Newcomer Funeral Service Group is excited to offer an Apprentice Funeral Director opportunity with Penwell-Gabel in Topeka, Kansas. If you are ready to begin a meaningful career, this role is designed for an individual who is compassionate, motivated, and eager to grow through real, hands-on experience serving families.
As an Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of a licensed Funeral Director and be actively involved in all aspects of funeral service. You’ll support families through arrangements, assist with visitations and services, participate in removals and decedent care, and learn the administrative and operational side of the profession. This is an opportunity to build a strong foundation while developing communication skills, attention to detail, and professionalism essential to serving families with dignity and respect.
Topeka offers a strong sense of community where relationships matter. Often described as “the biggest small town you’ll ever live in,” it’s a place where people support one another, stay connected, and take pride in their community. With affordable living, short commutes, and access to parks, cultural attractions, and local events, Topeka provides a comfortable and steady environment to begin and grow your career.
What You’ll Learn & Do
- Assist licensed funeral directors with funeral arrangements, visitations, and services
- Participate in removals, transfers, and care of the deceased with professionalism and respect
- Support families by providing compassionate, attentive service throughout the process
- Learn documentation, coordination, and compliance requirements
- Help maintain our facilities to ensure they always remain family-ready
What We’re Looking For
- A compassionate, service-minded individual who wants to build a career in funeral service
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work in emotionally sensitive situations with professionalism
- A team-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and grow
Qualifications
- A two-year college degree or completion of a specialized course of study or job specific skills acquired through on-the job training or apprenticeship program.
- Valid Apprentice/Resident Funeral Director and or Embalmer License in the location jurisdiction.
- Passing of both sections of the National Board Exam (NBE) as per state requirements.
- Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels including management, associates, home office and families.
- Possess a valid Drivers’ License and meet the driving performance standards as determined by management. MVR’s may be reviewed annually for compliance, and any conviction or at-fault accidents should be immediately reported to management.
- Must have computer and software proficiency.
Essential Physical Responsibilities
- Ability to tolerate exposure to hazardous substances subject to government requirements; occasional lifting, pushing and pulling, with assistance, of objects up to approximately 600 pounds; manual dexterity required for clerical tasks; occasional stooping, bending, pushing, pulling and carrying objects weighing up to approximately 30 pounds for short distances.
- Ability to travel by standard methods of transportation.
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Skills Required
- Two-year college degree or completion of a specialized course of study or job-specific skills via on-the-job training or apprenticeship
- Valid Apprentice/Resident Funeral Director and/or Embalmer license in the jurisdiction
- Passing both sections of the National Board Exam (NBE) as required by state
- Ability to work professionally in emotionally sensitive situations and provide compassionate service to families
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail
- Valid driver’s license and meet driving performance standards; willingness to have MVR reviewed
- Computer and software proficiency
- Physical ability to tolerate exposure to regulated hazardous substances and perform lifting, pushing, pulling (with assistance up to ~600 lbs) and carry up to ~30 lbs for short distances; manual dexterity and occasional stooping/bending
- Ability to travel by standard methods of transportation
What We Do
Newcomer Funeral Service Group is an independent, family-owned funeral, cremation and cemetery services provider headquartered in Topeka, Kansas. Operating funeral homes, crematories and cemeteries across multiple states, the company offers cremation and traditional funeral services, preplanning, grief support and memorial options while centralizing administrative functions to deliver ethical, affordable and high-quality personal service to families.
