Waste Water Operations Superintendent - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, Water Reclamation

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:

• 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/CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This is a supervisory position at The Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant. The work is performed with general direction from the Waste Water Treatment Plant Manager. Work includes supervising and directing daily operations, safety practices, policies and procedures, and in assisting in the administration of the Plant. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with functional precedents, established practices, prescribed policies, and innovative solutions at times. Contacts with others are extensive and on a regular basis, including contact with the general public, industry colleagues, State and Federal Regulatory Agencies, and various County personnel and agencies.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs senior supervisory and advanced level operations service work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes planning and directing operations, maintenance, and repair activities of water and sewer services, treatment plant, or maintenance services. Work also includes inspecting daily operations, and enforcing standard safety practices, policies, and procedures; maintaining records, assisting in the budgetary process, and reviewing expenditures.Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for the overall supervision of the Operations Section of the Plant, consisting of unskilled, semiskilled, and skilled workers engaged in general labor and Plant operations activities. 
• Enforces standard Plant personal and equipment safety policies, practices, and procedures. 
• Participates in interviewing and selecting lower level supervisors and employees; prepares work schedules. 
• Plans and directs both the daily and long term operations of Plant processes and operations and sludge disposal activities. 
• Analyzes various Plant instrument and laboratory data and adjusts various Plant processes accordingly. Is responsible for interpreting and enforcing County and Plant policies and procedures. 
• Develops, implements, and maintains standard operating procedures. 
• Maintains Plant equipment and facilities. 
• Gathers information and maintains Plant records and reports. 
• Submits various records and reports to State and Federal Regulatory agencies. 
• Evaluates and monitors employee performance. Monitors Plant process and control procedures for compliance with applicable operating permits. 
• Develops budget requirements and monitors budgetary performance.
• 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.
  
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages five (5) subordinate supervisors who supervise a total of eighteen (18) employees in the Operations Section. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. 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.High School Diploma or GED and eight (8) years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFEREED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of advanced wastewater principles, processes, and operations; knowledge of laboratory procedures; knowledge of applicable State and Federal requirements and regulations.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable State and Federal requirements and regulations.
• Knowledge of basic administrative practices and arithmetic.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles as related to wastewater management.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of safety rules and practices.
• Ability to interpret Plant tests and direct process changes.
• Ability to maintain operating records, supplies, and materials inventory.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

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 walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color 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 moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Class C Maryland Driver's License.

Class "5A" Wastewater Operator Certificate. Out of state applicants are required to obtain a statement of reciprocity.

Must successfully complete a seven hour training program approved by the State for Superintendent's license at the first opportunity offered by the State; and maintenance of said certificate during tenure of employment.

Salary : $84,113 - $161,968