Mortician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the solemn world of funeral services, the role of morticians is absolutely vital.
As society continues to evolve, so does our need for compassionate, skilled professionals who can navigate, refine, and uphold our funeral care practices.
But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a mortician?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager shaping the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply intrigued by the intricate dynamics of funeral service,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a comprehensive mortician job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Mortician Duties and Responsibilities
Morticians, also known as funeral directors or undertakers, perform a variety of tasks related to the preparation and management of funeral services.
They must show great empathy, respect, and professionalism while working with grieving families.
Morticians are primarily responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:
- Arrange transportation for the deceased
- Prepare the bodies for burial or cremation, which may include embalming and dressing the body
- Consult with the deceased’s family or friends to arrange funeral details such as time, location, and whether it will be an open or closed casket service
- Provide support and assistance to the bereaved families in making funeral service decisions
- Oversee all aspects of the funeral service including visitations, memorial services, and burials
- Prepare necessary legal documents and permits including death certificates
- Coordinate the cremation or burial process
- Manage the maintenance and appearance of the funeral home
- Arrange for pallbearers and notify clergy and newspapers
Mortician Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a compassionate, professional, and dedicated Mortician to join our team.
The Mortician will be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of funeral services, including embalming, cremation, and burial.
This role involves meeting with bereaved families, planning funeral services according to their wishes, and ensuring that they are conducted in a respectful and dignified manner.
Responsibilities
- Meet with families to discuss funeral arrangements and final wishes
- Perform embalming procedures to preserve, sanitize and prepare bodies for final disposition
- Oversee cremation or burial processes
- Conduct funeral services in a professional and respectful manner
- Prepare death certificates and other legal documents
- Arrange transportation for deceased individuals and their families
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment
- Adhere to all industry regulations and standards
- Provide emotional support to bereaved families
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science
- State Funeral Director and/or Embalmer License
- Proven experience as a mortician, funeral director, or in a similar role
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to empathize with grieving families
- Strong attention to detail and respect for deceased individuals
- Ability to handle stressful and emotional situations with professionalism
- Understanding of funeral service practices and procedures
Benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Mortician
- Work Environment: Funeral Home. This role requires being on-call and may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Funeral Home Manager or Owner.
- Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Mortician Do?
Morticians, also known as funeral directors or undertakers, provide an invaluable service to grieving families and individuals.
Their primary role is to help plan and organize end-of-life services, according to the wishes of the deceased or their family.
This may involve arranging for the removal and transportation of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home.
Morticians are also responsible for preparing the body for viewing, burial, or cremation.
This can involve embalming, dressing, and applying makeup to present the deceased in a respectful and dignified manner.
They help families choose caskets or urns, and organize the details of the funeral service, such as the location, time, and any additional services like memorial tributes or wakes.
Morticians may also assist with paperwork, including death certificates, burial permits, and insurance claims.
They often provide emotional support and guidance to grieving families during a difficult time.
In smaller establishments, morticians may also manage the day-to-day operations of the funeral home, including staff management, bookkeeping, and maintaining the funeral home’s facilities and vehicles.
Morticians’ work is not limited to regular office hours, and they often have to be on call to provide services when needed.
Mortician Qualifications and Skills
A professional mortician should possess an array of skills and qualifications that align with the sensitive and important nature of the job, such as:
- Technical skills and knowledge of embalming and restorative techniques to prepare bodies for funerals
- Physical strength and stamina to handle and move bodies and stand for long periods
- Interpersonal skills to sympathetically and respectfully interact with grieving families
- Excellent communication skills to discuss funeral arrangements, wishes, and cost options with bereaved families
- Organizational skills to coordinate funeral services, making sure all details are properly managed and executed
- Attention to detail to ensure that the bodies are prepared in accordance with the family’s wishes and religious customs
- Comfort dealing with death and the emotional challenges that come with working with grieving families
- Knowledge of grief counseling practices to provide appropriate support and referrals when necessary
- Administrative skills for record keeping, paperwork, and legal documentation associated with deaths
Mortician Experience Requirements
Morticians generally need to complete a degree in mortuary science or funeral service from an accredited institution, where they acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in the field.
