Funeral Service AS A CAREER
An Opportunity to Serve
There are few professions that provide an individual with a greater sense of self-worth and service to mankind than funeral service. It is a career opportunity that enables you to become a care-giver to your community. The personal rewards that come from providing guidance and compassion to people in crisis are tremendous.
Perhaps that is why so many young people are choosing funeral service for their life's work. Perhaps it is a profession for you.
The Changing Role of the Funeral Director
In recent years, there have been some remarkable changes in the way society thinks about death. And, the funeral director has changed during that time to meet new needs and to provide new services to the families who come to him/her.
Today's funeral director is a highly-trained and highly motivated care-giver for his or her community. The funeral director provides counseling on all aspects of grief and loss, offers facilities for the conduct of a meaningful service to commemorate a life, assists in meeting legal and procedural matters that must be dealt with and works with other care-givers to guide the family through the crisis.
Above all, however, the funeral director offers compassion and understanding. The funeral director must help families better understand and accept death and the grief that follows. He or she works with the family to help them mold a traumatic situation into a helpful service that assists them through the grief process.
The Rewards of a Funeral Service Career
Salaries for funeral service employees are generally comparable with other positions requiring a similar level of education and experience. Since the vast majority of funeral homes are small businesses, there is also an opportunity to achieve ownership.
Funeral service is not, however, a "get rich" profession. While it can be very rewarding financially, the emotional rewards are immeasurable.
DOPL (Division of Professional Licensing) »
Funeral Service Education and Training
In Utah, there are two separate funeral service professional functions - as a funeral director and as an embalmer. The educational and apprenticeship requirements for licensing are somewhat different, however most funeral service professionals in our state are licensed as both a funeral director and an embalmer.
Funeral Director licensing requires two years of college and a one-year period of apprenticeship at a funeral home under the supervision of a licensed funeral director. The college course includes study in psychology, mathematics, chemistry, English, counseling, business administration, public speaking, biology and other classes. A minimum of 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours is required. Additionally, the funeral director must pass an extensive examination to determine his or her knowledge of the many aspects of funeral service.
Embalmer licensing requires the same two-year course of study at an accredited college, a two-year apprenticeship period under supervision of a licensed embalmer, a full year's instruction at a college of mortuary science, and satisfactory completion of an examination.
To achieve either the funeral director or embalmer license, you must be over 18 years of age and of good moral character.
Licensing in Utah
To get more information on being licensed in Utah, visit www.dopl.utah.gov. Requirements change from time to time so visit the DOPL website for the most current information.
Licensing in Utah www.dopl.utah.gov >Apply for license>Funeral Service>Funeral Service Director
New License Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent/official transcript
- Completion of an associate degree from a mortuary science program
- Letter of Certification from the Funeral Service Board documenting your passing score on the funeral service exam.
- Verification of Work Experience documenting 2,000 hours and 50 embalmings over a period of not less than one year.
- Submit $160 to DOPL
- Copy of your Utah Insurance Department license if you are going to sell pre-need
- Complete the Utah Funeral Service Law Examination (part of the DOPL application)
Licensure by Endorsement
- Request for Verification of License form - obtain verification of licensure from the state in which you are currently licensed.
- Documentation of passing score on the Funeral Service Examination
- Verification of Work Experience - full time employment as a licensed embalmer or funeral director for 5 of the past 10 years which practice must have included embalming
- $160 application fee to DOPL
- Submit a copy of your Utah Insurance Department license.
- Complete the Utah Funeral Service Law Examination form (part of the DOPL application)
License Renewal
All funeral service licenses expire May 31 of each even-numbered year. Unlike many other states, Utah's license renewal schedule is not based on the licensee's date of initial licensure. Under Utah's renewal system, all licenses in each profession expire as a group on the same day every two years. Therefore, the length of a licensee's first renewal cycle depends on how far into the current renewal cycle initial licensure was obtained. Each renewal cycle thereafter is for a full two years.
Additionally, the fee paid with the application for licensure is an application-processing fee only. It does not include a renewal fee. Each licensee is responsible to renew licensure PRIOR to the expiration date shown on the current license. Approximately two months prior to the expiration date shown on the license, renewal information is disseminated to each licensee's last address of record as provided to DOPL.
The Challenge of Funeral Service
The funeral director of today needs to possess skills in a variety of disciplines. As a funeral director/embalmer, he or she must be capable in the social sciences, have a knowledge of certain legal aspects, be a skilled counselor, a community educator, a communicator and be knowledgeable about business practices.
Funeral service is a challenge. So, it is a challenge that brings with it the promise of satisfaction in providing a very special service at a very special time in the lives of people.
The Utah Funeral Directors Association serves member funeral homes by providing job opening listings on this page.
