Job Details
Salary : $40,435.00 - $65,603.00 Annually
Location : Elkridge, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: UT II - Mayfield FY24
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 07/01/2023
Closing Date: 6/30/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
This is a semi-skilled position that provides both manual labor and equipment operation support to accomplish the organizations objectives.
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This is semi-skilled manual work performing general laboring operations. Work includes performing assignments involving the use of a variety of tools. This class is differentiated from the Utility I level by the complexity of duties assigned and greater independence of action.
Work is performed with general supervision from a crew leader or supervisor.
Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Operates a variety of equipment such as a spreader box; rollers; sweepers; hoses; cement mixers; forklifts; light tractor with sweeping and moving attachments, and compactors in highway maintenance work; and other laboring activities as required.
Performs routine maintenance on power equipment including lubrication, cleaning, and sharpening.
Uses scythes, lawn mower and other equipment to cut grass and weeds; uses chain saw and other tools to remove tree limbs, trees and debris.
Lays brick in the construction of drainage boxes; builds elementary forms and guides for grading and masonry operations; installs such forms.
Operates tailgate to regulate stone flow over tarred surfaces; uses air hammer to break paved surfaces; spreads concrete.
Performs preventive maintenance on some equipment by changing oil and oil filters; checking battery water, transmission, brake and steering fluid levels; lubrication; charging batteries; cleaning engine parts; and changing tires and windshield wipers.
Installs traffic and street signs.
Assists in traffic signal maintenance operations.
May be required to deal directly with the public at the work site.
May perform duties of Utility Worker I.
May on occasion operate paint spray equipment and highway striping equipment.
May on occasion utilize light duty vehicles for plowing snow and material application.
Sets up work zone traffic control.
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.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform semi-skilled manual work and one year of experience in general laboring or public works maintenance and construction activities which included the use of small hand and power tools.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the methods and techniques of operating and caring for hand and power tools and the ability to learn the operation of such tools.
Knowledge of standard practices of operations.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability of learn safe and correct work procedures.
Ability to perform heavy labor for prolonged periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
Ability to work overtime under emergency conditions or as circumstances warrant.
Ability to maintain effective relationships with the public and coworkers.
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 accommodations 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 talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance 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 regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, and/or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, memos, and to read a road map.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Shall have a valid class "B" CDL issued by the State of Maryland and DOT physical card prior to appointment, or possession of such licensure within time limits specified by the county and during tenure of employment as a Utility Worker II.
Possession of a valid Maryland approved flagger program card may be required, depending upon work assignment, and must be obtained within Department time frames and maintained during tenure of employment.
Confined space training certification may also be required, when required by work assignment.
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.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at
FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.
GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.
ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.
PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.
HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays:
New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.
OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.
Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.
457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $1500 contingent upon County funding.
LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.
DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, universal life insurance, and discounted auto/homeowner's insurance programs.
CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
02
Do you possess at least one year of experience in general laboring or public works maintenance and construction activities, including the use of small hand and power tools?
03
If you possess the required year of experience, please detail that experience in the space provided below.
Include in your response, the employer, dates of employment, title, and the relevant duties performed. Please be advised "see resume" is not an adequate response.If you do not possess relevant experience please enter "Not Applicable".
04
Do you possess work experience involving snow removal operations?
05
If you indicated you possess the professional experience addressed in the previous question, please give us your
title, duties, dates of employment, as well as the employer for whom these duties were executed, in the space provided below. If you do not possess this experience, please enter N/A (Not Applicable).
Please note entering "see resume" and/or copying and pasting irrelevant job history does not constitute an adequate response. 06
Do you have experience operating construction equipment such as skid loaders, tractors, trucks, etc.?
07
If you indicated you possess the professional experience addressed in the previous question, please give us your
title, duties, dates of employment, as well as the employer for whom these duties were executed, in the space provided below. If you do not possess this experience, please enter N/A (Not Applicable).
Please note entering "see resume" and/or copying and pasting irrelevant job history does not constitute an adequate response. 08
Do you possess a CDL (Commercial Driver's License)?
09
If you possess a CDL, please enter the Class (A/B) and your License number in the space provide below.
If you do not possess this credential please enter N/A (Not Applicable). 10
Do you have experience in establishing Work Zone Traffic Control?
11
If you indicated you possess the professional experience addressed in the previous question, please give us your
title, duties, dates of employment, as well as the employer for whom these duties were executed, in the space provided below. If you do not possess this experience, please enter N/A (Not Applicable).
Please note entering "see resume" and/or copying and pasting irrelevant job history does not constitute an adequate response. 12
Are you aware that this position requires you to function as "essential personnel" meaning that you are expected to work during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis? 13
I understand that employment with Howard County may require my driving record to be periodically obtained and reviewed for the purposes of initial and/or continued employment. I authorize Howard County to obtain and review said records for the outlined purposes. - I have read, and agree to, language outlined above.
14
I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
15
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
Required Question