Mortician Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties and Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “mortician job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over:
A few bullet points. A laundry list of responsibilities. A generic sentence about “preparing bodies for funerals.”

But here’s the problem:
Most job descriptions don’t actually help you hire the right person.
They don’t reflect what the job truly involves—or what kind of human being thrives in it.

Morticians aren’t just technical specialists.
They support grieving families during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
That means emotional intelligence, compassion, and communication skills matter just as much as embalming certifications.

So if your goal is to attract a high-quality mortician—not just someone who meets the minimum requirements—you need a job post that does more than list duties.

You need one that connects.

📘 Before We Begin…

If you want to dig deeper into what makes a great job post work, I highly recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/  

In this article, though, we’ll focus specifically on morticians—what the role really entails, how to write an effective job description, and what separates good posts from bad ones.

Let’s start by defining the role in plain English.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

What Does a Mortician Actually Do?

A mortician—sometimes called a funeral director—helps families navigate death.

They prepare the deceased for viewing, organize funeral arrangements, and support loved ones through the grieving process. That includes everything from embalming and dressing the body, to coordinating with cemeteries, handling legal documents, and guiding families with compassion.

But here’s what many people miss:

Being a mortician isn’t just about logistics.
It’s about emotional care, communication, and presence.

The best morticians can stay calm under pressure, handle delicate conversations with empathy, and manage behind-the-scenes details so families can focus on saying goodbye.

In short:
A mortician wears many hats—caregiver, planner, technical expert, and quiet source of strength.

Two Great Mortician Job Description Templates

✅ Job Description 1: Experienced Mortician 

📌 Job Title: Licensed Mortician / Funeral Director — Nashville, TN
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
💵 Salary: $60,000–$72,000 per year (depending on experience)

🎥 Watch This Before You Apply

Our funeral director, Kate Morris, recorded a short video introducing the team and what it’s like to work with us:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]

🏛️ Who We Are

At Willow & Grace Funeral Home, we’ve supported grieving families in Nashville, Tennessee, for over 40 years. We’re a second-generation, family-owned business known for honoring traditions while bringing warmth and personalization to every service.

Our mission is simple: to provide comfort, dignity, and peace to families when they need it most.

🌿 Our Company Culture

We’re a tight-knit, emotionally intelligent team that believes professionalism and empathy can—and should—go hand in hand. We support each other, communicate openly, and take pride in the care we offer. Everyone here is trusted, respected, and expected to show up with heart.

🤝 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You won’t be micromanaged here. You’ll be trusted to lead with compassion and professionalism. This is a meaningful role where your work truly impacts others—and where your voice will be heard as part of a small, committed team.

🧰 What You’ll Be Responsible For

  • Preparing the deceased (embalming, dressing, cosmetics)

  • Meeting with families to arrange services

  • Coordinating logistics: transportation, service flow, burial/cremation arrangements

  • Writing and submitting obituaries

  • Handling legal documents and death certificates

  • Supporting staff and facility operations during funerals

  • Offering calm, compassionate guidance to grieving families

🎓 What We’re Looking For

  • Active Tennessee funeral director & embalmer license

  • 2+ years experience in funeral service

  • Strong communication and emotional maturity

  • Ability to work nights/on-call as needed

  • Confidence with documentation and planning

  • A sincere, grounded presence in emotional situations

🎁 Perks and Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance (starting Day 1)

  • Paid time off (3 weeks annually)

  • Paid continuing education and licensing fees

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • Free grief and wellness counseling access

  • On-site kitchen and relaxation room

📥 How to Apply

We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not just resumes.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

✅ Job Description 2: Entry-Level Mortician

📌 Job Title: Mortician Assistant — Entry-Level, Full-Time (Nashville, TN)
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
💵 Salary: $18–$21/hour + Paid Training

🎥 A Quick Word From Our Team

Before applying, hear from our lead funeral director, Kate Morris, about why this work matters and how we support our team:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]

🏛️ Who We Are

Willow & Grace Funeral Home has served the Nashville community with care and compassion for over 40 years. We’re a family-owned team that blends traditional funeral services with a modern, human touch.

We’re here to guide families—not just manage logistics. And we’re looking for someone who wants to grow into this mission.

🌿 Our Company Culture

This isn’t a corporate operation—it’s personal. Everyone on our team is encouraged to show empathy, support each other, and grow professionally. Our environment is emotionally mature, respectful, and collaborative. You’ll never be just a number here.

🤝 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You don’t need prior experience. You just need emotional intelligence, a strong work ethic, and a desire to serve families with integrity. If you’re looking for a long-term career where what you do matters—this could be it.

