Utility Worker III - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, Service Division

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, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties.

NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to 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:

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 the complexity of using a variety of equipment and documents to identify and accurately locate various underground utility lines throughout the county.

The work must be performed correctly to prevent damage, to avoid interruption of services to the public, and to facilitate work performed by the County, utility companies and contractors. 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 considerable contact with the public to answer routine inquiries or respond to complaints.

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 crew leader.  Work includes tasks needed in the construction, operation and maintenance of public works facilities in the unit 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.

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

* Marks locations of water/sewer house connections and mains in accordance with calls from the Maryland "One Call" Center.  

* This program, also known as "Miss Utility", is required under Maryland State Law.

* Operates Vivax 810 or other radio locating device when needed to accomplish the location of water/sewer lines.  

* Drive a dump truck with/without a trailer for hauling sand, stone, pipe, backhoe and other materials to/from construction projects.

* All bulk materials will be removed or brought in by truck.  

* Load and unload a backhoe for delivery to and return from job site for various construction projects.

* Operates a backhoe or other heavy construction equipment under supervision.  

* Work with a construction crew on water and sewer installations and repairs.

* Operates a sewer jet truck in the routine maintenance and emergency relief of sanitary sewers and house connections.

* Operates a sewer vactor unit for cleaning wet wells, storm drains, and manholes.  

* Inspects sanitary sewer manholes and pipelines for condition and flow characteristics.  

* Inspects and maintains utility right of way for access and maintenance.

* Carries all hand tools necessary to open manholes.

* Updates sewer records with results of findings and assists repair crews.

* Reads residential and commercial water meters for billing and maintenance…