Tree Planting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position: Street Trees Consortium (STC) - Production Employee

Reports to: STC Supervisor

Job Type: Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Location: Hawthorn Woods, IL

Hourly Rate: $18.00 - $20.00 (Based on Experience)

Apex Landscaping, founded in 1991, has grown from a single summer route into one of Chicagoland’s leading full-service landscaping companies, serving areas from Kenosha, WI to Bolingbrook, IL and west to Elgin. Headquartered in Hawthorn Woods, Apex operates over 200 team members and 40 crews daily in the summer, while also providing full-service snow and ice management in winter. With decades of steady expansion, Apex offers residential, commercial, and municipal clients comprehensive landscaping services, construction projects, and year-round maintenance—backed by the resources and stability of a company built for continual growth.

Job Summary: The STC Production Employee supports the daily operations of Apex’s Street Trees division by assisting with tree planting, maintenance, and related landscape tasks across municipal and residential sites. This role is hands-on and field-based, working closely with crew leaders and supervisors to ensure high-quality workmanship, safe practices, and efficient project execution.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with planting, staking, mulching, and watering trees according to Apex and municipal specifications.

• Prepare job sites by unloading materials, staging trees, and organizing tools and equipment.

• Follow proper horticultural practices to ensure tree health, correct planting depth, and long-term survivability.

• Support crews with general landscape tasks including soil preparation, grading, and cleanup.

• Operate hand tools and small equipment safely, such as shovels, tampers, wheelbarrows, and watering systems.

• Assist with loading and unloading trees, materials, and supplies from trucks and trailers.

• Maintain clean and organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.

• Follow all safety procedures and use required PPE at all times.

• Communicate effectively with crew leaders regarding progress, issues, or site needs.

• Report equipment concerns, hazards, or delays to the Street Trees Production Manager.

• Support winter operations as assigned, including snow and ice management tasks.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Hourly Compensation

• Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision

• 401K Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Professional Development Opportunities

Core Competencies:

• Strong work ethic and reliability

• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions

• Basic problem-solving skills and adaptability

• Professionalism and positive attitude

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Experience in landscaping, tree planting, or outdoor labor preferred but not required.

• Ability to learn proper planting techniques and horticultural best practices.

• Valid driver’s license preferred; ability to be added to company insurance required.

• Ability to operate or learn to operate small landscape equipment.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.

• Ability to walk job sites, stand for extended periods, and work on uneven terrain.

• Ability to bend, kneel, dig, and perform repetitive physical tasks.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to load, unload, and move trees and materials safely.

Work Environment: This role is primarily field-based, working outdoors on municipal and residential planting sites. Production employees may be exposed to varying weather conditions, noise, and heavy equipment. Occasional yard or shop work may be required for material preparation or equipment organization. Winter operations may require work outside standard hours during snow events.

Schedule: Street Trees Production Employees typically work standard operating hours as set by management, generally beginning early in the morning to align with crew start times and project demands. Hours may vary based on workload, seasonal requirements, and snow operations.