Operations Supervisor I, Public Works, Shared Septic/Reclaimed Water Division

Howard-County; Savage (MD); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Wellness programs

Job summary

Howard County Government in Maryland seeks a front-line field supervisor to lead the Shared Septic/Reclaimed Water crew. You will schedule grinder pump installations, coordinate maintenance, and manage contractor work for wastewater systems.

This role requires a high school diploma or GED, four years of related experience, and safety certifications. You will train staff, review work orders, and respond to customer inquiries, with on-call rotations and essential personnel status.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and four years related experience.
• Ability to read blueprints and contract documents.
• Valid Maryland CDL Class B preferred; ability to obtain A if necessary.
• Safety certifications including Maryland Flagger Card and Confined Space.
• Experience supervising crews in field operations or utilities.

Responsibilities

• Directs crews performing shared septic grinder pump and sewer line maintenance.
• Schedules grinder pump installations, repairs, and maintenance tasks.
• Coordinates with contractors for wastewater plant operations.
• Trains staff on equipment operation and safety practices.
• Responds to customer inquiries and on-call emergencies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDL license Class B

Maryland Flagger Card

Confined Space Certification

Water Distribution Operator license (Class 2) or equivalent

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 2026, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 113 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 of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 165 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 front-line field supervisory position directing the activities of the Shared Septic/Reclaimed Water crew. Activities include the scheduling of sewer pump installations and repairs, scheduling of general maintenance activities, coordinating contractors for necessary wastewater treatment plant operations, customer inquiry and complaint resolution.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$32.03 - $35.02/Hourly
$66,629 - $72,842/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:

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.*

*This position has been designated as "essential personnel," meaning an employee is expected to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis.*

Supervision and Crew Leadership:

• Directs crews performing shared septic grinder pump and sewer line maintenance activities.
• Directs activities of grass-cutting and septic-pumping subcontractors for shared septic facilities.
• Directs snow-removal operations for shared septic systems.
• Directs assigned crews for tasks such as excavation, pipe repair, tree trimming/removal, and other field operations.
• Demonstrates methods, techniques, and best practices for laboring and motor-equipment operations.
• Trains subordinate crew members in equipment operation, trades practices, and proper care/use of tools and materials.
• Assists in interviewing personnel and recommending hiring.

Technical Field Work and Equipment Operation:

• Performs troubleshooting for shared sewage grinder pump alarms.
• Operates hydraulic excavators, forklifts, compressors, trenchers, tamping machines, and other related equipment.
• Performs skilled construction and maintenance work as needed.
• Observes instruments during vehicle operation and performs routine corrective action when needed.
• Inspects vehicles for safety issues, including tires, air pressure, and loose/damaged parts.
• Performs routine and preventive maintenance on assigned vehicles and equipment.

Construction and Maintenance Coordination:

• Coordinates with builders and plumbers.
• Schedules installation of all grinder pump and shared septic sewer line installations.
• Reads blueprints, contract maps, lines, and grades to support construction or maintenance projects.
• Performs work assigned from work orders and completes job sheets and time sheets.

Customer Service and Investigations:

• Conducts investigations into customer inquiries and complaints.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies as part of a rotational on-call schedule.

Administrative and General Responsibilities:

• Enters data into computer database systems.
• Assists the Maintenance Division when required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Serves as emergency essential personnel and may be required to report during inclement weather or emergencies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly supervises a number of employees. 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:

• A certified Maryland Flagger Card within six (6) months of employment.
• A Confined Space Certification within six (6) months, if the job requires.
• Successful passage of the examination for Water Distribution Operator and Wastewater Collection Class 2 operator's license prior to appointment or at the first available opportunity offered by the Maryland State Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators. Applicants with appropriate experience and equivalent licensing from another state will be considered for employment but will be required to obtain a statement of reciprocity from the Maryland State Board prior to appointment.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience in shared sewage disposal activities, which shall have included laboring and motor equipment operation work, and at least one (1) year of experience as a crew leader.
• Experience and knowledge of industry practices for shared sewage disposal facility operation, water distribution system operation, and wastewater collection system operation.
• Experience and knowledge of industry practices for shared sewage disposal construction and operation.
• Possession 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, is preferred.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and contract documents.
• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, methods and techniques of laboring and motor equipment operation activities as they relate to utility operation, construction and maintenance work.
• Thorough knowledge of tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in public works or other construction and maintenance work.
• Considerable knowledge of the functions, operation and routine care and maintenance of a variety of motor and mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in laboring and equipment operation activities.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Ability to plan, assign and review the work activities of laboring and equipment operation crews.
• Ability to estimate materials, supplies, tools, equipment and man hours needed to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to maintain records and complete reports of activities.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates in a professional manner.
• Ability to learn and understand computer operations.

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 stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must frequently 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.

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 and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

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.