Maintenance Mechanic I - Public Works, Utilities/Water Reclamation

Howard County Government; Savage (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Government is seeking a semi-skilled maintenance worker in Maryland to repair and maintain buildings and machinery. The position requires basic trades experience and a Class C Driver's license.

You will perform equipment repairs, perform plumbing/electrical tasks, and keep basic records of time and parts used. The starting pay is $23.20–$26.25 per hour, with a corresponding annual range and pay equity alignment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or 1 year related experience or training.
• Class C driver's license is required.
• Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Mends industrial equipment such as gear boxes, pumps, conveyors, chains and belt drives.
• Cleans and lubricates parts and machine assemblies; installs packing and mechanical seals.
• Performs basic repairs to tools and equipment and assists in more complex tasks.

Skills

Tools handling

Carpentry

Electrical work

Plumbing

Reading blueprints

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand and power tools

Job 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, 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'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 - $26.25/Hourly
$48,247 - $54,610/Annually

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

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*

*Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.*

Equipment Maintenance and Repair:

• 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.
• Assists in performing more complex tasks.

Facility and General Maintenance:

• Repairs plumbing and restroom fixtures.
• Performs a variety of carpentry, electrical, mechanical, grounds, and building maintenance functions.
• Prepares surfaces for painting and paints indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Recordkeeping and Inventory:

• Maintains records of time on job, parts and supplies used, and tool inventory.

Other Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or one (1) year related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Class C driver's license

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Skill in the care and use of tools and equipment commonly used in building maintenance and repair.
• Skill in the use of varied hand and power tools.
• Ability to install and perform basic repairs on electrical fixtures, plumbing and mechanical equipment; and ability to perform basic repairs to buildings.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform manual tasks requiring dexterity.
• Knowledge of the methods, practices, materials and tools used in building and industrial maintenance trades such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.

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.