How to become A Crematory Operator

• Crematorium Technician
• Crematory Worker

What do Crematory Operators do?

A Crematory Operator would typically need to:

• Provide respectful, caring and appropriate cremation services for a funeral home or crematorium
• Answer phone calls, schedule appointments, and arrange for services
• Explain the cremation process to family or friends of the deceased in a comforting manner; offer appropriate recommendations
• Pick up or arrange for the pick up of human or pet remains; ensure the documentation confirms their correct identity until the end
• Use a van or hearse or transport the deceased body to the funeral home or crematory
• Prepare the deceased for viewing through embalming, dressing or an alternate method preferred by the family or friends of the deceased
• Remove jewellery, watches, and other personal effects from the deceased body; return them to family or friends unless requested they remain  with the body
• Shave body hair, remove organs, mechanical/battery-operated prosthetics, and medical devices, and drain blood in further preparation for cremation
• Place the body in a robust and combustible container which goes inside the cremation chamber
• Close the unit, ensure it passes the safety inspection, and push the button for cremation
• Use flame, heat or alkaline hydrolysis, depending on the kind of machines used in the crematorium, to reduce the corpse to bone fragments and ashes
• Monitor the machines to make sure the process is working as intended; make adjustments, if necessary
• Make use of special equipment, such as a cremulator or grinder, to pulverise the residual bone fragments into ashes; handle the remains respectfully
• Sweep or vacuum the cremation chamber to retrieve the cremains and place them in a unique, thick, water-proof bag
• Store the bag in an urn or alternate container per the wishes of the family or friends, along with the identification tag or document
• Create an easily understandable document of the separated cremains to avoid misplacement and loss of parts; maintain accurate and detailed records
• Deliver the loved one’s cremains to a designated family member, friend, or cemetery, if needed
• Clean and maintain the machines used in the crematory; follow standard safety procedures to avoid exposure to hazardous material or dust particles
• Carry out cleaning and housekeeping duties, such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting; change linens and curtains, as required

Crematory Operators have a physically strenuous job that entails working full-time inside a crematory or funeral home. Travel is limited to picking up the bodies of the deceased and delivering the cremains if required.

The unpredictable nature of the job requires you to work outside of typical hours and on holidays and weekends - depending on when your services are required. It needs a Crematory Operator who can adapt with ease.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Crematory Operators can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Crematory Operators are generally employed by: 

• Cemeteries
• Pet Crematoriums
• Memorial Service Groups
• Funeral Homes

Professional associations and organisations, such as the National Association for Funeral Directors, are crucial for Crematory Operators interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Emotional stress from having to deal with death in all its forms and its aftermath 
• Impact on personal life and sleep because of the unpredictable nature of death and attendant activities
• Physically demanding duties, such as lifting heavy bodies and loading them into the cremation chamber
• Regular exposure to unpleasant odours, fumes, and very high temperatures

In general, Crematory Operators receive on-the-job training, which may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, based on the size of the establishment and the complexity of the cremation process. Safety procedures, the cremation process, and using the crematory's computer systems form focal topics.

Those who opt for internships/apprenticeships will learn directly from experienced morticians and Crematory Operators about operating the machinery, operational and personal safety, business ethics, and working with grieving families from diverse backgrounds and disparate beliefs.

Interns/apprentices may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments. They also have a fair chance of turning the full apprenticeship or internship into a bonafide job.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts in the funeral services industry to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Just as it is for most professions, acquiring a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) will set you on the path to becoming a Crematory Operator.

While a college education is not mandatory in most locations, a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science, criminal justice, business, or a funeral-services-related major helps. An associate degree in the subjects mentioned above is also a viable option to gain comprehensive knowledge of the mortuary industry.

Ideally, the student should learn about running a funeral home, accounting methods, the psychology of death and dying, funeral service law, and chemistry.

Although some crematoriums accept applicants with good reading and writing skills, most others prefer candidates who can lay claim to an accredited Crematory Operator certification and thus avoid litigation following misidentification of cremains. 

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics and permit the certified Crematory Operator to operate the equipment.

Many education providers offer the certification as part of their bachelor’s or associate degree programme. Your local cremation association or funeral service board may also extend a six- to eight-hour in-person or online certification course that emphasises the safe, ethical and legal handling of cremains.

Crematory Operators may require a licence in specific locations. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, and completion of a crematory training course, a six-month-long internship, and an examination. Check in with local or national funeral services organisations to determine whether you need licensure.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Crematory Operators who can aim to become Crematorium Managers, Funeral Directors, or Embalmers.

Physically fit and emotionally-intelligent candidates with the requisite certification and licensure have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Crematory Operator build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Crematory Operators who want to become funeral directors would profit from on-the-job training programmes offered by funeral homes. To become an embalmer, you must complete a one- or two-year recognised programme and pass a state-licensed exam.

Taking fitness or yoga classes to maintain your physical health will help you in this job, considering the physical labour involved. Therapy or mindfulness classes to handle the emotional pain or trauma associated with some cases will help.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Crematory Operators fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk. 

On the other hand, a full-time Crematory Operator has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. 

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Help With a Fond Farewell

You will make your mark as a Crematory Officer when paying attention to detail, being empathetic, maintaining your physical and emotional stamina, and communicating effectively come to you naturally.

Cremating Without Fire

Traditional flame cremation uses a piece of equipment called ‘retort’ whose temperature reaches 1900 degrees Fahrenheit to cremate the body. Flameless cremation or bio-cremation, on the other hand, uses the process of alkaline hydrolysis to reduce the body to a powdery mass.

A New Trend in the World of Cremation

“Witness Cremations” is a new trend which is slowly gaining popularity. It allows family members and friends of the deceased individual to attend the actual cremation and bid their final goodbyes. The Crematory Operator explains the process, its duration and its effect on the body. Loved ones may get to push the button that begins the process. 

Before You Go

Is a burial possible after cremation? Yes, indeed, it is after placing the ashes in an urn. It is also possible to conduct a memorial service after cremation.

Cremation is a cost-effective process that involves quite high temperatures. How high? Up to 1900 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The Wirthlin Report (2006) suggests that the primary reasons for cremation include ease, personal preference, acceleration of the body's natural decomposition process, and saving money and land.

Death is a huge equaliser, and Crematory Operators ensure all deceased individuals who avail of their services are accorded the dignified ending they deserve.

Be a pro with the paperwork to avoid the unfortunate likelihood that the loved one’s cremains go missing.