Utility Worker III – Public Works, Bureau of Highways/Dayton Shop

Salary : $48,247.00 - $78,261.00 Annually
Location : Dayton, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00418
Department: Public Works
Division: DPW - Highways Dayton Shop
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Closing Date: 5/18/2026 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 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:
Operates heavy motor and construction equipment, complex mechanical equipment, and power tools.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:$23.20 - $25.60
$48,247 - $53,239
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This is skilled manual work performing various laboring operations. Work includes performing skilled duties involving the use of a variety of hand and power tools and equipment. Work may include assisting in the instruction and direction of subordinate crew members as assigned by the crew leader. Work includes tasks needed in the construction, operation and maintenance of public works facilities in the unit to which the employee is assigned. Work is performed with general supervision from a crew leader or technical superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established routines. The work includes limited contact with the public to answer routine inquiries or respond to complaints.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Operates heavy construction equipment such as hydraulic excavators, track loaders, and wheel loaders in grading earth, sloping banks, cutting ditches, clearing road shoulders, and other activities.

May direct a crew assigned by the foreman or supervisor in the absence of MEO II in such jobs as excavation, road resurfacing, grading, clearing trees, brush and debris removal, grading shoulders and banks, laying pipe, highway and parking lot striping and a variety of other operations.

Trains subordinate crew members in equipment operations, trade practices and in care and use of tools and materials.

Observes instruments while vehicle is in operation; takes corrective action if malfunction is noted; inspects vehicle for loose parts, damaged or worn tires or tracks, proper air pressure in tires and other items affecting safe equipment operations; performs routine and preventative maintenance as established by the unit.

Understands and follows oral and written instructions and directions.

Operates snowplow and salt spreader.

Reads blue prints and does stake outs.

This position is considered emergency essential, and as such, the incumbent may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or when an emergency situation arises.

Performs other duties as assigned or required.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the tenth school grade and three years of progressively responsible general laboring work, some of which has included crew leader responsibility or the operation of large dump trucks or other motor equipment of the same complexity.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Skill in the safe and efficient operation of dump trucks and other motor equipment of the same complexity both on and off the highway.

Skilled in the operation of hand and power tools.

Ability to service motor equipment.

Ability to learn the operation of mechanical equipment such as forklifts, backhoes, hydraulic excavator, front end loaders, and other heavy construction equipment.

Ability to learn the geography of the County.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, directions, and traffic signals.

Ability to perform heavy labor for prolonged period of time often under adverse weather conditions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.

Ability to perform preventive maintenance on above mentioned equipment and vehicles.

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 talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The employee shall work overtime under emergency conditions or as circumstances warrant.

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 outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is very loud. The employee may be exposed to high temperatures given off by various materials.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, memos and read a road map.

Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one to fellow workers and vendors.

Ability to add and subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

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.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Possession of a valid Maryland Class "B" commercial driver's license (CDL).

Possession of a valid Maryland Approved Flagger Certification and Forklift Certification are required within six months of employment.

A Confined Space Training Certification may be required, if work assignment warrants.

Possession of a Tree Expert License issued by the State of Maryland may be required depending upon work assignment and must be obtained within Department established time frames and maintained during tenure of employment.

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 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.
01

I understand that:- My application including the supplemental questions must be accurate and complete.- I must clearly describe my work experience which relates to the job for which I am applying. - I must check and revise my work history dates so they are accurate and do not reflect that I am working 40-hour weeks at two or more employers at the same time. - I may include all pertinent experience to include full- or part-time employment, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other work history applicable to the position for which I am applying. - "See Resume" is not a substitute for a completed application and will adversely impact my consideration.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $48,247 - $53,239

• Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
• No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.

03

Do you possess three (3) years of experience performing general laboring work including crew leader responsibility or the operation of large dump trucks or other similar motor equipment?

• Yes
• No

04

If you possess three (3) years of experience performing general laboring work, including crew leader responsibility or the operation of large dump trucks or other similar motor equipment, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
05

Do you possess experience reading blueprints and conducting stakeouts?

• Yes
• No

06

If you possess experience reading blueprints and conducting stakeouts, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
07

Do you possess experience in emergency snow removal operations to include operating a snowplow and salt spreader?

• Yes
• No

08

If you possess experience in emergency snow removal operations to include operating a snowplow and salt spreader, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
09

Do you possess experience providing training to subordinates in general laboring and in the care and use of tools and materials?

• Yes
• No

10

If you possess experience providing training to subordinates in general laboring and in the care and use of tools and materials, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
11

I understand that employment with Howard County may require my driving record to be periodically obtained and reviewed for the purposes of initial and/or continued employment. I authorize Howard County to obtain and review said records for the outlined purposes.

• I have read, and agree to, language outlined above.

12

Do you possess a valid Maryland Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

13

Are you aware that this position requires you to function as "essential" personnel? Meaning that you are expected and required to work during inclement weather, emergency situations, and on-call basis?

• Yes
• No

14

Do you possess a valid Maryland Class "C" driver's license?

• Yes
• No

15

Do you possess a valid Maryland Approved Flagger Certification?

• Yes
• No

16

Do you possess a Forklift certification?

• Yes
• No

17

Do you possess a Tree Expert License?

• Yes
• No

18

I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.

• Yes
• No

19

I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Required Question