Utility Worker III - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities/Maintenance Division

Howard County Government•Maryland 21045, MD

17h•Onsite

About The Position

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 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. 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 skilled position performing various laboring and equipment operations functions. Work includes performing skilled duties involving the use of a variety of hand and power tools and equipment. Work may include assisting in the instruction and direction of subordinate crew members as assigned by the crew leader. Work includes tasks needed in the construction, operation and maintenance of the public works water and sewer systems including mains, manholes, valves, fire hydrants and other appurtenances depending on the Division to which the employee is assigned. Work is performed with general supervision from a crew leader or technical superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines. The work includes limited contact with the public to answer routine inquiries or respond to complaints. STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: $23.20 - $25.60 $48,247 - $53,239 CLASS DESCRIPTION: This is skilled manual work performing various laboring operations. Work includes performing skilled duties involving the use of a variety of hand and power tools and equipment. Work may include assisting in the instruction and direction of subordinate crew members as assigned by the crew leader. Work includes tasks needed in the construction, operation and maintenance of public works facilities in the unit to which the employee is assigned. Work is performed with general supervision from a crew leader or technical superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines. The work includes limited contacts with the public to answer routine inquiries or respond to complaints. This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months. Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810. This position has been designated as "essential personnel" , meaning an employee is expected to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the know ledges, skills, and abilities required to perform skilled manual work in laboring operations and two (2) years of experience in general laboring or public works maintenance and construction activities, which included the use of small hand and power tools.
Class A or A-Restricted Commercial Driver's License, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire date.
Confined Space Training Certification.
Maryland State DOT certified Flagging Card.
Water and Sewer Operators License, possession of such licensure within time limits specified by the County.
HazMat 40-hour training Certification, with 8-hour annual recertification.
Annual Medical Certification.
Annual SCBA Training Certification, including fit test.
OSHA/MOSHA Annual Training Certification.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, and other employees of the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to perform these operations using units of weigh, volume, and distance measurements.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but not complex written or oral instructions.
Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Nice To Haves

May serve as a crew leader for specific job assignments.

Responsibilities

Drive a dump truck with/without a trailer for hauling sand, stone, pipe, backhoe and other materials to/from construction projects.
All bulk materials will be removed or brought in by truck.
Load and unload a backhoe for delivery to and return from job site for various construction projects.
Operates a backhoe or other heavy construction equipment under supervision.
Work with a construction crew on water and sewer installations and repairs.
Operates a sewer jet truck in the routine maintenance and emergency relief of sanitary sewers and house connections.
Operates a sewer vactor unit for cleaning wet wells, storm drains, and manholes.
Inspects sanitary sewer manholes and pipelines for condition and flow characteristics.
Inspects and maintains utility right of way for access and maintenance.
Carries all hand tools necessary to open manholes.
Updates sewer records with results of findings and assists repair crews.
Reads residential and commercial water meters for billing and maintenance activities.
Performs new meter installations.
Performs meter repairs both inside buildings/homes and outside in pits.
Performs high usage meter investigations.
Troubleshoots and resolves various pressure and flow related inquiries and complaints.
Marks locations of water/sewer house connections and mains in accordance with calls from the Maryland "One Call" Center.
Operates M-scope or other radio locating device when needed to accomplish the location of water/sewer lines.
Act as construction crew leader in the absence of the Utility IV and performs assigned crew leader functions as needed.
Reads blueprints and contract maps.
Performs inspections and safety checks of equipment and vehicles; performs routine and preventive maintenance to heavy equipment and other mechanical systems.
Observes instruments while vehicle is in operation; takes routine corrective action if malfunction is noted; inspects vehicle for loose parts, damaged or worn tires and other items affecting safe equipment operation and reports items to supervisor.
Assists in various construction activities at sites performing manual labor, and using hand/power tools, motorized equipment and heavy mobile equipment.
Maintains various logs and other operating records documenting assigned tasks and maintenance.
Trains subordinate crew members in equipment operations, in trade practices and care and use of tools and materials.
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 arises.
This position will be assigned stand-by status on a rotational basis.
Performs overtime work and may perform on-call services.
May perform duties of a Utility Worker II.