What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Worker III - Public Works - Bureau of Utilities - Maintenance 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 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 - $29.71
$48,247 - $61,787
*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.*
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities but may serve as a crew leader for specific job assignments.Any combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform skilled manual work in laboring operations and 2 years of experience in general laboring or public works maintenance and construction activities which included the use of hand and power tools.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
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 use their hands and fingers to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 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 regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to traffic hazards, walking hazards, confined space hazards, customer's pets, and poisonous plants. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
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.
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 - $29.71
$48,247 - $61,787
*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 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.*
Equipment Operation and Transportation:
- Drive a dump truck with or without a trailer to haul sand, stone, pipe, backhoe, and other materials.
- Load and unload a backhoe for delivery to and from job sites.
- Operate a backhoe and other heavy construction equipment under supervision.
- Operate a sewer jet truck for routine maintenance and emergency relief of sanitary sewers.
- Operate a sewer vactor unit for cleaning wet wells, storm drains, and manholes.
- Perform inspections and safety checks of vehicles and equipment; conduct routine and preventive maintenance.
- Observe instruments during vehicle operation and take corrective action as needed.
Construction and Utility Work:
- Work with construction crews on water and sewer installations and repairs.
- Assist in construction activities using hand/power tools, motorized equipment, and heavy mobile equipment.
- Inspect sanitary sewer manholes and pipelines for condition and flow characteristics.
- Inspect and maintain utility rights-of-way for access and maintenance.
- Read blueprints and contract maps.
- Mark water and sewer house connection and main locations per Maryland “One Call”/Miss Utility requirements.
- Operate M-scope or similar radio locating equipment to locate water/sewer lines.
Water Meter Services:
- Read residential and commercial water meters for billing and maintenance.
- Perform new meter installations.
- Repair meters both indoors and outdoors.
- Conduct high-usage meter investigations.
- Troubleshoot and resolve pressure and flow-related inquiries and complaints.
Recordkeeping and Documentation:
- Carry necessary hand tools to open manholes.
- Update sewer records and assist repair crews with findings.
- Maintain logs and operating records documenting tasks and maintenance.
Leadership and Training:
- Act as construction crew leader in the absence of the Utility IV.
- Perform crew leader functions as assigned.
- Train subordinate crew members in equipment operations, trade practices, and proper use of tools and materials.
Emergency, Stand-By, and Additional Responsibilities:
- Serve as an emergency essential employee; report during inclement weather or emergency situations.
- Participate in rotational stand-by status.
- Perform overtime and on-call duties as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities but may serve as a crew leader for specific job assignments.Any combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform skilled manual work in laboring operations and 2 years of experience in general laboring or public works maintenance and construction activities which included the use of hand and power tools.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
- Valid Class C driver's license.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, methods, techniques, hazards and safety rules and regulations of laboring and motor equipment operations and activities as they relate to heavy construction and maintenance work for water and sewer facilities and meter installations and repairs.
- Considerable knowledge of the geography of the County.
- Knowledge of tools, equipment, materials, and supplies used in heavy construction and maintenance work.
- Knowledge of the functions, operation, and routine care and maintenance of a variety of wheeled and tracked motorized equipment both on and off the highway.
- Experience in the safe and efficient operation of heavy and/or complex motor equipment and tools.
- Experience in the efficient use and care of mechanical equipment, manual tools and power tools.
- Experience in service wheeled and tracked motor equipment.
- Experience in maintaining records and complete reports of activities.
- Experience in directing the activities of a laboring or motor equipment operation crew.
- Ability to work overtime under emergency conditions or as circumstances warrant.
- Experience in directing the activities of a laboring or motorized equipment operations crew.
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 use their hands and fingers to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 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 regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to traffic hazards, walking hazards, confined space hazards, customer's pets, and poisonous plants. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
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.
Salary : $48,247 - $78,262