Salary : $45,448.00 – $73,736.00 Annually
Location : Elkridge, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 24-00146
Department: Recreation & Parks
Division: R&P REC11F – Gen Fund
Opening Date: 08/16/2023
Closing Date: 8/30/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
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 in our continued work towards excellence in government.
What you’ll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We take great pride in offering our workforce the best benefits and compensation packages in County Government, and we think you will too. This includes great medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- Everyone at Howard County Government contributes to the development of programs, regardless of role. Your input will not only be heard; it will be encouraged.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you’ll be helping to drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
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:
$21.85 – $22.95
$45,448 – $47,736
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other related 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 orders 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.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the 12th grade plus 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 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; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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 wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
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 or organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Possession of a Maryland “Class B CDL” driver’s license. Ability to obtain a restricted Class A CDL.
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 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 $1500 contingent upon County funding.
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, universal life insurance, and discounted auto/homeowner’s insurance programs.
CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state “see resume” will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
02
Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $45,448 – $47,736
- 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 two (2) years of experience in landscaping or park maintenance?
- Yes
- No
04
If you possess two (2) years of experience in landscaping or park maintenance, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
05
Do you possess three (3) years of experience and/or training in building construction trades?
- Yes
- No
06
If you have three (3) years of experience and/or training in building construction trades, please explain how you obtained that experience include in your response your employer, position title, dates of employment and position duties. “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
07
Do you possess experience leading the work of subordinate crew members, part-time staff, and volunteers?
- Yes
- No
08
If you possess experience leading the work of subordinate crew members, part-time staff, and volunteers, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
09
Do you have experience reading blueprints, site plans and other construction documents?
- Yes
- No
10
If you have experience reading blueprint, site plans and other construction documents, please explain how you obtained that experience please include in your response your employer, position title, dates of employment and position duties. Be advised that “See Resume” is not adequate response.
11
How did you hear about this position?
- NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs
- Linked In
- Maryland Association of Counties
- National Association of Counties
- CEAM
- ASCE
- Indeed
- Employee Referral
- Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
- Handshake
- Career Fair
- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
- Other
12
If you indicated “Job Fair” or “Other” in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate “N/A” (Not Applicable).
13
Do you possess a Powder Actuated Tool Certification?
- Yes
- No
14
Do you possess a Chainsaw Safety Certification?
- Yes
- No
15
Do you possess a Class B CDL license?
- Yes
- No
16
Please indicate your level of expertise with Microsoft Office applications.
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- None
17
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.
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.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
Required Question