POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
- We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a front-line field supervisory position directing the activities of the Shared Septic/Reclaimed Water crew. Activities include the scheduling of sewer pump installations and repairs, scheduling of general maintenance activities, coordinating contractors for necessary wastewater treatment plant operations, customer inquiry and complaint resolution.
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs supervisory and advanced level operations service work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes directing the activities of one or more crews of laboring and/or motor equipment operation and repair personnel; driving and operating of heavy motor, construction, and complex mechanical equipment; may direct and participate in the day to day operations of a large size site or sites.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned:
This is skilled technical work at the first line supervisory level involving directing the activities of one or more crews of laboring and/or motor equipment personnel.
Directs crews in performing shared septic grinder pump and sewer line maintenance activities.
Coordinates with builders and plumbers, and schedules installation of all grinder pump and shared septic sewer line installations.
Performs trouble shooting for shared sewage grinder pump alarms.
Conducts investigations into customer inquiries and complaints.
Directs the activities of the grass cutting and septic pumping subcontractors for all shared septic facilities.
Directs snow removal operations for shared septic.
Assists the Maintenance Division when necessary.
Operates hydraulic excavator in repairing pipe; operates forklift to load and unload heavy materials; manually loads and unloads other materials; operates compressors, trenchers, tamping machines and other such equipment, as needed by work assignment.
Performs skilled construction and maintenance work as needed by unit to which assigned.
Directs a crew assigned by the supervisor to such jobs as excavation, repairing pipe, tree trimming and removal and a variety of other operations.
Reads blueprints and contract maps, lines and grades when needed to accomplish portions of a construction or maintenance project; demonstrates methods and techniques of such tasks and of general laboring and motor equipment operation activities; trains subordinate crew members in equipment operations, in trades practices, and in care and use of tools and materials.
Observes instruments while vehicle is in operation; takes routine corrective action if malfunction is noted; inspects vehicles for loose parts, damaged or worn tires or tracts, proper air pressure in tires and other items affecting safe equipment operation; performs routine and preventive maintenance as established by unit.
Performs work assigned from work orders; completes job sheets and time sheets.
Assists in interviewing personnel and recommends hiring.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Enters data into computer data base.
Performs on-call duties for after-hours emergency response on a rotational basis.
This position is considered emergency essential, and, as such, the incumbent may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or when an emergency situation requires.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directly supervises a number of employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma or GED and four (4) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Experience in shared sewage disposal activities, which shall have included laboring and motor equipment operation work, and at least 1 year of experience as a crew leader.
Experience and knowledge of industry practices for shared sewage disposal facility operation, water distribution system operation, and wastewater collection system operation.
Experience and knowledge of industry practices for shared sewage disposal construction and operation.
Possession a valid CDL license Class B, issued by the State of Maryland, with a valid DOT card and the ability to obtain a CDL license Class A, if work requires, is preferred.
Ability to read and understand blueprints and contract documents.
Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, methods and techniques of laboring and motor equipment operation activities as they relate to utility operation, construction and maintenance work.
Thorough knowledge of tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in public works or other construction and maintenance work.
Considerable knowledge of the functions, operation and routine care and maintenance of a variety of motor and mechanical equipment.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in laboring and equipment operation activities.
Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
Ability to plan, assign and review the work activities of laboring and equipment operation crews.
Ability to estimate materials, supplies, tools, equipment and man hours needed to complete assigned tasks.
Ability to maintain records and complete reports of activities.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates in a professional manner.
Ability to learn and understand computer operations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
A certified Maryland Flagger Card within six (6) months of employment.
A Confined Space Certification within six (6) months, if the job requires.
Successful passage of the examination for Water Distribution Operator and Wastewater Collection Class II operator's license prior to appointment or at the first available opportunity offered by the Maryland State Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators. Applicants with appropriate experience and equivalent licensing from another state will be considered for employment but will be required to obtain a statement of reciprocity from the Maryland State Board prior to appointment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at hripkin@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.