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 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland. 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:

Performs skilled technical/manual work in Park Renovation/Construction of parkland, facilities and structures as assigned. Also may act as a lead worker of subordinate staff, or positions with similar grades on the same work shift.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$22.51 - $24.24

$46,821 - $50,419

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This is specialized park maintenance which typically involves skilled manual work at the crew leader level in the maintenance of park lands, government properties and related facilities and structures. Work involves operating equipment and vehicles and the use of a variety of tools and the application of regulated horticultural and landscaping practices. Work includes performing skilled grounds maintenance tasks and directing subordinate crew members or outside contractors as assigned by the supervisor. Operates dump trucks, tractors with attachments, small motor grader and other medium duty construction equipment in the completion of parks and grounds maintenance. Work is performed with general supervision from a technical superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with accepted laboring and equipment operation standards and applicable regulations. An employee in this class provides park security services or operates equipment and oversees others to accomplish an assigned part of park or grounds operations in grounds maintenance, sports field preparation, construction or park-site management. Work may include considerable public contact.

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
• Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
• Performs skilled technical work for county-wide park renovation/construction projects in the Building/Construction Trade including, but not limited to, the following areas: concrete, masonry (brick, block, and stone), steel and sheet metal fabrication, asphalt, framing & finish carpentry, fencing, landscape, turf, site preparations & grading, playground repairs, and installation preparations.
• Perform finished carpentry work in the completion of such items as siding and paneling, drywall, wall and ceiling plaster, doors & windows and related hardware, wood and metal trim, wood floors, floor tiling, and ceiling systems.
• Perform rough carpentry work in the completion of such items as wood or metal studs and wall sheathing, roof rafters, soundproofing, and insulation, decking and sheathing, floor joists and sheathing, roof shingles, flashing, guttering, and downspouts, as well as storage bins, pallets, concrete forms, crates, boxes, and scaffolding.
• Function as work unit coordinator for large projects. Solves problems that arise in the work and ensures that work is performed according to specifications.
• Perform custom cabinetry work including the construction and repair of cabinets, furniture, shelving, displays, frames, and plaques.
• Perform installation, maintenance, and repairs to buildings and structures on such items such as paneling, doors and windows; drywall handrails, stairs and stoops; hardware and some mechanical locks; floors and tiling; cabinets, shelving, and custom furniture.
• Perform demolition work in the removal of walls, ceilings, floors, and other building components.
• Read and interpret plans and specifications and ensures that the finished product meets user specifications and conforms to applicable code requirements.
• Estimate time, select materials, and maintain records of tools, materials, and labor used. Complete work worders and other project-related work records.
• Participate in training programs and instructs lesser skilled employees.
• Replace and/or repair door checks and a variety of locks, latches and hinges, panic hardware and door closures.
• Obtain knowledge to follow MHT guidelines during historic preservation projects.
• Ability to occasionally lift 100 lbs.
• Evaluates and performs renovations/restorations of rental properties prior to new rentals to ensure that the houses are in compliance with Department of Licenses, Inspections, and Permits' rental license regulations, along with MDE lead paint program compliance. Repairs to noted items are made to obtain rental licenses. As well as upkeep and repair or rental properties during occupation by tenants.
• Elevated platform, bucket, truck, and aerial lift training
• Ability to perform tasks on elevated surfaces such as ladders, scaffolding, roof tops, etc.
• Assist other parks/crews with projects when our knowledge/skills are necessary to complete tasks.
• Assist contractors on large scale projects
• Perform metal fabrication such as welding, grinding, and cutting of goals, gates, fences, etc.
• Repair, removal, and installation of various roofing material such as metal, asphalt, cedar shakes, etc.
• Knowledge of laser transit usage on projects requiring elevation and excavation work. Assists crew leader estimating supplies and materials for jobs, along with specification development.
• Prepares purchasing requisitions for supplies and materials. Uses a PDQ card for daily projects and emergency purchases.
• Transports and operates heavy construction equipment, i.e., backhoe, gradall, dump trucks, trailers, skid loader, tractors, implements, specialty hand and power tools, chain saws etc. Performs maintenance and recognize and reports needed repairs.
• Reads, interprets, and follows blue prints, site plans, and other construction documents to oversee and complete projects as assigned.
• Communicates with parks and recreation personnel, other agencies, and the public during the completion of job tasks.
• Handles conflicts and resolves field design problems and issues.
• Performs snow removal duties and assists during inclement weather conditions. May assist other county departments with snow removal when contacted.
• Performs administrative duties including: Incident reports, police reports, timesheets, department requisitions, journal entries, monthly PDQ statements, monthly report assistance, and Central Fleet work requests and vehicle mileage sheets.
• Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May lead the work of subordinate crew members, part time staff, volunteers, or other park staff.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the 12th grade plus two (2) years of experience in landscaping, park maintenance, or a related field; or, completion of an associate's degree program in horticulture or park/resource management plus some experience requiring the use of hand tools and motor equipment.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• One (1) year certificate from college or technical school; or a minimum of three (3) years of related experience and/or training in building construction trades; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Possess a Powder Actuated Tool and Chainsaw Safety Certification.
• Ability to read blueprints and perform detailed wood shop and carpentry projects.

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 frequently required to stand; sit