Landscape Carpenter

Who We Are:

Topiarius is landscape design, build and maintenance company whose mission it is to be Chicago’s #1 luxury brand for outdoor sanctuaries. Since 2003, Topiarius has aspired to redesign the Chicago urban landscape one rooftop and yard at a time. Where there is concrete, we want nature. Where there is empty space, we want stunning restorative beauty. Our work is based on the fundamental believe that nature is an essential sanctuary for humans. You can learn more about Topiarius at topiarius.com.

The Role:

We are looking for a Landscape Carpenter to help construct and install a multitude of and a variety of landscape projects. This position is for the person that has expertise in more than one skill and wants to be challenged by the complexity, sophistication, and elaborateness of Topiarius’ designs. Under the direction of the Construction Supervisor, this person will help redesign Chicago’s urban landscape one rooftop and yard at a time.

What You Will Do:

Participate in team collaboration and care of equipment. You will cooperate with other staff in a timely and efficient manner to construct landscape projects. Each day you will know which materials and tools are needed for yourself and team. You will superintend these materials and tools with care and accuracy. You will operate professionally so that our clients let us know that they just love our team.

Communicate, communicate, communicate. You will communicate daily with your supervisor and teammates about each project. You will ask for help and provide help when needed. As directed and needed, you will communicate with clients and know how to direct them to your supervisor. Additionally, you will keep accurate records for projects, timesheets, etc.

Implement landscape designs on roof tops and ground level. You will read all contracts and construction drawings to understand the full scope of the design as well as the installation process. You will solve practical problems. You will build and finish, but not limited to, decking, stairs, railings, screen walls, built benches and containers, outdoor kitchens and cabinetry, fire features, storage features, gates and doors, and pergolas. Basic electrical, plumbing, and metalwork are often part of projects too.

Comply with safety procedures and protocols. Every day you will follow safety procedures around vehicle and tool use. You will also be expected to use materials safely.

Who You Are:

You identify with our culture. Topiarius employees are expected to perform with honesty, integrity, and optimism. We enjoy our work and find it very satisfying and have a strong work ethic. We enjoy each other’s company and choose to work as a team and not a lone wolf. We take the details seriously; they are what allows us to stand apart from our competition. And follow through is in the fabric of all we do.

You enjoy working on different kinds of projects utilizing different skills. Each of our projects is unique. There may be common threads that repeat, but every client’s site is one of a kind. Our projects include woodworking, metal fabrication, basic electrical and plumbing, planting perennials, trees, and shrubs, and hard scaping. Your variety of experience will serve you well.

You aim for operational excellence. You are someone that doesn’t just show up to “phone†in the day. You are mature and professional. You arrive with a smile and early to get your day organized. With a charged cell phone, you regularly check for emails, voicemails, and texts. You understand that clean tools and a clean/organized vehicle make your day successful. You understand that staying on top of paperwork daily is just how it is. You exude pride in all that you do but are humble enough to know when you need to ask for help.

You are curious and problem solve. Nothing we do is ever the same. As mentioned there will be common threads to each project, but once on site you will address nuances and unforeseen circumstances. It goes with the territory. So, you are someone that does not get thrown off by this kind of “roadblock.†You enjoy the challenge to solve problems and even have the smarts to ask for help so that the work can be completed in a timely and efficient manner.

You enjoy working with a team. You understand that as a carpenter you may oversee assigned projects and a team. You also understand that you need to direct and teach your teammates to produce the final product. While you have many skills, you understand that others do as well, and you can only benefit from learning from them when necessary.

Required Background:

• 3+ years of experience in the construction industry.
• Math and reading skills. The ability to read and write English at a 12th grade level or higher and the ability to perform math / shop arithmetic.
• Valid IL driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Proof of Covid vaccination.
• Ability to (but not limited to) independently and proficiently:
• Read and act on shop plans and cut lists.
• Build porches, decks and stairs.
• Sand, stain, and paint.

Expected Activity and Movement:

You will frequently lift, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to several hundred pounds using appropriate tools. You will typically bend, stoop, and crouch on a regular basis. You will constantly move about to work. You will regularly operate and clean construction and carpentry equipment. You will repeatedly climb stairs and occasionally ladders. You will repetitively work in locations of height (i.e., roof decks, balconies). And you will be working in outdoor conditions (for instance low to high temperatures, rain, sun, wind, etc.)

Desirable Background:

Experience working with technology, such as cell phone apps. High School degree. Higher education degree. OSHA certified. Experience with plumbing, electrical, plant installation, hardscape installation, and/or metal work. Supervisory experience.

What We Provide:

Hours and Compensation:

Mon-Fri 6:30 am – 3:30/4 pm. Minimum 40 hours per week with potential overtime. Potential for Saturday hours.

$20 - $25 per hour.

Benefits:

Paid Holidays. Paid Time Off (up to 10 days in first year) and Paid Sick time (up to 40 hours each year). Medical and dental insurance plans (PPO/HSA and HMO options). Dental Insurance. Retirement plan available after 1 year of employment & minimum 1000 hours of worked. Complimentary Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability plans.

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.

 To Apply:

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

Secondly, if you are interested, please apply. We will contact you if we are interested. So please no phone calls.