Irrigation & Lighting Department Manager (Full-Time, Salary) Location Mundelein, IL

Schmechtig Landscapes is an established and expanding landscape maintenance, irrigation, lighting, design and construction firm, serving the North Shore and Northwest suburbs of Chicago. We look for people who want to learn, set and achieve professional goals and are seeking growth opportunities. Our employees have a good appreciation of our organization’s history and core values. Schmechtig Landscapes encourages and supports continuing education.

We promote from within providing an understanding of procedures, processes, and relationships within the organization. Employees work within the area of advancement, where we provide a hands-on approach, offering a full understanding of the fundamental workings for a proper and effective operation. This ensures a successful transition for you, the department and ultimately the company.

Schmechtig Landscapes, established in 1960 and located in Mundelein, IL and Lake Geneva, WI, is expanding and looking to hire. We provide a fun and exciting workplace, encourage and support continuing education and promote from within the company.

The Construction Manager oversees the landscape construction segment of our design-build department, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. This role combines leadership, operational management, and client-focused oversight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise field operations and manage seasonal construction staff
• Ensure quality workmanship, project profitability, and client satisfaction
• Coordinate project schedules, staffing, and material purchasing
• Oversee safety, training, and team development
• Maintain clear communication with company departments and clients
• Weekly reporting to the President and department head on crew performance, budget goals, and outstanding issues

This role is ideal for a proactive leader who can manage teams, budgets, and projects with accountability and an ownership-driven mindset, ensuring the construction division runs efficiently and successfully.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary: $70,000 – $80,000
• Company-paid Health, Dental, Vision, LTD, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Continuing education
• A dedicated team to help you succeed

Do you think like an entrepreneur? We’re looking for an Irrigation & Lighting Department Manager to run this division as if it were your own company — leading your team, managing operations, building client relationships, and driving growth.

This is a leadership role for someone who thrives on autonomy and accountability. You’ll oversee everything from sales and scheduling to service quality and profitability — with the full support of a trusted, family-oriented company that values collaboration

What You’ll Do

• Run your department like a business: oversee daily operations, performance, and profitability
• Lead, mentor, and develop your irrigation and lighting team
• Manage installations, service, and repairs with a focus on quality and efficiency
• Build long-term relationships with clients through communication and proactive service
• Track budgets, schedules, and performance metrics to meet goals
• Collaborate with leadership to identify growth opportunities and optimize systems

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of irrigation service experience (installation, maintenance, and repair)
• Proven leadership with experience managing teams and clients
• Strong problem-solver who thrives outdoors and in fast-paced environments
• Knowledge of efficient system design and water conservation practices
• Hunter Industry Pro certification (a plus)
• Proficiency in Aspire or similar software
• Excellent communicator with strong organizational skills
• Relevant certifications and licenses preferred

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: $55,000 – $65,000
• Company-paid Health, Dental, Vision, LTD, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Ongoing education and licensing support
• A supportive, family-oriented team where your leadership shapes real results

Position requires knowledge of plants and hardscapes procedures; 3 years minimum experience overseeing crew installing high quality landscape construction projects. Must be able to understand landscape plans, will need a valid driver’s license with clean driving record and required to lift heavy objects more than 80 pounds. Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

If you have a passion for designing stunning outdoor spaces and are eager to contribute your expertise to a dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation is commensurate with experience – $20.00 – 30.00 per hour.
Benefits include:
Health
401(k) retirement plan
Flex-time off