Operations Supervisor II - Public Works, Utilities, Service Division

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Operations Supervisor II - Public Works, Utilities, Service Division

Salary

$71,614.00 - $129,875.00 Annually

Location

Maryland 21045, MD

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

25-00731

Department

Public Works

Division

DPW - Utility Service

Opening Date

06/24/2025

Closing Date

7/8/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS

QUESTIONS

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, 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 you 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 supervisory position overseeing the activities of the Water Meter Division. Activities include water meter reading, new meter account set up, commercial meter testing and repair and account investigations. Consults with appropriate agencies and public to resolve concerns.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs intermediate supervisory level and advanced operations service work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes supervising the activities of laboring and equipment operations personnel in areas such as construction, maintenance, landfill disposal, tree care, utility, vehicle repair, contracted refuse collection, water reclamation, parks, horticulture, and forestry work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned:

Provides guidance and instructions for the daily activities of the water meter reading program. Coordinates with the supervisor of meter readers for their daily reading routes, re-reads, small meter installations and water meter vault repairs. Directs the activities of the administrative staff establishing new reading routes, and upload/download file transfers with Finance.

Provides guidance and instructions for the daily activities of commercial water meter maintenance and repair program. Coordinates with the supervisor of meter crews performing, new installations, inspections, meter investigations, demolition, replacement, meter testing, maintenance and repairs.

Order and maintain meter inventory for capital projects, new installations, and replacement.

Order and maintain material inventory for maintenance and repair of residential, fire hydrant and commercial meters.

Maintain and operate multiple meter reading software, hardware and equipment.

Order and maintain material inventory for AMI/AMR systems.

Conduct leak investigations, high usage bills and provide Finance with billing adjustment guidance.

Conduct customer account history using financial system and meter reading system

Conduct operation reports of estimated accounts, highest users, meter type and size, total accounts read, residential and commercial.

Perform electronic meter data logging.

New submeter account review, installation, inspection and approval.

Demonstrates methods and techniques of general laboring and motor equipment operation activities; trains personnel in equipment operations, trades practices, care and use of tools and materials, safety precautions; orders materials, tools and small equipment prior to beginning and completion of jobs; will maintain inventory of stock.

Participates in general planning and scheduling of ongoing and long range work activities.

Obtains daily work orders; assigns crews for fitting out trucks with necessary supplies and equipment; determines kind and amount of materials needed for daily work assignment.

Maintains records of progress of work, work accomplished, time on the job, materials used, accidents, and other relevant information; may participate in budget preparation.

Operates equipment and performs laboring activities as necessary.

Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Enters data into computer data base.

Performs duties as "Supervisor on Call" for afterhours emergency response on a rotational basis.

Coordinates the Bureau of Utilities snow removal program including coordination with other County agencies.

Manages two subordinate supervisors who supervise a total of 17 employees in Water Meter Reading and Water Meter Maintenance and Repair. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Also directly supervises two non-supervisory employees. 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; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

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.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED and six (6) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Experience and knowledge of residential and commercial water metering practices as well as a sound technical background in the operation and maintenance of the various styles and manufacture of water meters.

Class C Maryland Driver's License, or equivalent issued by state of residence.

Ability to read and understand blueprints and contract documents.

Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, methods and techniques of laboring and motor equipment operation activities as they relate to utility construction and maintenance work.

Thorough knowledge of tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in public works or other construction and maintenance work.

Considerable knowledge of the functions, operation and routine care and maintenance of a variety of motor and mechanical equipment.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in laboring and equipment operation activities.

Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.

Ability to plan, assign and review the work activities of laboring and equipment operation crews.

Ability to estimate materials, supplies, tools, equipment and man hours needed to complete assigned tasks.

Ability to maintain records and complete reports of activities.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates in a professional manner.

Ability to learn and understand computer operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 accommodation 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 stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. 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 frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

A certified Maryland Flagger Card within 6 months of employment.

A Confined Space Certification within 6 months of employment.

Successful passage of the examination for Water Distribution Operator and Wastewater Collection Class 2 operator's license prior to appointment or at the first available opportunity offered by the Maryland State Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators. Applicants with appropriate experience and equivalent licensing from another state will be considered for employment but will be required to obtain a statement of reciprocity from the Maryland State Board prior to appointment.

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 ( or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (

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 .... Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

Employer

Howard County Government

Address

3430 Court House Drive

Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043

Phone

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