Brookline Seeks Caretaker for Walnut Hills Cemetery

The Town of Brookline is accepting bids through October 23 for a three-year contract to manage the 150-year-old historic site.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Job Search

Isometric editorial illustration of a historic wrought-iron cemetery gate slightly open, representing the town's search for a property caretaker. — The Town of Brookline is seeking applicants to manage the historic Walnut Hills Cemetery, with a contract bid deadline of October 23. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Brookline is looking for a new caretaker to oversee operations at the 150-year-old Walnut Hills Cemetery following a vacancy that began in the spring of 2026. The town has received no applications for the role since it began advertising the position in August.

Why it matters

The town requires a dedicated caretaker to perform essential duties including the daily opening and closing of cemetery entrance gates. Officials are now working to secure a new agreement before the current bid cycle concludes.

The caretaker role includes a three-year agreement for the property at 96 Grove St. and requires a minimum monthly rent of $1,600, up from the $1,500 paid by the previous tenant.

The players

Town of Brookline

This local government body is responsible for managing municipal services and property upkeep for the town residents.

Walnut Hills Cemetery

This 150-year-old historic burial ground serves the Brookline community and requires ongoing site management.

The details

The role requires the resident to handle property maintenance and gate operations, with the applicant responsible for all utility costs for the two-bedroom home and office. Interested candidates must submit a resume along with a price and use proposal for evaluation by town departments.

March 2012: The previous caretaker began his tenure.
Spring 2026: The previous caretaker's tenure ended.
August 2026: The Town of Brookline began advertising the position.
October 23, 2026: The second bid cycle for the role closes.

Market Landscape

The search for a new caretaker marks a significant leadership transition following the 2012-2026 tenure of the previous cemetery caretaker. This change reflects the challenges municipalities face when transitioning long-held local management roles to new applicants.

The caretaker position involves a commitment to living on-site at 96 Grove St. and paying monthly rent to the town. Residents should note that the town is currently in the active bidding phase and has not yet secured a replacement for the essential site management role.

The takeaway

Interested parties should prepare a formal price and use proposal to meet the town's criteria before the upcoming deadline. The role requires a significant three-year commitment to the maintenance and security of the historic local cemetery.