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

About the Department

Position Duties

• 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.

Supervision and Crew Leadership

Technical Field Work and Equipment Operation

Construction and Maintenance Coordination

Customer Service and Investigations

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 6 months of employment. A Confined Space Certification within 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 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.
• A certified Maryland Flagger Card within 6 months of employment.
• A Confined Space Certification within 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.
• Experience in shared sewage disposal activities, which shall have included laboring and motor equipment operation work, and at least 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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 https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans . 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 eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan. SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate. 457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding. PAID PARENTAL LEAVE : Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement. LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit. DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources. VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance. CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
• 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.
• 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 eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.
• SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

• Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.
• EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.
• EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE : Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.

LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS

• Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.
• DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS

• Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.
• CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.

Supplemental Questions