HOURS:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (in office)
• Additional on-call hours (evenings/weekends) on a rotating schedule to support time-of-need funeral arrangements and interments.

ABOUT US:

Cataraqui Cemetery and Funeral Services is operated by The Cataraqui Cemetery Company, an independent not-for-profit organization serving Kingston and surrounding areas since 1850. We are fully licensed to operate as a funeral establishment (FE1), cemetery, and crematorium. We offer families a full range of services including cremation, funeral planning, caskets, urns, cemetery plots, interments, and monuments. Our team works hands-on with client families to provide care, guidance, and compassionate service during times of need.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This is a hybrid role combining front desk reception and administrative support with hands-on assistance to funeral directors and cemetery staff. The successful candidate will be a key first point of contact for families and clients while also supporting behind-the-scenes funeral and interment operations.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Ontario G2 driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Clean CPIC or vulnerable sector background check.
• Must have and maintain open availability during company office hours and for weekday office work and a rotating on-call schedule (evenings/weekends).
• Strong time management, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on time-sensitive tasks.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and professional judgment.
• Physical ability to team-lift and maneuver heavy loads (including stretchers and caskets on stairs or uneven terrain).
• Commitment to ethical conduct and compassionate client care.
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally across all aspects of the bereavement sector (funeral, cemetery, cremation, monuments, etc.).

JOB TITLE: FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST / FUNERAL & CEMETERY ASSISTANT (HYBRID ROLE)

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Cataraqui Cemetery and Funeral Services – Kingston, Ontario
Start Date: Immediate
Note: This is not a summer or student position.

FRONT DESK / RECEPTION / ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

• Greet clients, families, and visitors in a professional and compassionate manner (walk-in, phone, and email).
• Manage incoming calls and inquiries; assess needs and direct to appropriate team members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception area.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records, client files, and service documentation.
• Schedule client appointments, services, and interments.
• Support other staff (sales, admin, management) with clerical tasks as needed.
• Prepare and distribute service programs or printed materials.
• Ensure office and reception supplies are stocked and organized.

FUNERAL & CEMETERY ASSISTANT DUTIES:

• Retrieve, transfer, or transport human remains (with another staff member or independently as appropriate).
• Assist with funeral home removals from place of death to facility or other sites.
• Support funeral directors with the setup and execution of services and interments.
• Help with setting up floral arrangements, caskets, and service items.
• Lead or support funeral processions and provide oversight at grave sites to ensure respectful and safe service delivery.
• Deliver or retrieve documents or other required items as needed.