various people within and outside the agency to coordinate construction and maintenance projects and general operational activities.
• Determines eligibility for burial and grants Certificate of Eligibility to ensure eligible applicants are accommodated.
• Oversees the maintenance and operation of equipment and vehicles to determine repair/replacement schedules and to ensure proper and safe condition and use.
• Oversees and negotiates private maintenance contracts.
• Implements and complies with human resource laws policies procedures and practices such as AA/EEO recruitment employment position classification performance appraisals training discipline contract administration human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies and employee safety.
• Acts with full authority in the absence of the Superintendent of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery System.
• Plans organizes coordinates and controls all system operational priorities and long and short-term objectives to track and monitor activities and ensure they are attained.
• Assists with budget development for all facilities within the cemetery system.
• Assists with oversight of and monitors evaluation and review of plans proposals and specifications for cemetery system projects.
• Directs prepares and executes contract documents and oversees professional contract compliance.
• Assists Superintendent with screening certified practicing Maine registered architects and engineers; supervises and oversees the work of all professionals and technical specialists to ensure compliance with building codes and state regulations.
• Research and make recommendations and/or assist with preparing applications for federal grants from the National Cemetery Administration State Cemetery Grants Program to build or improve veterans cemeteries.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Knowledge of landscaping and grounds maintenance.

• Knowledge of operation maintenance and repair of machinery equipment and vehicles.

• Knowledge of filing and recordkeeping. Knowledge of types of equipment and material needed for cemetery operations.

• Knowledge of cemetery operation planning and budgeting. Knowledge of environmental regulations and operational impacts.

• Knowledge of contemporary burial practices.

• Knowledge of state purchasing and contracting procedures.

• Knowledge of state equipment and internal inventory procedures.

• Knowledge of National Cemetery Administration Standards.

• Knowledge of spraying pruning planting and fertilizing of lawns trees shrubs and flowers.

• Knowledge of state and federal health and safety codes and issues.

• Knowledge of snow removal and sanding procedures.

• Knowledge of preventative maintenance programming.

• Knowledge of public administration theories principles and practices.

• Knowledge of cost analysis and control techniques.

• Knowledge of capital improvement planning monitoring inspection and building construction programs.

• Knowledge of building codes.

• Ability to review and evaluate bids.

• Ability to evaluate employee performance and counsel employees.

• Ability to analyze and evaluate program and project performance.

• Ability to supervise skilled and unskilled employees.

• Ability to deal effectively with bereaved members of the public and funeral directors.

• Ability to interview evaluate and select suitable and qualified personnel.

• Ability to keep accurate records.

• Ability to use surveying equipment.

• Ability to draft cemetery maps and plans.

• Proficiency with applicable computer programs.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

Minimum qualifications:

An eight (8) year combination of training education and/or experience in buildings and grounds and systems maintenance to include two (2) years supervisory and/or managerial experience.

Preference will be given tohonorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

• With a Class A and/or B License.
• With a valid pesticide application license

Applicants with a pesticide license will receive a $2.00/hour stipend for applying material continuing education and inventory and maintenance of pesticide material. Applicants who obtain such a license upon acceptance of a position will also receive this stipend.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Jeff Pooler or Superintendent of Buildings

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the Apply for this opening button along with uploading a cover letter current resume and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application please download and print one here contact our office at . Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resumebefore the closing dateto Security & Employment Service Center 45 Commerce Drive Augusta ME 04330 or faxed to . Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government you find employees who embody our state mottoDirigo or I leadas they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforces health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package including:

• Work-Life Fit Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays12 days of sick leave and3 weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11196.96 - $12514.32 annual value) depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employees pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA or 18.09% for Confidential employees.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

Theres a job and then theres purposeful transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn grow and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race color sex sexual orientation or gender identity physical or mental disability religion age ancestry national origin familial status or genetics.

If youre looking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you do wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.