Utilities Operations Bureau Chief - (Engineering Manager II) - Public Works, Utilities

Job Title

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 is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. 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 will like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence and continual improvement 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.

This is an Executive Exempt position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. This position will be open until filled.

Position Summary: Plans, directs and coordinates the public water and sewer system operation and maintenance. Starting Salary Hiring Range: $62.12 - $94.43 $129,210 - $196,423 Class Description: Performs advanced administrative level engineering and/or architectural work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes planning, directing, and coordinating engineering and/or architectural programs of considerable scope and complexity; supervising lower level engineers and architects; and overseeing the completion of major capital programs. May direct the operations of a department bureau, such as water and sewer services, highways, solid waste, facilities, or engineering and surveys.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Directs work programs, cost control procedures, personnel placement, program planning and analysis and the review of plans, designs and contract documents; develops and implements operational standards, procedures and policies; initiates and takes part in planning for operations development and expansion; analyzes alternative plans for engineering, administrative, and economic feasibility.
• Provide scientific/engineering decision making for operation of the water and sewer system.
• Manages the operating budget for the operation and maintenance of the water and sewer utility.
• Consults with operating and staff officials, consultant engineers, developers, representatives of other governmental agencies and the public.
• Responsible for the health and safety of employees and potable water and sewer service customers.
• Represents the agency at applicable conferences and meetings.
• This position is considered emergency essential, and, as such, the incumbent may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or then when an emergency situation arises.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages seven (7) subordinate who supervise a total of 174 employees in the Water Reclamation, Operations, Maintenance, Service, and Technical Support Divisions. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. 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; providing technical guidance; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Must be skilled in proactive communication and active employee engagement to include regular field site visits.

Minimum Required Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Architecture and eight (8) years of experience and registered as Professional Engineer and/or licensed Architect in Maryland. Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ten (10) years of experience in managing and/or leading water and sewer utility (drinking water system, wastewater collection system, and wastewater treatment system) work, of which two (2) years was supervising staff.
• Operational experience in wastewater treatment or utility construction.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; 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, color vision, peripheral 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; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Language Skills, Mathematical Skills, and Reasoning Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. 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 principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

Registered Professional Engineer in Maryland.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

Benefits

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.