Director, Department of Public Works

Howard County (MD) Government

Howard County

Full Time


Duties & Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION:


Howard County, Maryland is seeking a professional, dynamic, and creative individual to lead its Department of Public Works.


The Director of Public Works is an executive exempt (at-will) position that reports to the County Executive. The Director of Public Works directs the general operation of the Department of Public Works; advising and providing information to the County Executive and the County Council on matters relating to public infrastructure, capital budget and the core services it provides.


Howard County is located between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD with a residential population of approximately 310,000 citizens. The County's main population center, Columbia/Ellicott City, MD has been ranked by Money magazine among the top ten best places to live for the past decade. The County's school system is highly ranked in the state and its library system is ranked in the top one percent of the nation's libraries.


Applicants seeking to serve a county rich in diversity and quality of life are encouraged to apply.


To be considered for this position, applicants must complete the following:



Plans, directs and coordinates the administrative and technical activities of the Bureau of Engineering, Bureau of Environmental Services, Bureau of Facilities, Bureau of Highways, and the Bureau of Utilities.


Represents the department at public meetings, conferences and other meetings with elected officials, the public and representatives of other government agencies. Attends and provides testimony at public hearings.


Oversees County response to weather events such as snow, wind and flooding, and assists County response to other emergencies.


Directs the preparation of the capital and operating budget requests.


Serves as the Executive Secretary of the Public Works Board.


Directs that each volume of the Howard County Design Manual is complete, accurate and reflects the latest available data and best practices.


Directs matters relating to rights-of-way, fee simple land, rights of entries and easement acquisitions on a variety of projects. Ensures that administrative requirements have been met during the land acquisition process.


Responsible for the preparation of reports, studies, surveys, maps, plans, specifications and estimates for the County's public facilities and utilities.


Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Bureau of Engineering, Bureau of Environmental Services, Bureau of Facilities, Bureau of Highways and the Bureau of Utilities. 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.


Job Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and at least ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in engineering and Public Works administration including a minimum of five (5) years in a managerial position in Public Works.


Job Preferences


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Contact Information: fhammock@howardcountymd.gov 


Posted On: 1/16/2023