Operations Supervisor I- Public Works, Highways/Road Maintenance Division

Howard County Government; Dayton (MD); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Government seeks a highly skilled frontline supervisor to direct maintenance crews on transportation facilities. You will operate and supervise driving, excavation, road surfacing and related heavy equipment tasks while ensuring safety and quality standards.

Requires a high school diploma or GED and at least four years of related experience; a valid CDL Class B with DOT card is required, with Class A possible depending on work scope.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Four (4) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid CDL license Class B with DOT card; ability to obtain Class A if required.

Responsibilities

• Directs crews in performing complex maintenance activities on transportation facilities.
• Oversees excavation, inspection and grouting, road surfacing, pipe installation, tree work and related operations.
• Trains crew members in equipment operation, trades practices, and tool use.
• Directs and participates in day-to-day operations of a large site or sites.
• Directs activities of more than one crew when necessary.

Skills

Leadership

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Crew supervision

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Marylandbetween 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?

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 highly skilled technical, front line supervisor position. Directs crews daily in performing complex maintenance projects and operates complex construction equipment while undertaking task.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$32.03 - $35.02

$66,629 - $72,842

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs supervisory and advanced level operations service work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes directing the activities of one or more crews of laboring and/or motor equipment operation and repair personnel; driving and operating of heavy motor, construction, and complex mechanical equipment; may direct and participate in the day to day operations of a large size site or sites.

*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.*

Crew Leadership & Oversight:

• Directs crews in performing complex maintenance activities on transportation facilities.
• Directs assigned crew on tasks such as excavation, inspection and grouting, road surfacing, pipe installation, tree trimming and removal, and other related operations.
• Demonstrates proper methods and techniques for construction, maintenance, laboring, and equipment operation tasks.
• Trains crew members in equipment operation, trades practices, and proper care and use of tools and materials.
• Assists in interviewing personnel and recommends hiring.

Skilled Construction & Maintenance Work:

• Performs skilled construction and maintenance tasks required by the assigned unit.
• Reads blueprints, contract maps, lines, and grades to complete portions of construction or maintenance projects.
• Performs work assigned through work orders and completes required job sheets and time sheets.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Equipment Operation:

• Operates hydraulic excavators to dig ditches and install drainage pipe.
• Drives tractor trailers to haul equipment to job sites.
• Operates forklifts to load and unload heavy materials; manually loads/unloads additional materials as needed.
• Operates compressors, trenchers, tamping machines, and other related equipment required for assigned work.

Vehicle & Equipment Inspection and Maintenance:

• Observes instruments while equipment is in operation and takes routine corrective action when malfunctions are noted.
• Inspects vehicles for loose parts, damaged or worn tires or tracks, proper tire pressure, and other safety-related conditions.
• Performs routine and preventive maintenance as established by the unit.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly supervises 12 employees in the Zone Central Maintenance. 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; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

High School Diploma or GED and four (4) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a valid CDL license Class B, issued by the State of Maryland, with a valid DOT card and the ability to obtain a CDL license Class A, if work requires.
• A certified Maryland Flagger Card within 6 months of employment.
• A Confined Space Certification within 6 months, if the job requires.
• A MD Tree Expert License within 6 months, if the job requires.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, methods, techniques, hazards and safety rules and regulations of laboring and motor equipment operations and activities as they relate to heavy construction and maintenance work.
• Considerable knowledge of the geography of the County.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of tools, equipment, materials, and supplies used in heavy construction and maintenance work.
• Knowledge of the functions, operation, and routine care and maintenance of a variety of wheeled and tracked motor equipment both on and off the highway, mechanical equipment, manual and power tools.
• Skill in the safe and efficient operation of heavy and/or complex motor equipment and tools.
• Skill in the efficient use of and care for manual and power tools.
• Ability to service wheeled and tracked motor equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints and contract maps.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, directions, and traffic signals.
• Ability to maintain records and complete reports of activities.
• Ability to perform heavy labor for prolonged periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a professional manner.
• Ability to direct the activities of a laboring or motor equipment operation crew.
• Ability to resolve inquiries and complaints from the public regarding roads, bridges, storm drains, trees and other matters.
• Ability to direct the activities of more than one crew when necessary.
• Ability to perform computer operations and data in put.

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 regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 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 employee shall work overtime under emergency conditions or as circumstance warrants. 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 regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed high, precarious places, and to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is very loud. The employee may be exposed to high temperatures given off by various materials.

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 before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• 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.