Engineering Specialist III - Public Works, Engineering/Utility Design

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:
Advanced professional engineering work at the full performance level involving overseeing and directing the activities of County or consultant engineers, surveyors, inspectors, contractors and/or other professionals in the course of implementing the water and sewer capital improvement programs.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$45.68 - $51.52
$95,019 - $107,162
 
CLASS DESCRIPTION: 
Performs advanced professional level engineering and/or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, with considerable independence but under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.  Work includes reviewing complex engineering and/or architectural plans, resolving difficult design analysis, acting as project manager for large scale projects, and preparing planning and engineering documents.  Work at this level is distinguished by unique engineering analysis and expertise in areas such as mechanical, electrical or structural engineering; in depth architectural experience in the development, design and construction of institutional building types such as libraries, community centers, police and fire stations, etc.

*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*

PROJECT AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:

• Acts as project engineer/project manager for complex water and sewer capital projects requiring process and mechanical engineering skills and experience, including projects involving actuating water valve vaults, water and wastewater pumping stations, water storage facilities, and wastewater treatment facilities.

• Acts as program manager for portfolios of related water/wastewater facility infrastructure projects and for the development and implementation of asset management for assigned programs.

• Coordinates multiple projects, schedules and monitors contracts to ensure successful completion and closeout.
  Participates in internal review board meetings and may direct such meetings in supervisor’s absence.
  Represents the department at public hearings, meetings, and conferences as assigned.

TECHNICAL ENGINEERING DUTIES:

• Performs engineering studies and analyses to ensure that water and sewer system facilities and appurtenances are properly sized, constructed, operated, and maintained.

• Assures that new facilities and equipment meet operational requirements and specifications.

• Reviews preliminary and final plans, drawings, and specifications for new facilities for operational integrity and maintainability.

• Carries out special engineering projects and submits recommendations for alternatives and solutions.

BUDGETING, SCHEDULING, AND FISCAL OVERSIGHT:

• Responsible for project budgets and schedules, including work plan development, consultant selection, negotiations for scope of services, man-hour projections, and contract preparation.

• Prepares and reviews budgets and cost estimates; monitors and manages fiscal status of design and construction contracts.

• Practices cost control to minimize total County project costs.

• Forecasts future budgetary needs to support the Department’s financial planning process.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Acts in the capacity of Chief, Utility Design Division with the authority and responsibilities of the position during the absence of the Division's Engineering Manager I.Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and four (4) years related experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland.
• Valid Class Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence. 

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 sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 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.

The work will involve office and field situations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to construction sites, heavy construction equipment, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form that deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Salary : $95,019 - $183,113