Maintenance Mechanic I - Public Works - Bureau of Utilities/Water Reclamation

Howard County Government Position

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. 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 a semi-skilled position in the maintenance and repair of buildings and machinery. Starting salary hiring range: $23.20 - $25.60 ($48,247 - $55,938). This is semi-skilled work in the maintenance, alteration and repair of machinery, equipment and facilities. Work involves the performance of semi-skilled and un-skilled tasks. Work is performed with close supervision from a trades or administrative superior. Assignments vary depending on the demands of the group. They are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines. This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6)months.

This position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810. This position has been designated as "essential personnel," meaning an employee is expected to work during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Makes repairs to industrial equipment, such as gear boxes, pumps, conveyors, chain and belt drives.
• Cleans and lubricates parts and machine assemblies. Installs packing and mechanical seals.
• Makes basic repairs to tools and equipment.
• Repairs plumbing and restroom fixtures.
• Prepares surfaces for painting, paints indoor and outdoor surfaces.
• Performs a variety of carpentry, electrical, mechanical, grounds, and building maintenance functions.
• Maintains records of time on job, parts and supplies used and tool inventory.
• Assists in performing more complex tasks.
• 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.
• Other related duties as required.

Minimum Required Education/Experience: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the 12th grade and one (1) year related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Valid Class C driver's license.
• A Wastewater Collection Class II and Water Distribution Systems Operator license may be required.

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 frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move more than 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. 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 wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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 effectively. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. 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.

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.