🧰 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Assist with preparing the deceased (dressing, transport)

  • Set up and support funeral services (chairs, flowers, coordination)

  • Greet families and guide them with care

  • Run errands, file paperwork, and maintain the facility

  • Learn about embalming, planning, and licensing on the job

🎓 What We’re Looking For

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Driver’s license + clean driving record

  • Emotionally grounded and respectful

  • Reliable and available for flexible shifts

  • Interest in long-term growth in funeral services

🎁 Perks and Benefits

  • Paid on-the-job training

  • Health and dental insurance after 60 days

  • Tuition support for licensing or continuing education

  • 10 paid vacation days per year + paid holidays

  • Mentorship from licensed funeral directors

  • Annual team retreats and mental wellness days

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to ensure our hiring process is fair and personalized.
Click the link below to begin a short evaluation—we reply to every applicant:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Breakdown of Why These Mortician Job Posts Work

Let’s break down why both job descriptions—Experienced Mortician and Mortician Assistant—are effective, using the same teaching style from the master guide.

✅ What Makes These Mortician Job Posts Work

1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Relevant

Instead of vague titles like “Funeral Staff Needed,” the posts use direct, purpose-driven titles:

  • “Licensed Mortician / Funeral Director — Nashville, TN”

     

  • “Mortician Assistant — Entry-Level, Full-Time (Nashville, TN)”

     

These titles instantly communicate the role, location, and experience level—helping qualified candidates self-select and increasing post visibility.

2. The Video Element Adds a Human Touch

Both posts include a short video introduction from the hiring manager. This builds trust, breaks the ice, and sets your post apart. Top candidates want to work with people, not faceless companies—so this element instantly makes your post more relatable and modern.

3. The About Us Section Tells a Real Story

Instead of writing “we’re a funeral home in X location,” each post gives specific company context:

  • 40+ years in Nashville

     

  • Family-owned

     

  • Blending tradition with a human touch

     

This level of detail helps candidates emotionally connect to the organization and see themselves as part of it.

4. There’s a Dedicated Culture Section

This is key—culture isn’t just mentioned in passing. It’s clearly described:

  • “Emotionally mature, respectful, and collaborative”

     

  • “Everyone here is trusted, respected, and expected to show up with heart”

     

That’s how you attract aligned candidates, not just available ones.

5. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Sells the Opportunity

Instead of letting the role speak for itself (a common mistake), you clearly pitch why it’s worth someone’s time. Whether it’s:

  • No micromanagement

     

  • Growth opportunities

     

  • Deep sense of purpose
    …this section helps your post stand out in a crowded field.

     

6. Responsibilities Are Written for Real People

These aren’t generic bullets copied from a handbook. They’re human and specific:

  • “Help with preparing the deceased (under supervision)”

     

  • “Coordinate logistics: transportation, service flow, burial/cremation arrangements”

     

This helps candidates visualize what they’ll actually do, not guess.

7. Perks and Benefits Are Separated and Transparent

Each post separates perks from the “why it’s worth it” section and includes:

  • Specific paid time off

     

  • Insurance start dates

     

  • Continuing education

     

  • Team retreats and wellness days

     

That kind of clarity builds trust and attracts serious applicants.

8. The Application Process Is Respectful

Instead of “send your resume and wait,” candidates are:

  • Invited to complete a fair WorkScreen evaluation

     

  • Promised a response

     

  • Treated with respect

     

That’s rare—and memorable.

Example of a Bad Mortician Job Post (And Why It Fails)

Let’s look at a generic, outdated mortician job description—then break down why it doesn’t work.

❌ Bad Mortician Job Description Example

Job Title: Mortician
Company: Legacy Funeral Services
Location: Nashville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
Legacy Funeral Services is hiring a mortician to handle embalming and funeral service planning. Candidate will be responsible for body preparation, working with families, and coordinating services.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Embalm and prepare the deceased

  • Plan and direct funeral services

  • Handle paperwork and certificates

  • Coordinate with families and staff

Qualifications:

  • Valid mortician license

  • 2–3 years experience preferred

  • Strong communication skills

How to Apply:
Send your resume and cover letter to hr@legacyfuneralservices.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This Post Falls Short

1. The Job Title Is Vague and Uninspiring

“Mortician” is technically accurate—but it’s also lifeless (no pun intended). It doesn’t specify the level, location, or nature of the work. Compare that to something like:
“Licensed Mortician / Funeral Director — Nashville, TN”
which is clear, direct, and more searchable.

