Funeral Director

Overview

Plans and coordinates arrangements for funerals according to the wishes of the deceased or their relatives. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skills

The occupation Funeral Director has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2). The occupation Funeral Workers nec has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

Tasks

  • interviewing families and associates of the deceased to assist with funeral arrangements such as the selection of coffin, type of service and publication of death notices
  • advising on funeral costs and welfare provisions
  • collecting bodies from mortuaries
  • ensuring death certificates have been issued, burial and cremation certificates processed and that other legal requirements are met
  • preparing bodies for viewing and burial by washing, draining body fluids, applying padding and cosmetics, dressing bodies and placing them in coffins
  • liaising with clergy and cemetery and crematorium staff
  • coordinating the movement of coffins and funeral cars, arranging floral displays and collecting attendance and tribute cards
  • arranging the placement of coffins at funeral sites, and placing and adjusting floral displays and lighting
  • keeping records and accounts of transactions and services performed
  • may arrange the construction of memorials and the disposal of ashes

Alternative Titles

  • Mortician
  • Undertaker

Related Occupations

Source: 1220.0 - ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition.
Note: The tasks associated with the occupation are to be used as guidance only. The tasks listing may include tasks associated with the grouping/category to which the occupation belongs.

Training Pathways

No courses found.