Internships or apprenticeships at funeral homes provide invaluable practical experience and are often a part of the educational program.
These practical exposures typically last 1 to 3 years, during which aspiring morticians learn skills such as embalming, cosmetology, restorative art, and conduct of funeral services.
After completing their education and internship, morticians usually need to obtain a license by passing a state or national board exam.
This whole process generally takes about 2 to 3 years, thereby meeting the basic experience requirement for most mortician roles.
Funeral homes or mortuary services looking for morticians with advanced expertise may require candidates to have at least 3 to 5 years of work experience.
Such roles may involve managerial duties, dealing with complex cases, or training and supervising less experienced staff members.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered seasoned professionals in the field, having dealt with various aspects of the funeral service industry.
They might be ready to take on leadership roles such as Funeral Director, Mortuary Manager, or Funeral Service Manager.
Mortician Education and Training Requirements
Morticians, also known as funeral directors or undertakers, typically require a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science or funeral service.
Programs in mortuary science usually cover topics like embalming, restorative art, human anatomy, physiology, pathology, funeral home management, and ethics.
Along with these, students are also expected to complete courses in public speaking, business law, accounting, and grief counseling.
Most states in the U.S. require morticians to be licensed.
The licensure process typically requires candidates to be at least 21 years old, complete a 2 to 4-year mortuary science program, serve a 1 to 3-year internship, and pass a state licensing examination.
Continuing education is often necessary to maintain licensure.
Therefore, morticians are encouraged to participate in professional development programs and workshops to stay updated with the latest practices and trends in the funeral service industry.
While not a requirement, some morticians may choose to earn certification from professional organizations, such as the National Funeral Directors Association.
This certification can serve as a demonstration of the mortician’s commitment to the profession and adherence to a certain set of standards.
Finally, being a mortician requires a high level of compassion and excellent communication skills, as they often interact with grieving families.
Mortician Salary Expectations
A Mortician can expect to earn an average salary of $58,360 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience in the field, professional qualifications, geographic location, and the specific employer.
Mortician Job Description FAQs
What skills does a mortician need?
Morticians need to be empathetic and compassionate, as they often deal with grieving families.
They should have strong communication skills to discuss arrangements and options with clients.
Attention to detail is essential, as they are responsible for preserving the body and preparing it for the funeral.
They also need to be physically strong as some aspects of the job, such as moving bodies, can be physically demanding.
Do morticians need a degree?
Yes, a mortician typically needs a degree in Mortuary Science or Funeral Service from a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education.
After their education, they must also complete an apprenticeship, pass a state and/or national board examination, and earn their state licensure.
What should you look for in a mortician resume?
When reviewing a mortician resume, you should first check for proper licensure and education.
A degree in Mortuary Science or a related field is typically required.
Verify their apprenticeship experience and look for any certifications they might hold.
Additionally, look for evidence of interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle stressful situations with grace and compassion.
What qualities make a good mortician?
A good mortician is respectful, empathetic, and patient, as they often deal with grieving families.
They are detail-oriented and organized, ensuring that all preparations for a funeral are completed properly and on time.
They can handle stress well and are able to provide high-quality service even under emotional distress.
A good mortician is also committed to ongoing learning to stay updated with the latest methods and industry standards.
Is it difficult to hire a mortician?
Hiring a mortician can be challenging due to the unique nature of the job.
It requires a specific set of skills and qualifications, as well as a certain temperament to handle the emotional aspects of the work.
However, with a well-written job description and a thorough interview process, you can find a mortician who is a good fit for your funeral home.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the truly unique world of being a mortician.
Guess what?
It’s not just about managing funerals.
It’s about helping people navigate one of life’s most challenging times, one service at a time.
With our comprehensive mortician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this meaningful journey.
But why not dig a little deeper?
Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating meticulously detailed listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every funeral service is a part of a larger narrative.
Let’s honor life’s story. Together.
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