Assistant Bureau Chief

Baltimore County, MD; Overlea (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Baltimore County, MD is seeking a Deputy Bureau Chief in the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, Administration. This executive role provides leadership, operational oversight, and strategic support to ensure efficient delivery of utility services.

Responsibilities include acting in the Bureau Chief's absence, directing daily operations, driving process improvements, and coordinating across divisions and external partners.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of asset management principles and practices.
• Experience with asset management software preferred.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage an engineering program.
• Ability to supervise professional, subprofessional and clerical staff.
• You must communicate effectively with internal staff and external vendors.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal advisor and deputy to the Bureau Chief on operational, administrative, and strategic matters.
• Act on behalf of the Bureau Chief in their absence, including decision-making authority and executive representation.
• Direct and oversee daily Bureau operations to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant utility services.
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Assist in development and administration of Bureau policies, procedures, goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate activities across divisions, bureaus, departments, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and recommend improvements based on data analysis and best practices.
• Support budget planning, resource allocation, and fiscal oversight activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable county, state, and federal regulations, policies, and safety standards.
• Respond to escalated operational issues, emergencies, and customer service concerns as needed.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and coordination lead during emergencies and critical incidents affecting Bureau operations.
• Oversee contract management activities throughout the full contract lifecycle.
• Spearhead process and system improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and organizational performance.

Skills

Asset management

Asset management software

Program management

Staff supervision

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma + 12 years subprofessional engineering experience

Maryland Professional Engineer license

Job description

Pay Schedule XII, Grade 3M, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week.

A vacancy exists in the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities, Administration.

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

YOU MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Serves as the second-in-command for the Bureau of Utilities, providing executive-level leadership, operational oversight, and strategic support to ensure efficient delivery of utility services. Acts on behalf of the Bureau Chief as needed and leads performance management, process improvement, and organizational initiatives across the Bureau.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Serve as principal advisor and deputy to the Bureau Chief on operational, administrative, and strategic matters.
• Act on behalf of the Bureau Chief in their absence, including decision-making authority and executive representation.
• Direct and oversee daily Bureau operations to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant utility services.
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Assist in development and administration of Bureau policies, procedures, goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate activities across divisions, bureaus, departments, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and recommend improvements based on data analysis and best practices.
• Support budget planning, resource allocation, and fiscal oversight activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable county, state, and federal regulations, policies, and safety standards.
• Respond to escalated operational issues, emergencies, and customer service concerns as needed.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and coordination lead between the Bureau Chief, senior management, and operational staff during emergencies, critical incidents, and other time-sensitive situations affecting Bureau operations.
• Oversee contract management activities throughout the full contract lifecycle, including procurement coordination, contract administration, vendor performance monitoring, compliance oversight, and ongoing operational management of contracted services.
• Spearhead process and system improvement initiatives by evaluating operational workflows, identifying efficiencies, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance service delivery, accountability, and organizational performance.

Examples of Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as required.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Minimum Qualifications Training and Experience

Possession of a high school diploma, plus twelve years’ subprofessional engineering experience. (Additional qualifying education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required experience).

OR

Possession of a certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Candidates should have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of asset management.
• Knowledge of asset management software preferred.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage an engineering program.
• Ability to supervise professional engineering, subprofessional engineering, technical, and clerical staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal staff and external vendors.

Proof of License and Certificates

Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a noncommercial, class C Maryland driver's license may be required for some positions at the time of appointment.

Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org).

YOU MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The work of this classification is essentially sedentary, with occasional walking, standing, and other limited physical activities. Duties may include field inspections and travel to various work sites.

Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.