Embalmer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Embalmers (6272.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Funeral Directors and Embalmers (G912) 
• 2011 NOC: Funeral directors and embalmers (6346) 

Embalmers care for deceased persons with dignity and respect. In general, they:

• embalm human remains to restore, preserve and disinfect them
• perform necessary cosmetology or restorative work to improve appearance
• dress deceased persons and place them in caskets
• maintain records, arrange equipment and assist in the general maintenance of the funeral home.

Embalmers also may supervise funeral attendants or other funeral home staff.

Embalmers must follow the health precautions and regulations required for personal and public hygiene. Most of their work is done under surgical conditions in a preparation room.

In larger funeral homes, embalmers work normal office hours plus some evening work. In small establishments, they may work longer hours or be required to pick up deceased persons at any hour.

Some heavy lifting over 20 kilograms is required.

Embalmers need the following characteristics:

• physical strength and endurance
• good finger and manual dexterity
• emotional stability
• an interest in clinical, scientific and artistic subjects
• a caring attitude toward the deceased and the bereaved.

They should enjoy work with clear rules and organized methods; working with tools, equipment and instruments at tasks which require precision; and finding ways to restore bodies to as natural an appearance as possible.

Embalmers are employed in funeral homes across the province. Licensed embalmers may train to become funeral directors (for more information, see the Funeral Director profile).

Embalmers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6346: Funeral directors and embalmers. In Alberta, most people employed in this classification work in the Other Services (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Repair, Personal, Religious and Other Services industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years. However, demand for embalming services is declining because more people are choosing cremation.

Alberta Funeral Service Association (AFSA) website: afsa.ca

Alberta Funeral Service Regulatory Board (AFSRB) website: www.afsrb.ab.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.