Deputy Bureau Chief - (Engineering Manager I) - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities

Howard County Government•Columbia, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Howard County Government is seeking outstanding individuals to join their team and contribute to excellence in County operations. This role is for a Deputy Bureau Chief of Utilities within the Department of Public Works (DPW), Bureau of Utilities. The position serves as the Technical Services Division Manager, responsible for managing the Bureau's technical and engineering programs that support the County's water distribution, wastewater collection, and water reclamation plant. Key responsibilities include overseeing Bureau-wide support functions such as operational budgeting, financial management, purchasing, procurement coordination, contract administration, and administrative operations. The role involves close collaboration with Division Managers, the Bureau of Engineering, the Department of Finance, Regulatory Agencies, Consultants, Contractors, Elected Officials, Developers, and Regional Utility Partners to advance DPW's strategic priorities. Additionally, the position will perform the duties of the Bureau Chief of Utilities in their absence. This is a mid-management level and advanced engineering and/or architectural work performed under general supervision. The position is classified and considered essential personnel, requiring reporting during inclement weather, emergencies, and holidays, and may be on-call. This position is not tele-work eligible.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
Six (6) years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
State of Maryland Registered Professional Engineer and/or Maryland Licensed Architect

Nice To Haves

Four (4) years experience in supervising technical and support personnel in the water and sewer sector
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Environmental or Mechanical Engineering

Responsibilities

Serves as Acting Bureau Chief of Utilities, in the absence of the Bureau Chief, and assumes full responsibility for the leadership, administration, and management of the Bureau, including decision-making, operational oversight, personnel management, emergency response, regulatory compliance, financial management, and representation of the Bureau before County leadership, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
Manages subordinate personnel responsible for daily water and sewer system operations and inspections, budgeting, purchasing, accounting, and other Bureau support activities.
May perform special projects as needed with or without advance notice.
This position is considered emergency personnel and may be required to report for regular and emergency operations.
Works closely with DPW's Enterprise Asset Manager to oversee long-range infrastructure replacement and renewal strategies, asset condition assessments, lifecycle planning, and risk-based investment priorities to ensure the reliability, resilience, and long-term sustainability of the County's water and wastewater infrastructure.
Coordinates the preparation of the Water and Sewer Master Plan.
Coordinates Water and Sewer Capital Project implementation.
Provides oversight of the Bureau's regulatory compliance programs by ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local requirements, including EPA, MDE, OSHA, and County regulations.
Directs implementation of the Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance (CMOM) Program.
Oversees the annual Water Audit.
Ensures compliance with permits and regulatory reporting requirements.
Leads technical investigations and corrective actions to maintain regulatory compliance and protect public health and the environment.
Provides oversight of the Bureau's Operational Technology (OT) systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
Leads initiatives to enhance system reliability, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and data integration to support safe, efficient, and resilient utility operations.
Manages the Bureau's emergency response and planning programs related to homeland security.
Provides oversight of the Bureau's financial operations by directing the development and administration of the Operating Budget.
Supports capital budgeting and long-range financial planning.
Oversees procurement, purchasing, contract administration, and financial controls.
Guides utility rate studies and cost-of-service analyses to ensure fiscal responsibility and the long-term sustainability of the utility system.
Coordinates the annual operating budget.
Represents the Bureau in coordinating technical, operational, and financial activities with regional utility providers, regulatory agencies, and local governments, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, WSSC Water, MDE, and EPA.
Assists with the negotiation, administration, and oversight of intergovernmental agreements, regional partnerships, and service contracts to ensure regulatory compliance, operational coordination, and the reliable delivery of water and wastewater services.
Performs other related duties as assigned.