2. The Intro Is Cold and Robotic

There’s no mission, no tone, no personality. It reads like a formality, not an invitation. For a role that requires deep emotional intelligence, this intro completely misses the mark.

3. Responsibilities Are Generic and Broad

Phrases like “coordinate with families and staff” or “handle paperwork” are too vague. They don’t help the candidate picture what the job actually involves—or what makes this funeral home different.

4. No Mention of Culture, Purpose, or Values

This is a human-centered role, yet there’s zero reference to the kind of environment the applicant would be joining. That’s a missed opportunity to attract values-aligned candidates.

5. No Perks, Salary, or Benefits

Leaving out pay and benefits signals a lack of transparency and turns off high-quality candidates. Today’s applicants want clarity—not surprises.

6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the coldest lines you can include. It makes candidates feel like a number. Compare that to:

“We reply to every application and use WorkScreen to give every candidate a fair shot.”

7. The CTA Is Weak and Passive

There’s no motivation, no invitation, and no sign that someone actually cares about this hire. It’s a “send your resume and hope” type of post—and that’s exactly what attracts disengaged applicants.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Mortician Job Post Stand Out

If you want your job description to attract serious, emotionally intelligent, and qualified mortician candidates, the basics aren’t enough.

Here are a few advanced tips that separate great job posts from forgettable ones:

✅ Tip 1: Add a Security + Privacy Notice

Unfortunately, scams in job postings are becoming more common.
Adding a quick disclaimer not only builds trust—it shows professionalism.

Here’s what you can include at the bottom of your job post:

“⚠️ We take the privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, personal financial info, or banking details during any part of the hiring process.”

✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Time Off

Mortician work is emotionally demanding. Candidates care about rest and recovery just as much as salary.

Even if you offer a modest PTO plan, say so clearly:

“Enjoy up to 3 weeks of paid time off annually, plus mental wellness days for personal balance.”

This communicates that you respect your team’s well-being.

✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training and Growth Opportunities

Even experienced morticians want to know they’ll grow in their role.
And for entry-level hires, knowing there’s a path to licensure or advancement is a big motivator.

You can say something like:

“We invest in your growth. From on-the-job training to support with licensing and continuing education, we’re here to help you build a long-term career in funeral service.”

✅ Tip 4: Add a Personal Video From Your Team

We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating here.

A 60-second video from your funeral director, owner, or manager adds warmth, trust, and credibility—especially for such a sensitive role. It gives your post a human face.

Pro tip: You don’t need to overproduce it. A simple Loom or iPhone recording is enough.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

✅ Tip 5: Use Inclusive, Human Language

Avoid stiff terms like “must demonstrate excellent time management.” Instead, say:

“We’re looking for someone reliable, emotionally steady, and respectful in all situations.”

Language like that connects with the right people—especially in high-empathy roles like this one.

Should You Use AI to Write a Mortician Job Description?

AI can be a powerful tool—but when used carelessly, it’s also one of the fastest ways to write a boring, ineffective job post.

Let’s break this down clearly:

⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone

It might be tempting to use AI to generate a job post with one click. Tools like Manatal, Workable, and other ATS platforms now offer this shortcut.

But here’s the reality:

When you let AI create a mortician job post without real context, you’ll often get:

  • Generic, emotionless content that sounds like every other job listing online

  • No insight into your company’s culture or values

  • Zero personal touch—which is critical in a role this sensitive

What happens next? You attract low-effort applicants who apply to anything, and great candidates scroll right past you.

💡 The Right Way to Use AI (If You Do)

AI works best when you treat it like a writing assistant, not an autopilot system.

To get a helpful draft, you need to give it real input about your business and the role.

Here’s an example of how to prompt AI properly:

Prompt:
“Help me write a mortician job description for our company, Willow & Grace Funeral Home, located in Nashville. We’ve served the community for 40+ years. We’re family-owned, emotionally intelligent, and known for combining tradition with personal care.

We’re hiring a Licensed Mortician to guide families with compassion and manage funeral services from start to finish.

Our ideal candidate is steady, empathetic, and experienced—but we’re open to training a Funeral Assistant as well.

Please include:

  • A warm intro that shows our purpose

  • A section about our culture

  • What the candidate will do

  • Required qualifications

  • Benefits (health, PTO, continuing education)

  • Salary ($60K–$72K depending on experience)

  • How we treat applicants

  • A call to action that invites people to apply through WorkScreen.io

I’ve also written these notes to get you started: [Insert bullet points or rough sentences here]”

That kind of prompt will give you a much more personalized starting point.
From there, you edit, shape, and humanize it.

