Description
Howard County Government
Utilities Operations Bureau Chief - (Engineering ManagerII) - Public Works, Utilities
SALARY
$62.12 - $119.66 Hourly
$129,210.00 - $248,899.00 Annually
LOCATION
Columbia, MD
JOB TYPE
Full Time
JOB NUMBER
26-00370
DEPARTMENT
Public Works
DIVISION
DPW - Utilities Operations Division
OPENING DATE
04/02/2026
CLOSING DATE
4/30/2026 6:55 AM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
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 will like most about working at Howard County Government:
We are committed to workplace excellence and continual improvement 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 beencouraged!
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.
***This is an Executive Exempt position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.***
POSITION SUMMARY:
Plans, directs and coordinates the public water and sewer system operation and maintenance.
4/27/26, 8:20 AM Job Bulletin
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STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$62.12 - $94.43
$129,210 - $196,423
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs advanced administrative level engineering and/or architectural work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes planning, directing, and coordinating engineering and/or architectural programs of considerable scope and complexity; supervising lower level engineers and architects; and overseeing the completion of major capital programs. May direct the operations of a department bureau, such as water and sewer services, highways, solid waste, facilities, or engineering and surveys.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Directs work programs, cost control procedures, personnel placement, program planning and analysis and thereview of plans, designs and contract documents; develops and implements operational standards, procedures andpolicies; initiates and takes part in planning for operations development and expansion; analyzes alternative plansfor engineering, administrative, and economic feasibility.
Provide scientific/engineering decision making for operation of the water and sewer system.
Manages the operating budget for the operation and maintenance of the water and sewer utility.
Consults with operating and staff officials, consultant engineers, developers, representatives of other governmentalagencies and the public.
Responsible for the health and safety of employees and potable water and sewer service customers\.
Represents the agency at applicable conferences and meetings.
This position is considered emergency essential, and, as such, the incumbent may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or then when an emergency situation arises.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manages seven (7) subordinate who supervise a total of 174employees in the Water Reclamation, Operations, Maintenance, Service, and Technical Support Divisions. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; providing technical guidance; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Must be skilled in proactive communication and active employee engagement to include regular field site visits.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture and eight (8) years of experience and registered as Professional Engineer and/or licensed Architect in Maryland.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Ten (10) years of experience in managing and/or leading water and sewer utility (drinking water system,wastewater collection system, and wastewater treatment system) work, of which two (2) years was supervisingstaff.
Operational experience in wastewater treatment or utility construction.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently isrequired to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to touch,handle, or feel; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally liftand/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, colorvision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY:
You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.
No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status,
military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov
.
Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
Employer
Howard County Government
Address
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043
Phone
Website
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitiveinquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability tomake effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, publicgroups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory.Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Registered Professional Engineer in Maryland.
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410-313-2033
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty
Utilities Operations Bureau Chief - (Engineering Manager II) - Public Works, UtilitiesSupplemental Questionnaire
*
QUESTION 1
I understand that: - My application including the supplemental questions must be accurate and complete. - I mustclearly describe my work experience which relates to the job for which I am applying. - I must check and revise mywork history dates so they are accurate and do not inaccurately reflect that I am working 40-hour weeks at two ormore employers at the same time. - I may include all pertinent experience to include full- or part-time employment,volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other work history applicable to the position for which I am applying. - "SeeResume" is not a substitute for a completed application and will adversely impact my consideration.
Yes
No
*
QUESTION 2
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Engineering or Architecture and eight (8)years of experience and/or training in performing advanced administrative level engineering work or an equivalentcombination of education and experience?
Yes
No
*
QUESTION 3
If you possess eight (8) years of experience and/or training in performing advanced administrative level engineeringwork, please explain where you acquired this experience/training include your employer, position title, dates ofemployment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
*
QUESTION 4
Are you aware that this is an Executive Exempt position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority?
Yes
No
*
QUESTION 5
Are you aware that this is an Executive Exempt position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority?
Yes
No
*
QUESTION 6
Do you possess supervisory experience including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning,and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints andresolving problems?
Yes
No
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*
QUESTION 7
If you possess the supervisory/managerial experience addressed in the previous question, please explain where youacquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Beadvised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
*
QUESTION 8
Do you possess experience managing an operating budget for a water/sewer operations program?
Yes
No
*
QUESTION 9
If you possess experience managing an operating budget for a water/sewer operations program, please explain whereyou acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
*
QUESTION 10
Are you a Registered Professional Engineer?
Yes
No
*
QUESTION 11
Are you aware that this position requires that you function as "essential" personnel? Meaning that you are expected towork during inclement weather, emergency situations, and at an on-call basis?
Yes
No
*
QUESTION 12
How did you hear about this position?
NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs
Linked In
Maryland Association of Counties
National Association of Counties
CEAM
ASCE
Indeed
Employee Referral
Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
Handshake
Career Fair
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Insight Global
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Other
*
QUESTION 13
If you indicated "Job Fair" or "Other" in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended andspecifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate "N/A" (Not Applicable).
*
QUESTION 14
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, mye-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result inmy not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further consideredfor this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "careerseekers" link, and follow the prompts.
I have read and understand the language outlined above.
*
QUESTION 15
I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Iunderstand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiringprocess and termination of employment if hired.
I have read and understand the language outlined above.
*
Required Question
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Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture and eight (8) years of experience and registered as Professional Engineer and/or licensed Architect in Maryland.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Ten (10) years of experience in managing and/or leading water and sewer utility (drinking water system, wastewater collection system, and wastewater treatment system) work, of which two (2) years was supervising staff.
Operational experience in wastewater treatment or utility construction.