Job Opening for a Licensed Funeral Director- Lindquist Mortuary – Utah
Why Lindquist
Lindquist’s Mortuary is a fifth-generation, family-owned organization that has served families in our community for 159 years. We know how demanding this work can be, so we put real effort into supporting our team's well-being and giving them time to rest and recharge.
- A team that has your back: You'll work alongside colleagues who share your commitment to families and appreciate the care you bring.
Your Schedule
- No night calls: Our funeral directors do not go on night calls or embalm at night, with rare exceptions.
- Nine-week rotation: Directors take one call night every ninth day, fielding calls from our call team.
- Long weekends: Each nine-week rotation includes a 5-day, a 4-day, and a 3-day weekend off.
What You'll Do
- Arrangements: Sit down with families to plan traditional funerals, cremations, memorials, and celebrations of life. Walk them through service and merchandise choices, including caskets, urns, vaults, keepsakes, and personal tributes.
- Paperwork and compliance: Obtain permits, authorizations, and death certificates, and make sure every service meets Utah requirements.
- Removals: Handle the removal and transfer of the deceased into our care.
- Supporting families: Listen, offer comfort, and help families feel cared for while they grieve.
- Preneed contracts: We see real value in our directors offering preneed plans to the families they serve. It strengthens those relationships and gives you an additional source of income.
- Directing services: Oversee funerals, memorials, celebrations of life, and graveside services so every detail comes together smoothly for the family.
What You'll Bring
- Current Utah Funeral Service Director and Embalmer licenses
- Warmth, composure, and strong communication skills with grieving families
- Comfort with computers, records, and arrangement software
Pay & Benefits
- Competitive base pay, quarterly bonuses, and commissions on headstones, flowers, and more
- Health insurance, with Lindquist paying up to $850 per month toward employee premiums
- Life insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- 401(k) with match and profit sharing
How to Apply
Send your resume to Bobby Lindquist
Email:
bobby@lindquistmortuary.com
Phone: (801) 580-8754
Lindquist Mortuary is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Opening for an Idaho Licensed Mortician / Funeral Director, Mini-Cassia Area – Burley & Rupert, Idaho
A locally owned and operated funeral service company in the Burley/Rupert, Idaho area (Mini-Cassia) is seeking an experienced Idaho-licensed Mortician to join our multiple-location funeral home operation.
Our funeral homes include:
Hansen Mortuary – Rupert, Idaho
Morrison Funeral Home & Crematory – Rupert, Idaho
Payne Mortuary – Burley, Idaho
Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home – Burley, Idaho
We are primarily seeking a licensed professional to assist at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert, although consideration may be given to a qualified individual who can work within our broader operation.
Qualifications:
A Mortician’s License is preferred; however, applicants possessing a Funeral Director’s License will also be considered. We will also consider individuals who are eligible to obtain an Idaho license through reciprocity or who can complete the necessary internship requirements within approximately one year.
We are looking for someone who is capable and confident in the various responsibilities associated with providing professional funeral service. Experience in the following areas is highly desirable:
• Transferring decedents into our care
• Embalming and preparation
• Making funeral arrangements with families
• Coordinating and following up on paperwork, scheduling, and service details
• Conducting funeral and memorial services
• Dressing, cosmetizing, and casketing
• Preparing obituaries, funeral programs, and other printed materials
• Working compassionately and professionally with families during times of bereavement
Those who have worked in funeral service understand the many responsibilities placed upon funeral professionals. Our goal is to provide exceptional, compassionate, and meaningful service to the families we are privileged to serve. Our funeral homes have built an excellent reputation within the community, and we take great pride in maintaining that standard.
Compensation & Work-Life Balance:
We place a high value on creating a balanced, rewarding, and sustainable work environment for our employees. We believe that exceptional funeral service can be provided while still allowing our employees adequate personal and family time.
Our current schedule generally requires:
• One night of on-call duty per week
• Every other weekend of on-call responsibility and funeral service coverage
• Dedicated time off during the week leading up to your scheduled on-call weekend
• Every other weekend off
• When scheduled to work on a holiday, compensatory time off before or after the holiday
Compensation will be based on the experience, qualifications, and abilities of the selected candidate. Our compensation package is designed to be significantly above reported industry averages in Idaho.
Benefits:
In addition to competitive compensation, we offer:
• Excellent health insurance
• Simple IRA retirement plan with company match
• A structured schedule designed to provide meaningful time away from work
• The opportunity to work with an established, locally owned funeral service organization
• A supportive community and professional working environment
Why Mini-Cassia?
The Mini-Cassia area offers an excellent combination of small-town community, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation. The area is ideally suited for someone who enjoys Idaho's outdoors, including hunting, fishing, boating, water sports, hiking, and other recreational opportunities, while also appreciating the benefits of living in a close-knit community.
