Engineering Support Technician III) - Department of General Services, Facilities

This is a highly responsible position providing supervision, management and technical expertise for medium level complexity projects related to renovation, rehabilitation, restoration and retrofit of County owned and leased buildings, with emphasis on building envelope (building exterior). Work is performed under the direction of a division or bureau level superior. Work includes management, supervision, planning, bidding, contracting, coordinating and reviewing construction activities. Work includes overseeing construction activities to ensure conformance with drawings and specifications as well as local and state laws and ordinances including OSHA and MOSH. Work also includes scheduling inspections, reviewing inspection reports, resolving complex problems, and maintaining budgets and schedules. Work very often involves management and supervision of work where the project requires scaffolding, man lifts, fall protection, material elevators and other protective devices., Performs senior technical level engineering work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under the general supervision from a technical superior. Work includes conducting complex negotiations with government agencies and private corporations, developing and implementing land acquisition procedures, and directing employee activities. Work may also include organizing work of survey parties, and performing computations and reports for surveying., Project Management and Coordination:

• Manages building renovation, rehabilitation, restoration, and retrofit projects, with emphasis on building envelope projects, typically ranging from one to five hundred thousand dollars.
• Manages up to four projects simultaneously within the assigned value range.
• Oversees systemic and deferred maintenance projects across multiple building systems (conveying, electrical, exterior closure, fire protection, foundations, hazardous materials, HVAC, interior construction/finishes, plumbing, roofing, room renovations, site improvements, stairways, and superstructure).
• Coordinates all phases of each project, including pre-construction meetings, progress meetings, status meetings, and other field meetings.
• Responds to project-related requests for information and coordinates with contractors, authorities having jurisdiction, and other stakeholders.
• Resolves complex construction, scheduling, coordination, and supply issues as the County’s front-line representative.

Field Oversight and Compliance:

• Conducts periodic and continuous field observations to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, codes, design manual standards, safety practices, and approved schedules.
• Ensures projects adhere to required procedures and standards throughout each phase.

Stakeholder Communication and Liaison:

• Maintains continuous liaison with contractor management, trades, subcontractors, senior management, engineering staff, DILP permitting and inspection personnel, and other authorities having jurisdiction.
• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.

Recordkeeping and Documentation:

• Maintains extensive records for each project, including work standards, proposals, inspections, reports, invoices, schedules, and other documentation from project conception through completion.
• Ensures documentation is accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

General Responsibilities:

• Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
• Works under the direction of senior management to complete systemic and deferred building maintenance projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned., * The physical demands and work environment 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.
• An employee typically performs work in both office and field settings and requires the ability to maneuver in and around such settings.
• Outdoor work requires visiting other county government agencies, public improvement type construction projects, and observing activities for conformance to ordinances. Typical outdoor work activities involve driving, walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, and grasping.
• Office activities include sitting, standing, operating telephones and similar office equipment, and completing logs and reports of activities.
• Working conditions may include exposure to the elements and occasional exposure to the hazards of a construction site.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to the elements and occasional exposure to the hazards of a construction site, to include elevated areas.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Associate’s Degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school and two (2) years’ related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Certificate of Completion in Certified Facilities Management from an accredited technical school.
• An Associate’s Degree in building construction or facilities management from a community college or technical school, or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary.
• Thorough knowledge of construction, including renovations, repairs to heating, plumbing, electrical and structural systems of buildings.
• Knowledge of commercial and government building envelope, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
• Knowledge of the geography of Howard County.
• Ability to read blueprints, contract maps, contract documents, contractor proposals, and work schedules.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and directions.
• Ability to maintain complex records in written and electronic formats; ability to complete. reports
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, associates, customers and inspectors
• Experience with computer software such as Bluebeam and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Project, * Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, financial reports, technical procedures, legal documents, or government regulations.
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information to management, customers, clients, and the general public.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to 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., 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/).

Pulled from the full job description

• 457(b)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Military leave
• Paid parental leave
• AD&D insurance
• Parental leave
• Health insurance

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 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.