Utilities Bureau Chief (Engineering Manager II) - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, Operations

Howard County

  • Columbia, MD
  • $121,165-233,402 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 months ago
Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community. The County is home to Columbia, ranked No. 13 in the Best Places to Raise a family rankings of 2023 ( ), and the best public schools in the state of Maryland. Howard County is a sought-after place to live for those seeking a high quality of life along with a richly diverse population.Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a model of effective governance and a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading national 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 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.
This is an Executive Exempt position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.POSITION SUMMARY:This position is located in Howard County's Department of Public Works, Utilities Bureau.Reports directly to the Director of Public Works. Ensures staff within the Bureau continue to provide a high level of service in the operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems. Regularly interfaces with stakeholders such as Human Resources, Finance, IT, Engineering Bureau and unions to address the needs of the Bureau. Requires expertise in the principles of drinking water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment.The Utilities Bureau Chief (Engineering Manager II) manages the activities of the Department of Public Works' (DPW) Utilities Bureau. The Utilities Bureau Chief is responsible for overseeing, planning and managing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of Howard County's public water and sewer system. This position is considered emergency essential, and, as such, the incumbent may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or report to work outside of normal business hours.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. Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Responsible for the reliability of the drinking water system, wastewater collection system, and wastewater treatment system through effective leadership of and engagement with staff.
  • Responsible for ensuring the drinking water and wastewater systems maintain the health and safety of residents of Howard County.
  • Manages DPW's Utilities Bureau and oversees the day-to-day operation of the bureau, including but not limited to overseeing the operating budget for the bureau, maintenance of the water and sewer utility (drinking water system, wastewater collection system, and wastewater treatment system), and leading the work of projects and other related work within the Utilities Bureau.
  • Directs work programs, cost control procedures, personnel placement, program planning and analysis and the review of plans, designs and contract documents; develops and implements operational standards, procedures and policies; initiates and takes part in planning for operations development and expansion; analyzes alternative plans for engineering, administrative and economic feasibility.
  • Establishes bureau's goals and objectives; sets work standards; enforces work rules; plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of the bureau; provides input for, recommends, and administers approved bureau budgets, monitoring and controlling expenditures specific to the Utilities Bureau.
  • Manages bureau staff and other personnel in support of bureau's objectives and operational requirements in accordance with the organization and County's policies, procedures, and applicable laws performing full range of supervisory responsibilities across the bureau, including but not limited to: recommending personnel actions such as recommending for hire, transfer, and/or discipline; addressing complaints and resolving problems; training and developing staff; approving or disapproving leave; establishing and communicating objectives and expectations of staff; and evaluating staff performance.
  • Provides engineering decision making for operation and maintenance of the water and sewage collection system.
  • Consults with operating and staff officials, consultant engineers, developers, representatives of other governmental agencies and the public.
  • Represents the agency at applicable conferences and meetings.
  • Serves as state director of MDWARN (Mutual Aid Network).
  • This position is considered emergency essential, and, as such, the incumbent may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or report to work outside of normal business hours.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:Manages seven (7) subordinate supervisors who supervise a total of 174 employees in the Planning, Water Reclamation, Water Reuse, Operations&, Maintenance, Customer Service, and Technical Support Divisions. 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. 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:
  • 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 2 years was supervising staff.
  • 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 is required 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 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.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:
  • Skills in applying the principles, methods, techniques, and practices of water and wastewater treatment and collection for drinking water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment.
  • Ability to lead regulatory, programmatic initiatives, and maintenance of the drinking water system, wastewater collection system, and wastewater treatment system.
  • Knowledge of safety standards and procedures to be followed at water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment plants and/or facilities.
  • Knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment utilized in water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment plants and/or facilities.
  • Ability to supervise through planning, organizing, and directing the work of staff.
  • Ability to conduct research, compile data and prepare statistical and narrative reports.
  • Ability to interpret Federal, State, and County codes, standards, policies and technical requirements.
  • Ability to solve problems and take initiative on any issues that arises within the assigned work area.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of executives and leadership members, managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Ability to travel to and move around job sites independently to conduct inspections, investigations, audits, assessments, and other related work.
Registered Professional Engineer and/or licensed Architect in Maryland.

Howard County