If you are looking for an opportunity to practice funeral service in a respected, locally owned organization that values both exceptional service and the well-being of its employees, we would like to hear from you. Interested candidates are invited to respond by email at
rwfuneralhome@gmail.com or by calling
(208) 678-2100
and ask for Court or Jeff.
Come join us in the Mini-Cassia community and become part of a funeral service organization committed to serving families with professionalism, compassion, and care.
Job Opening for a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer — Larkin Mortuary, SLC, UT
WeThe Larkin Difference: Family-Owned and Service-Driven
At Larkin Mortuary, we are incredibly proud of the supportive, team-oriented environment we have built. We remain a stable, family-owned organization with a 140-year reputation for excellence. We know the demands of this profession, which is why we actively prioritize our team’s well-being, mental health, and work-life balance.
- Supportive Environment: A collaborative workplace where your dedication to families is valued and appreciated.
- Service Over Sales: Your focus will be on providing exceptional care and grief support, not meeting high-pressure sales quotas.
Schedule Highlights
Unlike industry norms that often demand unpredictable hours, we actively protect your time off:
- Dedicated Night Removal Staff: We utilize a dedicated night removal staff to handle middle-of-the-night transport, meaning our directors are only called upon to assist in very rare, exceptional circumstances.
- Predictable Embalming Shifts: You are only required to take one on-call/embalming shift per week.
Core Responsibilities
- Family Arrangements: Consult with families to arrange all types of personalized services, including traditional burials, cremations with memorial services, and celebrations of life. Guide families through all merchandise and service options, helping them select caskets, urns, vault options, keepsakes, and personalized memorial tributes to honor their loved one.
- Compliance & Logistics: Secure required authorizations, legal permits, death certificates, and regulatory documentation for all service types, ensuring strict compliance with state laws.
- Grief Support: Understand the grief families are experiencing and offer compassionate support, active listening, and comfort during their time of need.
- Clinical Care: Perform necessary embalming duties and oversee the meticulous preparation and care of remains.
- Pre-Planned Services: While you will not be responsible for selling or creating new preplans, you must have a solid understanding of how Trust and Insurance preplans work to seamlessly service existing contracts and inform survivors of eligible benefits.
- Service Direction: Seamlessly manage and direct all aspects of funeral, cremation memorial, celebration-of-life, and graveside services, ensuring every detail is carefully executed to honor the deceased and provide a dignified, beautifully coordinated experience for the family.
Qualifications & Skills
- Licensure: Active Utah Funeral Director and Embalmer licenses.
- Clinical Expertise: Strong proficiency in embalming, restorative art, and the technical, dignified care of the deceased.
- Interpersonal Excellence: Exceptional communication and personal service skills with the emotional intelligence and professional composure needed to guide grieving families effectively.
- Technical Proficiency: Digital competence for managing records and arrangement software.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits
We offer highly competitive base pay alongside quarterly bonus plan opportunities, combined with a robust, high-quality benefits package to keep you and your family healthy and secure:
- Incentives: Quarterly bonus plan opportunities rewarding both team and personal performance and excellence.
- Medical (SelectHealth HDHP): Exceptional coverage with heavily subsidized premiums paid by Larkin.
- HSA Contributions: Larkin makes generous annual contributions of free funds directly into your Health Savings Account.
- Dental (EMI Health): Premier PPO plan with a significant portion of the monthly premium covered by Larkin.
- Life & AD&D: 100% employer-paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.
- Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions to build your financial future.
- Voluntary Coverage: Access to vision, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and LifeLock ID theft protection.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter strictly confidentially to Travis Greenwood:
- Email: tgreenwood@larkinmortuary.com Phone: 801-831-6536
Job Opening for Funeral Director/Embalmer - Leavitt's Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park – Ogden, Utah
Leavitt's Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park is seeking a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer to join our dedicated team in Ogden, Utah.
As one of Northern Utah's most respected funeral homes, we take pride in providing compassionate, professional care to the families we serve. This is a unique opportunity to work at one of the area's few combined mortuary and cemetery locations in a supportive, positive, and team-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of funeral service, including:
- Meeting with and serving families
- Coordinating and working funeral and memorial services
- Embalming and preparing decedents
- Dressing, casketing, and applying cosmetics
- Performing restorative art as needed
- Operating crematory equipment and performing cremations
- Participating in an on-call rotation
- Assisting with other funeral home operations as needed
Qualifications
- Active Utah Funeral Director/Embalmer License (or ability to obtain Utah licensure if currently licensed in another state)
- Experience in funeral service preferred
- Compassionate, professional, and family-focused
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Team-oriented with a positive attitude
- Ability to lift 75 pounds or more
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k) retirement plan
Apply Today
To apply or learn more about this opportunity, please contact:
Jace Clark
Leavitt's Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park
Phone: 801-394-5556
Email:
jace@leavittsmortuary.com