TL;DR:
AI can help you write faster—but it can’t replace your tone, values, or lived experience. Use it to polish, not to replace your voice.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Copy-Paste Mortician Job Descriptions (For Quick Use)

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description (for a Licensed Mortician)

📌 Job Title: Licensed Mortician / Funeral Director — [Location]
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
💵 Salary: [Insert Salary Range]

🎥 Optional: Add a 60-second Loom or YouTube video introducing your team and what you’re looking for in a hire.

About Us
At [Company Name], we’ve supported grieving families in [Location] for over [X] years. We’re a family-owned funeral home known for delivering professional services with compassion, respect, and emotional care.

Our Culture
We’re a small but dedicated team that takes pride in treating families—and each other—with dignity and grace. We’re emotionally steady, respectful, and deeply committed to the work we do.

Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is a meaningful role for someone who wants to lead, not just follow a checklist. You’ll be trusted to guide families, manage services, and carry out your work with independence and professionalism.

What You’ll Do

  • Prepare the deceased with dignity (embalming, dressing, cosmetics)

  • Meet with families to plan and personalize funeral services

  • Coordinate service logistics, transportation, and paperwork

  • Offer guidance and emotional support throughout the process

What We’re Looking For

  • Valid mortician/funeral director license (state-specific)

  • 2+ years of funeral service experience

  • Calm, emotionally mature, and respectful

  • Willing to work evenings/weekends/on-call when needed

Perks and Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Paid continuing education

  • Retirement plan or 401(k)

  • Wellness support resources

How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen.io—a short, structured evaluation designed to assess real strengths, not just resumes.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

✅ Option 2: Classic “Responsibilities + Requirements” Format (for Mortician Assistant / Entry-Level)

📌 Job Title: Mortician Assistant — No Experience Required
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
💵 Salary: $18–$21/hour + Paid Training

Job Summary:
[Company Name], a family-owned funeral home in [Location], is hiring a full-time Mortician Assistant. No experience is required—we’ll train the right person.

This is a hands-on role supporting funeral directors in preparing the deceased, setting up services, and assisting families during difficult times.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with preparing the deceased (under supervision)

  • Set up rooms for services (chairs, flowers, photos)

  • Greet guests and help families navigate the space

  • Handle errands, paperwork, and cleanup

  • Learn about funeral planning and preparation on the job

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Driver’s license and clean record

  • Professional, calm, and reliable

  • Able to lift and move equipment as needed

  • Interest in building a long-term career in funeral service

Perks and Benefits:

  • Paid training and mentorship

  • Health and dental coverage

  • Paid time off

  • Support for licensing or continuing education

  • Supportive, respectful work culture

How to Apply:
Apply through WorkScreen.io for a fair and fast evaluation process. We review every application.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step of Hiring

Once your mortician job post is live and attracting applicants, the next challenge is figuring out who’s actually qualified—without spending hours reading resumes or guessing based on cover letters.

That’s where WorkScreen.io makes your life easier.

Here’s how WorkScreen helps you hire smarter:

🔍 Quickly identify your top candidates

WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.

🧪 Test real-world ability, not just resumes

With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.

🚫 Eliminate low-effort applicants (including AI-generated ones)

WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.

Whether you’re hiring a licensed mortician or an assistant with zero experience, WorkScreen helps you confidently choose the right person—fast.

FAQ

❓1. What is the difference between a mortician and an embalmer?

Beyond technical skills like embalming and service coordination, a strong mortician should demonstrate:

  • Emotional intelligence — to handle sensitive conversations with grace

  • Calm under pressure — especially during on-call situations or last-minute changes

  • Strong communication — with families, vendors, and internal staff

  • Organizational skills — to manage logistics, paperwork, and timelines

  • Ethical judgment — for handling confidential matters with discretion

The best morticians combine clinical expertise with deep empathy. That balance is what makes them invaluable to grieving families.

As of 2025, the average salary for a licensed mortician in the U.S. is approximately $55,000–$70,000 per year, depending on:

  • Location (urban areas often pay more)

  • Experience level

  • Whether they hold dual licenses (e.g., funeral director + embalmer)

  • Additional responsibilities (like facility management or crematory oversight)

Entry-level assistants typically earn between $17–$22/hour, especially when training is included.

Yes. Every U.S. state requires morticians and embalmers to hold a valid license, though the specific requirements vary.

In most states, licensure includes:

  • Completion of an accredited mortuary science program

  • A passing score on the National Board Examination

  • A period of supervised internship (often 1 year)

  • State-specific law exams

Be sure to check your state’s funeral board or licensing agency before hiring.



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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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