National Occupation Code (NOC): 6346

Funeral directors co-ordinate and arrange all aspects of funeral services. Embalmers prepare the remains of deceased persons for public visitation and burial. Funeral directors and embalmers are employed by funeral homes.

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Job Duties for Funeral directors and embalmers

Funeral directors

• Consult with the family of the deceased regarding the nature of the funeral service, the disposition of the remains and funeral costs
• Transfer, or arrange for the transfer of, the remains from the place of death to the funeral home
• Inform survivors of benefits for which they may be eligible
• Issue death notices to newspapers
• Oversee the preparation of the remains, plan and schedule funeral services, co-ordinate burials and cremations and complete legal documents
• Discuss and negotiate prearranged funerals with clients
• Manage funeral home operations including hiring and directing staff, maintaining financial records, preparing accounts and ordering merchandise
• Supervise embalmers, funeral home attendants and other funeral home staff
• May perform same duties as embalmers.

Embalmers

• Preserve, sanitize and prepare human remains for funeral services
• Perform cosmetic and restorative work on human remains
• Supervise funeral home attendants and other funeral home staff.

Working Conditions for Funeral directors and embalmers

Work takes place indoors. Performing duties in the presence of cadavers carries the risk of bacterial exposure and strong odours.

Alternate Job Titles

• Apprentice Embalmer
• Assistant Funeral Director
• Embalmer
• Embalmer Apprentice
• Funeral Director
• Funeral Home Director
• Funeral Services Director
• Mortician
• Undertaker
• Undertaker Assistant
• Funeral Service Assistant
• Funeral Home Manager
• Funeral Service Assistance
• Funeral Service Professional
• Funeral Services Assistant (cdn)
• Area Manager, Family Services
• Licensed Funeral Directors
• Mgr Funeral Home