After nearly 13 years, the City of Columbus is in need of a new cemetery supervisor.
The person who has been in the position for that time, Steve Wortman, is retiring from the role this April.
Wortman, who started with the City in the streets department back in July 1990, said he has taken a lot of pride in overseeing Columbus and Roselawn cemeteries on the east side of town.
“I have enjoyed it,” Wortman said. “Taking care of the cemeteries, there is a lot of mowing and a lot of trimming, making sure the headstones and the fence lines are looking good.”
Public Property Director Doug Moore praised Wortman for his efforts.
“He has done great. He really has done a fantastic job,” Moore said. “He will be difficult to replace.”
The position is supervisory work in the operation and maintenance of the City’s cemeteries. The supervisor is responsible for assigning and reviewing the work of a small number of part-time employees who are engaged in groundskeeping and in the preparation of graves. The cemetery supervisor is also responsible for the skilled operation of heavy equipment used in the digging of graves and can exercise good judgment in the planning and supervision of maintenance and operations, as well as possess or obtain a Certified Pesticide Applicator’s License within one year of hire and a commercial driver’s license within three months of hire.
“It’s difficult because you have to be very mechanically-inclined but also have to have compassion dealing with families who have lost a loved one,” said Moore, who oversees the person in the position.
Candidates can apply by picking up an application at City Hall, 2424 14th St. Or, download a city application form from the City of Columbus website, complete and return it by fax to 402-564-9348, or by email to Human Resource Director Tammy Orender at tammy.orender@columbusne.us by the Thursday, March 2nd, application deadline.