Salary: $18.40 - $32.85 Hourly
Location : Ellicott City, MD
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 24-00766
Department: County Administration
Opening Date: 06/14/2024
Closing Date: 6/28/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
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, 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 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'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 Mail Services clerical and courier work at the journeyman level. Work includes the pickup and delivery of mail, parcels and packages, metering, weighing, cost computation and document preparation for a variety of outside delivery services including UPS, Federal Express, and the USPS. Employees in this position require a high level of accountability for materials entrusted to their care, and the ability to document receipts and deliveries of critical papers.
**This is a part-time benefitted position working 30-35 hours/week.**
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs technical level administrative support work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically involves performing skilled clerical, stenographic, and typing tasks but may also include determination of weights at a sanitary landfill; collecting fees; operating scales and cash registers; keeping records of materials and money received; and performing routine clerical tasks in an accounting environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Receives mail and parcel shipments from the USPS, UPS, and other transport firms, verifying the volume and content of the shipments and signs delivery slips, tickets or manifests as required. Acts as an Authorized Agent of the County government for the receipt of correspondence and parcels. Isolates suspicious incoming packages and letters using Suspicious Package Guidelines, Suspicious Package Indicators, and Mail Security Guide made available by USPS and County police and administration and alert public safety agencies. Records damaged incoming packages on shipper log and subsequently notifies the carrier in the event of damages found.
• Sorts mail and parcels into trays, boxes or other receptacles, dividing the material into separate delivery locations. Packages, wraps, or bands the combined shipments for subsequent delivery. When using the van or truck, packs the materials into the vehicle to ensure safe transport.
• Makes special direct deliveries of materials between persons and/or agencies as required or directed. Maintains a signature log book of special deliveries including UPS parcels, Certified, Express, and Registered Mail, showing tracking numbers, shipper name, when and to whom the materials were delivered.
• Delivers mail and regular parcels, either on foot within the County Office Building Complex, or via van or truck throughout outlying Howard County office locations.
• Prepares outgoing mail and parcels for the USPS, UPS and other transport companies following the requirements of the firm used. Prepares the UPS manifest using either the manual system or automated scales and equipment. Meters and affixes postage to USPS materials following current Postal regulations and guidelines.
• Prepares and verifies Express, Third Class bulk mailings and First Class Pre-sort mailings following current USPS regulations and guidelines. Prepares USPS submittal forms and manifests for such special mailings. Trains other personnel in the proper sorting and packaging of Express, bulk and pre-sort mailings.
• Runs Presort Standard and First Class Presort mail through the mail machine for postage imprint after changing and adjusting the machines set up in the desired mode and have such metered letters trayed in the exact sequence shown in the postage statements and reports. The trays then need to be secured with tray sleeves and ties before transported to the Postal facility with related papers.
• Troubleshoots minor issues related to letter jams and such other simple malfunctions that need minor adjustments as illustrated in the owner's manual.
• Reports major machine malfunctions to the supervisor and be able to connect with the vendor for repair and/or service/maintenance.
• Monitors and records periodic postage and carrier rates changes, loads vendor supplied postage rate chips on to the meter modem, monitors postage balances and reports low postage levels to the supervisor for replenishment and be able to remotely transfer funds electronically to the machines from a county deposit at the USPS/Hasler TMS account (Computerized Meter Resetting System), through a telephone link established exclusively between the machines and the TMS account deposit.
• Performs routine maintenance on the mail metering and weighing equipment such as filling up water tanks (envelope moistener) of the mail machines, cleaning water screens and filters, drain tubes and, periodically or as necessary, clean the visible, accessible areas of the machine.
• Performs routine maintenance on the mail carts, dollies, and platform trucks including cleaning, lubrication and the replacement of minor service parts. When operating the van or truck, is responsible for general cleanliness, replenishment of gasoline and washer fluid and maintains proper tire pressure of the vehicles.
• Arranges for scheduled maintenance of fleet vehicles under mail room custody, have vehicles booked out to customers, get related 'Motor Pool Vehicle Request' form completed and signed by the customers and, maintain the mileage logs and record scratches, dents and interior cleanliness upon return of the vehicle. Gets vehicles washed and cleaned.
• Performs other assigned duties as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED; and two years of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience with postal metering equipment and scales.
• Demonstrated familiarity with postal and express rate charts and computation methods.
• Experience in mail services or package shipping and delivery.
• Ability to use computers and common productivity programs, such as Word and Excel.
• Maryland Class C Driver's License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The physical demands and work environment 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 stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee frequently is required to talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 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 frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• 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 to customers and/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

Class C Maryland Driver's License.

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 (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
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 part-time benefited positions. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex. This plan provides employees the opportunity to purchase benefits including Medical, Dental and/or Optional Life Insurances, or to fund Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. All required employee contributions for benefit elections are made on a pre-tax basis. For a more detailed overview of our benefit package,
RETIREMENT PLANS: Part-time benefitted employees must enroll in the Howard County Retirement Plan. Part-time benefitted employees who hold recreation program support positions are not eligible to enroll in this benefit. This is a defined benefit plan that requires employees contributions, made on a pre-tax basis.
Currently, Part-time benefitted employees contribute 3% of their salary pre-tax to the plan. The County contributes an additional percentage to ensure that the plan is adequately funded.
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.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.
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, part-time benefited employees accrue 4.34 hours per month.. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is 5.34 hours per month. From years 11 through 20, the annual accrual is 6.34 hours per month. From year 21 on, annual accrual is 7 hours per month. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 160 hours may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue 4 hours per month. 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: Part-time benefited employees receive 24 hours of personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 16 hours of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 8 hours; 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 12 holidays.
New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Juneteenth; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Ingigenous People's 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.
LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: After a 6-month waiting period, part-time benefited employees meeting eligibility requirements may receive long term disability income benefits not to exceed 2/3 of the employee's monthly salary or $1250, whichever is less. 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.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services provided by MHNet, Inc. The initial 3 sessions are conducted at no cost to the employee. A 24-hour counseling hot-line is available by calling 1-800-492-4357.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: Employees may elect to have payroll checks deposited directly into the bank account of their choice. Contact the Office of Human Resources to receive forms to take advantage of this convenient banking option.
CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants. A Tower ATM machine is located in the lobby of the Police Headquarters building in the County Office Complex in Ellicott City. Membership applications are available by calling Tower Federal at 301-497-7000.
BLOOD DONATION DRIVES: In conjunction with the Howard County Health Department and the American Red Cross, blood donation drives are conducted twice each year. County employees' support and participation ensures that blood replacement is available to County employees, their family members and the community.
01

The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to complete these questions so that we may initially determine your eligibility for this position. A lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. This means you will be ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process.Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience?

• Yes
• No

03

If you possess two (2) years of related experience, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
04

Do you possess experience in mail services or package shipping and delivery?

• Yes
• No

05

If you possess experience in mail services or package shipping and delivery, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
06

Do you possess experience working with postal metering equipment and scales?

• Yes
• No

07

If you possess experience working with postal metering equipment and scales, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
08

Do you possess experience working with postal and express rate charts and using computation methods?

• Yes
• No

09

If you possess experience working with postal and express rate charts and using computation methods, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
10

How did you hear about this position?

• NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs
• Linked In
• Maryland Association of Counties
• National Association of Counties
• CEAM
• ASCE
• Indeed
• Employee Referral
• Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
• Handshake
• Career Fair
• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
• International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
• Other

11

If you indicated "Job Fair" or "Other" in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate "N/A" (Not Applicable).
12

Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• None

13

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

14

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.

• Yes
• No

15

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.

Required Question