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Tree Planting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GROUNDSKEEPER III

Elgin, IL · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

Good knowledge of lawn, tree, and plant care and the ability to select the proper trees, shrubs, and plants to be used in various locations. * Chainsaw use and tree trimming skills will be utilized.

yes

Groundskeeper

Hammond, IN

$14 - $18/hr

Landscaping, including but not limited to, mowing, trimming, planting flowers, maintaining tree limbs and prune the grounds as needed * Perform minor repairs on equipment utilized in groundskeeping

Ecolab Inc.

Process Safety Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

... plants through facilitation of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs). Provide recommendations for ... Experience with Quantitative Risk Assessment, fault tree/event tree analysis, fire, explosion and ...

Ecolab

Process Safety Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

... plants through facilitation of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs). Provide recommendations for ... Experience with Quantitative Risk Assessment, fault tree/event tree analysis, fire, explosion and ...

Ecolab

Process Safety Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

$107K - $161K/yr

... plants through facilitation of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs). Provide recommendations for ... Experience with Quantitative Risk Assessment, fault tree/event tree analysis, fire, explosion and ...

The Morton Arboretum

Research Technician Fellowship

Lisle, IL

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

... tree science. No experience is necessary. Fellows will be mentored and trained as they assist in ... May maintain living plants in the field and greenhouse. * May voucher and assist with the curation ...

Stantec

Ecosystem Restoration Technician

Monee, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Specific job tasks include invasive species identification and control (herbicide application, cutting, and mowing), native seeding and planting, prescribed burning, and brush and tree removal.

Stantec

Ecosystem Restoration Technician

Naperville, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Specific job tasks include invasive species identification and control (herbicide application, cutting, and mowing), native seeding and planting, prescribed burning, and brush and tree removal.

The Morton Arboretum

Research Technician Fellowship

Lisle, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

... tree science. No experience is necessary. Fellows will be mentored and trained as they assist in ... May maintain living plants in the field and greenhouse. * May voucher and assist with the curation ...

SavATree

Sales Arborist

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$130K/yr

... plants, and landscapes. In this role, you will: * Develop and grow your assigned territory by ... Since then, we've grown into a nationwide leader in tree, shrub, and lawn care services. Unlike ...

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All JobsTree Planting JobsTree Planting Jobs in Chicago, IL

Tree Planting information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do tree planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting in Chicago, IL is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tree planting?

Tree planting is the process of transplanting tree seedlings, generally for forestry, land reclamation, or landscaping purposes. It involves preparing the land, selecting appropriate tree species, and planting them in a way that promotes healthy growth. Tree planting helps restore ecosystems, combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, and can provide economic and social benefits to communities. The work is often physically demanding and can be seasonal, depending on climate and planting goals.

What are tree planting jobs?

Tree planting jobs include a variety of positions related to planting, nurturing, and caring for trees. Most tree planting jobs do not focus exclusively on planting trees. Your duties may also include logging, trimming, or landscaping areas. Common roles include planting seedlings for horticulture, supporting reforestation efforts, or helping landscape a local park. Most tree planting jobs take place outdoors, but you can find a few jobs working with seeds and pots in factory-like settings to prepare them for shipment. Due to the long growing times, many tree planting jobs are seasonal positions. If you want to work with planting trees year-round, you may need to look for a management position.

What is the difference between Tree Planting vs Arborist?

AspectTree PlantingArborist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but some may have basic horticulture knowledgeRequires certifications like ISA Certified Arborist
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, planting sites, nurseriesOutdoor, urban and rural trees, often consulting or maintenance
Industry UsageLandscaping companies, conservation projectsTree care, pruning, health assessments, consulting

Tree planting focuses on the physical act of planting trees, often with minimal certification, while arborists provide expert tree care, including pruning, health assessments, and consulting, requiring specialized certifications. Both roles work outdoors and are essential in forestry and landscaping industries, but arborists typically have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by tree planters, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tree planting can be physically demanding, with challenges such as working in remote areas, variable weather conditions, and repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain proper hydration, use correct lifting and planting techniques to avoid injury, and wear appropriate gear for protection against weather and terrain. Many crews foster a supportive team environment, encouraging frequent breaks and open communication to ensure everyone stays healthy and motivated throughout the planting season.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tree planter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Planter, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of silviculture and reforestation practices, usually gained through on-the-job training. Familiarity with GPS devices, planting tools, and safety equipment is often required. Strong teamwork, self-motivation, and resilience in various weather conditions are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure efficient, high-quality planting that supports forest regeneration and meets environmental standards.
More about Tree Planting jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Tree Planting jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Tree Planting jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Tree Planting jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Tree Planting jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Planting jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Planting jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Tree Planting jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Tree Planting job openings:

Tree Planting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Planting job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,511 per year, or $18 per hour.

Part time Greenhouse/Horticultural Center Laborer

Joliet Park District

New Lenox, IL • On-site

$16.59/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

FLSA Classification: Part Time Non-Exempt AFSCME

Salary Range: $16.59/hr

Reports to: Event Coordinator and Head Horticulturist

Date: May 2026

Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Event Coordinator and Head Horticulturist, Seasonal Laborer is responsible for performing a variety of maintenance and landscaping tasks to provide safe and attractive grounds and greenhouse areas throughout the Bird Haven Greenhouse and Horticulture Center property. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintaining the grounds at this facility; mowing, trimming, edging, weeding, watering, tree and plant care maintenance, trash picking/collection, cleaning, set up/breakdown of chairs and tables for weddings and other events, etc.

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

  • Perform maintenance (i.e. clean up and debris removal inside greenhouses and outdoor grounds, mulching, mowing, pruning, weeding, watering, fertilizing, plant care, propagating, potting/repotting plants, etc. as directed)
  • Perform litter pickup, garbage pickup, recycling activities, and area inspections on a daily basis.
  • Perform cleaning and maintenance of greenhouses, property grounds and other assigned areas (i.e. cleaning pond filters, power-washing inside/outside greenhouse and other equipment, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, etc.)
  • Perform power and trim mowing in assigned areas
  • Set up and break down chairs, tables and other equipment for weddings, workshops, classes and other events.
  • Work some weekends and holidays as directed.
  • Demonstrate and support Park District customer service standards (i.e. answering visitor questions and/or guiding visitors to the appropriate person)
  • Follow district and department safety, personnel, and administrative policies, procedures, and ordinances
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Hours

This is a part time, union position. Position will rotate days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

Supervisory responsibilities

None

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in extreme varying weather conditions both inside the greenhouse and outside, near moving mechanical parts and equipment. Employee works with a variety of power and hand tools. Employee frequently works in situations and is exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and other hazards and elements associated with construction sites. The noise level within the employee’s work environment frequently exceeds the normal decibel levels. The Park District provides safety equipment for these situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with help. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.


Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED

3 months related experience with plants and plant care and/or grounds maintenance

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

The Joliet Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.