Utility Man Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $95,019.00 - $183,113.00 Annually
Location : 7125 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21046, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00576
Department: Public Works
Division: DPW - Utility Design Division
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS 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:
Advanced professional engineering work at the full performance level involving overseeing and directing the activities of County or consultant engineers, surveyors, inspectors, contractors and/or other professionals in the course of implementing the water and sewer capital improvement programs.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$45.68 - $51.52
$95,019 - $107,162
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs advanced professional level engineering and/or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, with considerable independence but under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes reviewing complex engineering and/or architectural plans, resolving difficult design analysis, acting as project manager for large scale projects, and preparing planning and engineering documents. Work at this level is distinguished by unique engineering analysis and expertise in areas such as mechanical, electrical or structural engineering; in depth architectural experience in the development, design and construction of institutional building types such as libraries, community centers, police and fire stations, etc.
*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*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PROJECT AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:

• Acts as project engineer/project manager for complex water and sewer capital projects requiring process and mechanical engineering skills and experience, including projects involving actuating water valve vaults, water and wastewater pumping stations, water storage facilities, and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Acts as program manager for portfolios of related water/wastewater facility infrastructure projects and for the development and implementation of asset management for assigned programs.
• Coordinates multiple projects, schedules and monitors contracts to ensure successful completion and closeout.
  Participates in internal review board meetings and may direct such meetings in supervisor's absence.
  Represents the department at public hearings, meetings, and conferences as assigned.

TECHNICAL ENGINEERING DUTIES:

• Performs engineering studies and analyses to ensure that water and sewer system facilities and appurtenances are properly sized, constructed, operated, and maintained.
• Assures that new facilities and equipment meet operational requirements and specifications.
• Reviews preliminary and final plans, drawings, and specifications for new facilities for operational integrity and maintainability.
• Carries out special engineering projects and submits recommendations for alternatives and solutions.

BUDGETING, SCHEDULING, AND FISCAL OVERSIGHT:

• Responsible for project budgets and schedules, including work plan development, consultant selection, negotiations for scope of services, man-hour projections, and contract preparation.
• Prepares and reviews budgets and cost estimates; monitors and manages fiscal status of design and construction contracts.
• Practices cost control to minimize total County project costs.
• Forecasts future budgetary needs to support the Department's financial planning process.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Acts in the capacity of Chief, Utility Design Division with the authority and responsibilities of the position during the absence of the Division's Engineering Manager I.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and four (4) years related experience.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland.
• Valid Class Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.

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 sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 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.
The work will involve office and field situations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to construction sites, heavy construction equipment, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form that deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at
FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.
GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.
ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.
PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.
HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.
OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All