What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Specialist II - Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, Technical Support position at Howard County, MD?
Salary : $84,113.00 - $161,968.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, MD
Job Type : Full Time
Job Number : 24-00696
Department : Public Works
Opening Date : 12 / 10 / 2024
Closing Date : Continuous
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 :
- 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 :
Professional engineering work for the Bureau of Utilities Technical Services Division.
CLASS DESCRIPTION :
Performs professional level engineering and / or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes designing engineering and / or architectural features to meet overall end-use objectives, reviewing engineering and construction plans, and assisting with preparation of planning and engineering documents.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
SCADA (Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition ) :
Ensures continuous remote automatic control of the county's water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
Revises, modifies, and updates SCADA programming, including display screens, control strategy, data communication, data acquisition, reporting, remote automatic alarming, remote connections, etc.
Oversees the upgrade of SCADA hardware and network.
Provides technical assistance to water and sewer facility maintenance personnel.
Provides on-call assistance when required.
Water and Sewer Developer Projects :
Provides recommendations to the Department of Planning and Zoning on proposed alignment, construction, and maintainability of the proposed water and sewer systems.
Ensures that water and sewer plans have been prepared in an acceptable manner, meeting county design standards, and satisfying concerns of the Bureau of Utilities.
Provides the Chief of the Bureau of Utilities with information required for project approval.
Capital Project Management :
Capital Project Review :
Customer Service :
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 :
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in engineering with two (2) years' experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
Experience with reviewing water distribution and wastewater collection system design plans.
Temporary Traffic Control Manager's certification
Erosion and Sediment Control Certification
NASSCO Inspector Training Certification for Cured-In-Place Pipe Installation
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT :
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 occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; 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, 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, and outside weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY :
Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and / or boards of directors.
Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory.
Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
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.
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 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 $2500 contingent upon County funding.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE : Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.
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, and universal life insurance.
CREDIT UNION : Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
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.
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of professional engineering experience?
If you possess a Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of professional engineering 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.
Do you possess experience performing professional level engineering and / or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, including designing engineering and / or architectural features to meet overall end-use objectives, reviewing engineering and construction plans, and assisting with preparation of planning and engineering documents?
If you possess experience performing professional level engineering and / or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, including designing engineering and / or architectural features to meet overall end-use objectives, reviewing engineering and construction plans, and assisting with preparation of planning and engineering documents, 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.
Do you possess experience performing professional engineering work at the full performance level involving water and sewer developer projects?
If you possess experience performing professional engineering work at the full performance level involving water and sewer developer projects, 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.
Do you possess experience performing professional engineering work at the full performance level involving capital project management?
If you possess experience performing professional engineering work at the full performance level involving capital project management, 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.
Are you a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland?
Do you possess experience with reviewing water distribution and wastewater collection system design plans?
If you possess experience with reviewing water distribution and wastewater collection system design plans, 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.
How did you hear about this position?
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).
Do you possess an NASSCO Inspector Training certification for Cured-In-Place Pipe Installation
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?
Do you possess an Erosion and Sediment Control certification?
Do you possess a Temporary Traffic Control Manager's certification?
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
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 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.
Required Question
Salary : $84,113 - $161,968
