Operations Supervisor II- Public Works, Utilities/Water Reclamation

Howard County Government; Savage (MD); On-site; USD 74,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Government is seeking a skilled Operations Supervisor for the Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant. This role supervises plant staff, manages daily wastewater treatment operations, and coordinates with maintenance and external agencies to ensure reliable, compliant performance.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED with six years of related experience, plus a Class C driver's license and a Class 5A wastewater operator certificate.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and six years related experience.
• Class C Maryland Driver's License.
• Class '5A' Wastewater Operator Certificate.
• Ability to supervise and train staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Supervises operators and enforces policies.
• Responds to power outages and emergencies.
• Maintains operating records and prepares reports.
• Coordinates with maintenance and outside agencies.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Operations oversight

Safety compliance

Emergency response

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Driver's License Class C

Wastewater Operator Class 5A

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 for 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 skilled technical operations and supervisory position at The Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant. The work is performed under general supervision of the Plant Superintendent and involves performing skilled operational and maintenance tasks as well as supervision of other Plant personnel. Work includes supervising the activities of laboring and equipment operation personnel in areas such as construction, maintenance, landfill disposal, tree care, utility, vehicle repair, contracted refuse collection, water reclamation, parks, horticulture and forestry work.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$35.46 - $38.79/Hourly

$73,763 - $80,683/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.*

*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 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.*

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

Plant Operations and Process Management:

• Oversees day-to-day operations of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Analyzes instrument and lab data to determine process requirements and ensure adherence to standard operating practices.
• Responds to plant power outages and other emergency conditions.
• Performs on-call duties on a rotating basis to support operational decisions.
• Maintains and evaluates operating records and communicates plant conditions to staff.
• Ensures adequate chemical and supply inventories; prepares and places orders.
• Prepares regular operations reports and weekly time reporting.

Supervision, Leadership and Personnel Management:

• Supervises, instructs, and assigns duties to Operators.
• Enforces established policies, procedures, and general guidelines.
• Reviews and approves leave requests.
• Monitors and evaluates employee performance; provides feedback and establishes individual goals.
• Participates in interviewing and selecting lower-level operators.
• May perform duties of Plant Superintendent in their absence.
• Replaces operating or maintenance workers during staffing shortages.

Equipment, Systems and Technical Oversight:

• Inspects plant equipment and processes; identifies malfunctions and determines required adjustments or repairs.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and controls operational modifications.
• Coordinates plant operations between Operations, Maintenance, and outside agencies or suppliers.
• Reviews and prepares comments on technical and engineering drawings.
• Performs system administration and configuration tasks for distributed control and database computers.

Safety, Compliance and Emergency Response:

• Disseminates information on safety and plant processes.
• Assists in accident investigations and prepares related reports.
• This position is designated emergency essential and may require reporting during inclement weather or emergency situations.

Training, Public Interaction and Outreach:

• Develops and implements training sessions on technical, safety, and process topics.
• Conducts training for plant personnel and external groups in both formal and informal settings.
• Conducts plant tours.

Other:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly supervises four (4) employees in the Operations Section. 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 six (6) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Class C Maryland Driver's License.
• Class "5A" Wastewater Operator Certificate. Out of state applicants are required to obtain a statement of reciprocity.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used in wastewater treatment operations.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment in a water reclamation plant.
• Knowledge of the occupational health and safety hazards connected with the operation of a water reclamation plant.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Ability to organize, supervise, and inspect the work of employees engaged in the operation of a water reclamation plant.
• Ability to interpret piping and electrical drawings and schematics; interpret process tests and make adjustments accordingly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to successfully complete a seven-hour training program approved by the State for Superintendent's license at the first opportunity offered by the State; and maintenance of said certificate during tenure of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally 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. Rotating shift work may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business