Production Assistant

Who We Are:

Topiarius is a landscape design, build, and maintenance company. Since 2003, our mission has been to design, create, and maintain luxurious outdoor sanctuaries because we believe that people deserve to live beautifully outdoors. You can learn more about Topiarius at www.topiarius.com.

Reporting Relationship:

The Production Assistant reports directly to the Production Manager who provides guidance, sets performance expectations, and conducts regular performance reviews. The Production Manager also serves as the primary point of contact for escalated issues or concerns related to production operations.

The Role:

The Production Assistant is a full-time seasonal role dedicated to operational excellence. Key responsibilities include:

• Inventory & Quality: Ensuring material accuracy and quality control.
• Plant Care: Maintaining the health of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.
• Facility Management: Keeping indoor and outdoor work spaces in 5-star condition.

This position’s success is measured by:

• Minimization of all materials loss numbers.
• Organization and cleanliness of the facility. 
• Accurate and timely preparation of materials for the Operations team.

What You Will Do:

• Assist with Plant Care: Watering, pruning, and caring for our plant inventory.
• Complete Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs: Operate a work vehicle to pick up from our vendors and deliver materials to the jobsite. 
• Support Operations: Help prepare materials, keep the work area organized, and ensure deliveries are accurate.
• Maintain our Facility: Assist with keeping our outdoor and indoor facilities clean and organized. Utilize a daily janitorial checklist to maintain cleanliness in all work areas, including bathrooms and kitchen.
• Be a Team Player: Collaborate with the production team, follow safety protocols, and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Maintain a Flexible Schedule: Occasionally work beyond your typical hours as directed by your supervisor.

Your Core Attributes

• Professional & Punctual: You arrive early, organized, and ready to lead with a smile. You maintain clean, orderly workspaces and tools because you know preparation is the key to success.
• A "Team-First" Mindset: You thrive in a collaborative environment.. You actively share ideas and remain open to feedback to help the entire crew succeed.
• Detail-Oriented & Reliable: You believe the "small things" set us apart from the competition. 
• Solution-Focused: You approach challenges with curiosity. When roadblocks arise, you use your problem-solving skills and have the humility to ask for help to ensure projects stay on track.
• Work Ethic: You find genuine satisfaction in a job well done and bring high energy to every task, ensuring resources are managed efficiently and accurately.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience within the landscaping or construction industry
• Reliable transportation seven days a week
• Basic English proficiency in verbal and written communication.
• Basic computer skills in areas such as email, chat, and other web-based applications.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds.
• Valid Illinois Driver License with clean driving record.

Other Desired Qualifications

While not required, the following skills will help you stand out and hit the ground running:

• Logistics & Inventory: Experience with receiving, inventory management, or organizing stock.
• Industry Tech: Familiarity with landscaping management software (e.g., Aspire).
• Equipment Operation: Current Forklift Certification or experience operating heavy machinery.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Basic knowledge of small engine maintenance or experience troubleshooting power tools (mowers, blowers, trimmers).
• Safety Awareness: A background in OSHA safety standards or a current First Aid/CPR certification
• Horticultural Knowledge: A basic understanding of plant identification, soil types, or pruning techniques.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This is a physically demanding role that requires stamina and agility. To perform the essential functions of this position, you must be able to comfortably manage the following:

• Heavy Lifting & Equipment: Regularly lift, carry, and maneuver heavy materials. While you will frequently handle objects up to 100 lbs. manually, you will also be trained to move "several hundred pounds" using specialized machinery, carts, and tools.
• Constant Movement: Maintain a high level of activity throughout the shift, including walking, standing, and navigating uneven terrain.
• Agility: Frequently bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel to execute tasks.
• Elevated Work: Occasionally climb ladders, stairs, or operate from elevated platforms like scaffolding and motorized lifts.
• Outdoor Endurance: Work comfortably in all seasonal conditions, including extreme heat, rain, and cold Chicago winters.

What We Offer

Compensation & Schedule:

Hourly Pay: $20–$23 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Schedule: Standard 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday. Occasional weekend work may be required.

Flexibility: Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

This is a seasonal position, working from mid-March to mid-December.

Benefits & Time Off:

Paid Time Off: Up to 10 days of PTO in your first year, plus 40 hours of Paid Sick Leave.

Paid Holidays: 4 major holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving).

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical (PPO, HSA, and HMO options) and Dental insurance.

Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan (available after 1 year and 1,000 hours worked).

Peace of Mind: Complimentary Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability coverage.

Other Details:

Topiarius is a non-union shop. Our final candidates may be required to undergo a background check. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or other status protected by applicable law. And nothing in this job description restricts the supervisor’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

How To Apply:

First, we highly suggest you visit Topiarius’ website ( www.topiarius.com ) to become familiar with our company.

Second, if you are interested, please apply. We will contact you if we are interested. Please refrain from phone calls.