What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Worker II - Department of Public Works, Bureau of Highways, Dayton Shop position at Howard County Government?
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:
POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a semi-skilled position that provides both manual labor and equipment operation support to accomplish the organizations objectives.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$21.03 - $23.22/Hourly
$43,748 - $48,290/Annually
This is semi-skilled manual work performing general laboring operations. Work includes performing assignments involving the use of a variety of tools. This class is differentiated from the Utility I level by the complexity of duties assigned and greater independence of action. Work is performed with general supervision from a crew leader. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines.
*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.*Any combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform semi-skilled manual work and one year of experience in general laboring or public works maintenance and construction activities which included the use of small hand and power tools.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
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 talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee shall work overtime under emergency conditions or as circumstances warrant. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
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 outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is very loud. The employee may be exposed to high temperatures given off by various materials.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
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 semi-skilled position that provides both manual labor and equipment operation support to accomplish the organizations objectives.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$21.03 - $23.22/Hourly
$43,748 - $48,290/Annually
*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*
CLASS DESCRIPTION:This is semi-skilled manual work performing general laboring operations. Work includes performing assignments involving the use of a variety of tools. This class is differentiated from the Utility I level by the complexity of duties assigned and greater independence of action. Work is performed with general supervision from a crew leader. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines.
*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.*
CDL-*Please note that this position is subject to random drug screening in accordance with federal DOT regulations.**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.*
Equipment Operation:
- Operates equipment such as spreader box, rollers, chippers, sweepers, hoses, cement mixers, forklifts, light tractor with attachments, and compactors.
- Operates tail gate to regulate stone flow.
- Uses lawn mowers, chain saws, and other tools for vegetation work.
- May operate a dump truck with attachments during emergency operations.
Maintenance and Repair:
- Performs routine maintenance on power equipment including lubrication, cleaning, and sharpening.
- Conducts preventive maintenance on equipment: changing oil and filters, checking fluid levels, charging batteries, cleaning engine parts.
- Changes and repairs tires; replaces lamps, fuses, and windshield wipers.
Construction and Labor:
- Lays brick for drainage structures.
- Builds and installs forms and guides for grading and masonry work.
- Uses air hammer to break paved surfaces; spreads concrete.
- Performs general laboring tasks as needed.
- May perform duties of a Utility Worker I.
- Performs basic horticultural practices such as cutting grass, pruning, weeding, removing debris and plant identification.
Traffic and Public Interaction:
- Directs traffic flow during work activities.
- Assists in traffic control maintenance operations.
- Fabricates and installs traffic and street signs.
- May interact directly with the public at work sites.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
- Shall have a valid Maryland Class C Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License within 6 months.
- Knowledge of the methods and techniques of operating and caring for hand and power tools.
- Knowledge of standard practices of necessary operations.
- Ability to learn the standard policies and procedures within the Bureau of Highways.
- Ability to learn the safe operation of less complex types of motor and mechanical equipment.
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 talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee shall work overtime under emergency conditions or as circumstances warrant. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
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 outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is very loud. The employee may be exposed to high temperatures given off by various materials.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, memos and read a road map.
- Ability to write simple correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one to fellow workers and vendors.
- Ability to add and subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
- Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
- 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.
Salary : $43,748 - $70,999