Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits)

harfordcountymd· HCG Harford County, Maryland
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📍 Abingdon, MDFull time
Full timeHCG Harford County, Maryland

About this role

Job Description Summary:

Serves as Deputy Director of the Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Water and Sewer, assisting the Director with overall responsibility for the administration, planning, engineering, operation, and maintenance of the County's public water and wastewater utility systems. Provides leadership for utility operations, capital projects, budgeting, personnel, and regulatory compliance, and serves on behalf of the Director as assigned or in the Director's absence. Work is performed with considerable independence and is evaluated based on the effective management of assigned programs and the achievement of departmental goals.

Job Description:

Salary Range: $88,528.00-$171,868.00

BUDGETED SALARY:  $130,000 - $140,000

Essential Duties:

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department.  The list is not inclusive.  A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)

  • Oversees the operation, maintenance, administration, planning, and engineering of the County's public water and sewer utility.
  • Oversees development of the Division's annual operating budget proposal, and the annual capital improvement program proposal. Advises the Director on these budget proposals. Presents and defends these budget proposals to the Administration and to the County Council.
  • Assists the Director in formulating departmental policies and procedures.  Attends executive or departmental meetings with the Director, or in his stead, with authorization to make presentations or express opinions relative to departmental functions and responsibilities.
  • Attends Council meetings, public hearings, zoning hearings, community association or civic group meetings with the Director or in his stead, on matters of public water and sewer or controversial issues.
  • Handles extensive, diverse and critical contacts with public contractors, developers, other agencies and civil groups, as well as coordination with State and/or Federal review, approval and funding agencies. Keeps the Director apprised of all public works projects and issues as required.
  • Assumes responsibility and authorization in signing record plats, construction drawings, public works agreements, invoices, purchase requisitions, overtime and leave authorizations and Personnel Action Authorizations in the Director’s absence. 
  • Coordinates personnel matters within the Division. Oversees and reviews recruitment actions and hiring recommendations. Studies the organizational structure of the Department making recommendations to the Director for changes in personnel, methods or techniques to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department.  Communicates and interprets policy decisions to Division level staff. 

Years of Experience:

Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional engineering experience, preferably government oriented, five (5) years of which shall have been at a supervisory level with full administrative responsibilities.


Education:

Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree Program from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or a related Engineering discipline.

Certifications, Licensures, and Examinations:

  • Possession of a valid Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Be advised this position requires a valid driver's license.
  • Possession of a professional engineer license issued by the State of Maryland will be required.  Applicants with appropriate experience and licensing from another state will be considered for the position but will be required to obtain reciprocal licensing from the State of Maryland within one (1) year of appointment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Extensive knowledge of engineering theories, principles, practices, and standards applicable to the assigned area of specialization.
  • Thorough knowledge of engineering design, construction, environmental regulations, and modern engineering methods applicable to public works programs and infrastructure projects.
  • Thorough knowledge of engineering economics, capital improvement planning, infrastructure financing, and the fiscal principles associated with public works projects and facilities.
  • Extensive knowledge of public administration, organizational management, and operational practices related to public works programs and services.
  • Thorough knowledge of supervisory, leadership, performance management, and personnel administration principles and practices.
  • Thorough knowledge of budget development, financial management, funding sources, and governmental accounting principles related to public works operations.
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, coordinate, direct, and evaluate complex public works programs, projects, and operations while establishing goals, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
  • Ability to plan and schedule departmental work activities, manage multiple priorities, allocate resources effectively, and ensure projects are completed within established timelines.
  • Ability to apply advanced engineering principles and sound administrative judgment to resolve complex technical, operational, and organizational issues.
  • Ability to analyze engineering, operational, and financial information; evaluate alternatives; and make timely, fair, and equitable decisions.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, consultants, architects, engineers, developers, contractors, employees, and the public.
  • Ability to represent the department effectively at public meetings, hearings, conferences, and intergovernmental meetings, and to negotiate and resolve controversial or sensitive issues with professionalism and diplomacy.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparing technical reports, presentations, correspondence, and policy recommendations.
  • Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, foster collaboration, and promote continuous improvement and organizational effectiveness.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, community partners, and the public.
  • Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, and operating a County vehicle while conducting field inspections and other assigned duties.

Safety:

Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.    

Compensation:

Other compensation may include but is not limited to:

  • Overtime

  • Compensatory time

  • Shift Differentials


Benefits:

Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

  • Health, Dental & Vision insurance

  • Flexible Spending Accounts 

  • State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation 

  • Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children

  • Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays

  • Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Harford County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) position at harfordcountymd?
The salary for this Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) role at harfordcountymd is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) position at harfordcountymd located?
This Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) role at harfordcountymd is based in Abingdon, MD. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) role at harfordcountymd full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) role in the HCG Harford County, Maryland department at harfordcountymd.
Which team or department does the Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) at harfordcountymd belong to?
This Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) position is part of the HCG Harford County, Maryland department at harfordcountymd. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) position at harfordcountymd?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to harfordcountymd's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) job at harfordcountymd posted?
This Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits) position at harfordcountymd was posted on Aug 12, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Deputy Director of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer (Appointed/FT/Benefits)
harfordcountymd
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