Utility Worker III - Public Works - Bureau of Utilities - Utility Service ID-7318

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 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:

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  • 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 tasks needed in water meter reading, water meter repair, new meter installations, in-house meter appointments, delinquent account turn-on/offs, 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 limited contact with the public to answer routine inquiries or respond to complaints. 
 
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$22.52 - $24.85
$46,842 - $51,688


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 the crew leader. Work includes tasks needed in the construction, operation and maintenance of public works facilities in the unit 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 limited contacts with the public to answer routine inquiries or respond to complaints.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. 

  • Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
  • Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
  • Meter Maintenance.
  • Reads residential and commercial water meters for billing and maintenance functions using electronic devices or manually.  
  • Assist with reading and repairs of large commercial meters.  Utilizes a handheld computer to locate property and record water meter readings.
  • Performs residential water meter repairs in outside meter pits and inside private homes. Performs meter pit grade adjustments.  
  • Performs new meter installations residential and commercial
  • Performs high and low usage meter investigations
  • Troubleshoots and resolves various pressure and flow related inquiries and complaints
  • Turns water service off/on for delinquent accounts.
  • 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.
  • Operates M-scope or other radio locating device when needed to accomplish the location of water/ sewer lines.
  • 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 M-scope or other radio locating device when needed to accomplish the location of water/sewer lines.
  • Act as construction crew leader in the absence of the Utility IV.
  • Reads blueprints and contract maps.
  • Performs inspections and safety checks of equipment and vehicles; performs routine and preventive maintenance to heavy equipment and other mechanical systems.
  • Observes instruments while vehicle is in operation; takes routine corrective action if malfunction is noted; inspects vehicle for loose parts, damaged or worn tires and other items affecting safe equipment operation and reports items to supervisor.
  • Assists in various construction activities at sites performing manual labor, and using hand/power tools, motorized equipment and heavy mobile equipment.
  • Maintains various logs and other operating records documenting assigned tasks and maintenance.
  • Perform crew leader functions as assigned.
  • Trains subordinate crew members in equipment operations, in trade practices and care and use of tools and materials.
  • 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.
  • This position will be assigned stand-by status on a rotational basis.
  • Performs overtime work and may perform on-call services. May perform duties of a Utility Worker II.
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