Administrative Assistant- Fire & Rescue Services, Administrative Services

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 policy making.

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:

Responsible for technical level financial administrative work performed for the daily operations of Fire & Rescues payroll processing.  

Work includes editing, reviewing, and processing data in the Department of Fire & Rescues (DFRS) payroll system, process updates to ensure compliance with overtime based on union agreements, review file maintenance and reconcile various payroll accounts and knowledge of Fire & Rescues and the County's payroll system.  

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$30.17 - $34.04

$62,751 - $70,806

* 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:

Performs senior technical level administrative support work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically involves administrative, technical and para- legal work providing staff assistance to various Boards; or administrative secretarial or constituent services work assisting the County Executive, the State's Attorney, the Chief Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Chief of Staff or the Chief Administrative Officer.

Assumes responsibility for clerical procedures and office operations; maintains executive calendar and appointments. May supervise a support staff. Work at this level may include independent responsibility for a difficult and complex administrative or clerical process not requiring the attention of a professional or technical expert.

* 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 may be eligible for a hybrid work after completion of probation, depending on performance and operational need.
* Payroll Administration and System Management:

* Assists in the management of Fire & Rescue's payroll system for over 600 uniformed, civilian, and contingent employees.

* May act as lead in the absence of the Payroll Administrator.

* Reviews union agreements for FLSA overtime and specialty pay requirements.

* Reviews and implements FLSA-related updates and specialty pays as required by collective bargaining agreements and federal, state, and County law; ensures compliance in overtime calculations.

* Creates daily and fiscal-year overtime reports for administrative staff and Fire Chief.

* Manages quarterly payments related to specialty pays, differentials, and allowances.

* Answers all payroll and leave-related questions for Fire & Rescue personnel.

Personnel Actions and Records Management:

* Submits Personnel Action Forms and required leave calculations to County Human Resources for promotions, demotions, terminations, retirements, resignations, reclassifications, actions, LWOP, military deployments, premium pays, location changes, and other personnel actions.

* Enters data into and assists in management of the Fire records management system (RMS).

* Manages career, civilian, and volunteer personnel records…