Lawn Applicator & Holiday Light Installer

Taylor's Way; Princeton (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Taylor's Way in Illinois is hiring a Lawn Applicator to manage own lawn care routes from March through October, applying fertilizer, weed control, and pest treatments, while maintaining safety and client relations. In the off-season, top performers may join the Lit Up Taylor's Way holiday lighting crew, earning the same rate and advancing through training, with overtime during peak periods.

Requirements include IDA Commercial Operator license, comfort with heights and ladders, valid IL driver's

Qualifications

• Must hold Illinois Department of Agriculture Commercial Operator license.
• Comfort on a ladder and at height for full shift.
• Basic mechanical or electrical aptitude; wiring is trainable.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Valid IL driver's license with clean record.

Responsibilities

• Apply fertilizer, weed control, and pest and disease treatments.
• Maintain service truck, handle chemicals safely, and mix solutions per label.
• Explain treatments to clients, answer questions, and provide straight advice.
• Record every service performed and every product used.
• Follow safety protocols, PPE requirements, and state regulations.

Skills

Commercial Operator license (IDA)

Height work comfort

Safety awareness

Reliable attendance

Valid Illinois driver's license

Job description

About Taylor's Way

At Taylor's Way, our success starts with our people. We value our employees and treat them like family. Whether you're in the field caring for lawns, plants, trees, installing holiday lights or working with clients to ensure long-term health, every contribution matters. We foster a supportive, team-oriented environment with learning opportunities, company outings, and family-friendly events.

With over 50 years of experience and 7,000+ satisfied clients, Taylor's Way is a fast-growing lawn, tree care, holiday lighting, and pest control services in Illinois and the Sauk Valley region. Join our team of experts to help maintain excellence, support client success, and ensure outdoor spaces thrive.

We invest in our employees because you are our most valuable asset. Your work directly impacts our company, clients, and communities, and we provide training, mentorship, and growth opportunities to help you succeed.

Why Work at Taylor's Way?

• Competitive Pay & Rewards: Earn top-of-market wages, commission and opportunities for performance-based bonuses that recognize hard work and quality results.
• Empowering Leadership: Our management team is approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you succeed and grow..
• Career Growth & Development: Access ongoing training, mentorship, and certifications to advance your skills and career..
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy a Monday through Friday schedule, with occasional Saturdays during peak season, allowing time for family and personal priorities..
• Team Culture & Community: Participate in team-building events, outings, and training trips while working alongside long-tenured employees who foster a collaborative, family-like environment..
• Reliable Pay: Receive accurate, on-time biweekly paychecks every time..
• Impactful Work: Be part of a company that values your contribution, supports your growth, and empowers you to make a meaningful difference for clients, communities, and the environment..

About the Role

As a Lawn Applicator at Taylor's Way, you are the person our clients trust with their property. March through October you run your own lawn care routes. For technicians who meet our performance, attendance, and safety standards, there is an opportunity to continue working through the winter on our Lit Up Taylor's Way holiday lighting crew at the same rate. That off-season work is earned, not automatic.

Growing Season: March through October

You own your routes and the clients on them.

• Apply fertilizer, weed control, and pest and disease treatments to standard.
• Maintain your service truck, handle chemicals safely, and mix solutions per label.
• Explain treatments to clients, answer questions, and give straight advice.
• Record every service performed and every product used.
• Follow every safety protocol, PPE requirement, and state regulation, every time.

Off-Season Opportunity: Holiday Light Installer, October through January

Different work, same standard. Selection is based on growing-season performance, attendance, safety record, and demonstrated comfort at height. You work as part of a crew under a Crew Leader.

• Install, service, and take down holiday lighting to our install standard.
• Ladder and height work, including multi-story rooflines, as a full and equal share of the crew's day.
• PPE, ladder placement, safety and fall protection on every job; near-misses reported the same day.
• Load, unload, and track truck inventory: lights, clips, cord, timers.
• Protect landscape and property; photograph pre-existing conditions before work starts.
• Check your own work against the standard before you leave, wiring and connections included.

Days run longer during install, so some overtime is likely.

What You Need

• Illinois Department of Agriculture Commercial Operator license. Required, not optional. We prepare you for the exam and either host testing at our facility or send you to an IDA sanctioned workshop or testing date..
• Comfort on a ladder and at height, including multi-story rooflines, for a full shift in cold and wet weather. Required for the holiday lighting season, no exceptions..
• Basic mechanical or electrical aptitude; wiring and clips are trainable.
• Reliable attendance.
• Valid Illinois driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Monday through Friday, with some Saturdays or overtime during peak season.
• You care about your clients and take personal responsibility for your work.
• Hire offers are contingent upon a favorable background check if one is performed.