Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors

Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.

Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.

Perform embalming duties as necessary.

Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.

Contact cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves.

Remove deceased remains from place of death.

Arrange for clergy members to perform needed services.

Provide information on funeral service options, products, or merchandise and maintain a casket display area.

Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.

Maintain financial records, order merchandise, or prepare accounts.

Plan, schedule, or coordinate funerals, burials, or cremations, arranging details such as floral delivery or the time and place of services.

Close caskets and lead funeral corteges to churches or burial sites.

Manage funeral home operations, including the hiring, training, or supervision of embalmers, funeral attendants, or other staff.

Inform survivors of benefits for which they may be eligible.

Direct preparations and shipment of bodies for out-of-state burial.

Provide or arrange transportation between sites for the remains, mourners, pallbearers, clergy, or flowers.

Plan placement of caskets at funeral sites or place or adjust lights, fixtures, or floral displays.

Discuss and negotiate prearranged funerals with clients.

Clean funeral home facilities and grounds.

Arrange for pallbearers or inform pallbearers or honorary groups of their duties.

Receive or usher people to their seats for services.

Participate in community activities for funeral home promotion or other purposes.