Utility Worker II - Public Works, Bureau of Environmental Services, Operations Division

Howard County Government; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks dedicated individuals to join their team in a semi-skilled position at the County's landfill. This role involves operating various hand and power tools, performing essential maintenance tasks, and ensuring smooth operations at waste facilities. You'll contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace while helping to maintain the community's environmental standards. If you enjoy hands-on work and are looking for a stable position with a supportive team, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a government organization recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation in public service.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Experience in general laboring or public works maintenance.
• Knowledge of operating and caring for tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operation of waste drop off and recycling facilities.
• Perform site maintenance duties including minor repairs and cleanup.

Skills

Operating hand and power tools

Heavy labor

Record keeping

Customer service

Fluency in a second language

Education

Combination of education and experience in laboring

Tools

Computerized scales system

Small hand tools

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, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

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 performing various laboring and equipment operations functions at the County's landfill. Work includes performing semi-skilled duties involving the use of a variety of hand and power tools/equipment and limited use of motorized equipment. Work includes tasks required for the operation and maintenance of the landfill property and facilities. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This is a semi-skilled position performing general laboring operations. Work includes performing assignments involving the use of a variety of tools. This class is differentiated from the Utility I level by the complexity of duties assigned and greater independence of action.

Work is performed with general supervision from a crew leader. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Include the following (other related duties may be assigned):

1. Assists with operation of wood waste drop off and compost facility to include, maintaining an orderly traffic flow, directing citizens where to unload material, site maintenance and clean up, selling manufactured materials including but not limited to collecting and securing cash, checks or electronic payment.
2. Assists with operation of citizen waste drop off and recycling facility to include opening and closing facility, maintaining an orderly traffic flow, directing citizens where to dispose of waste and recyclable material, site maintenance and clean up, preparing materials for collection and transport by contractors.
3. Operates computerized scales system and enters detailed information regarding incoming and outgoing waste and recyclable deliveries into the landfill to include collection of fees and issuing of receipts; keep records of daily amounts of residential and commercial waste and recyclable material received, daily amounts of waste and recyclable materials exported, and daily cash and credit receipts.
4. Operates equipment to move and load waste and other material.
5. Performs site maintenance duties including minor repairs, site cleanup, and litter collection.
6. Performs process monitoring including measurement of pile characteristics, and size.
7. Performs inspections and safety checks of equipment and vehicles; performs routine and preventive maintenance to equipment and vehicles.
8. Assists in various construction activities at County landfill sites performing manual labor, and using hand/power tools.
9. Maintains various logs and other operating records documenting assigned tasks.
10. Performs overtime work and Saturday work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform semi-skilled manual work and one year experience in general laboring or public works maintenance and construction activities which include the use of small hand and power tools.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the methods and techniques of operating and caring for hand and power tools, and heavy equipment.
Skill in the operation of hand and power tools.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to perform heavy labor for prolonged periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
Ability to compute weights and fees, and to maintain records and prepare reports.
Ability to maintain effective relationships with the public.
Fluency in a second language.

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; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance 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 regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, dust and molds. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, and other employees of the organization.

Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Annual Medical Certification, when required by work assignment.
Annual respirator fit test, when required by work assignment.
OSHA/MOSHA Annual Training Certification, when required by work assignment.
CDL B within 6 months of hire.
Fork Lift operator certification within 2 months of hire.