Deputy Director of Public Works, Highways and Environmental (Appointed/FT/Benefits)

$155k to $175k

Bel Air, MDFull-timeExecutivePosted Oct 28, 2026

Against the United States typical range

Job description

Job Description Summary: Under the direction of the Director of Public Works, performs highly responsible professional, administrative, and managerial work in support of the Department's operations. Serves as Deputy to the Director, with responsibility for overseeing the operation, maintenance, administration, planning, and engineering of the County's highway network, as well as the management and oversight of the County's environmental programs, including Watershed Protection and Restoration (MS4), Stormwater Management, Construction Inspection, and Solid Waste Management.

Acts on behalf of the Director as required. Performance is evaluated through periodic conferences and is based on the successful performance of the assigned areas of responsibility. Job Description: BUDGETED SALARY: $155,000.00-$175,000.00/ANNUALLY 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 highway network, including highways, bridges, drainage structures, and rights-of-way.

Provides oversight of Highway Maintenance operations and the Highway Engineering program, including project planning, design, and delivery; traffic speeding and signage concerns; traffic studies; and access management and permitting. Coordination of Highways emergency response activities and responding to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during activations for major weather events, activities, and/or emergency drills.

Participates in emergency preparedness activities and drills as required. Overseas Public Works Environmental programs including: Watershed Protection and Restoration (MS-4) –responsible for compliance with the County’s MS-4 (Municipal Separate Storm sewer system) permit which mandates extensive environmental project completion, monitoring, and reporting.

Stormwater Management –responsible for stormwater management review for development and county projects, stormwater facility triennial inspections and dam safety operations and compliance for County owned dams Construction Inspection –responsible for construction inspection of county highway, bridge, and environmental projects; for developer project roads and utility infrastructure to be turned over to the County; for MDE-delegated sediment control inspection and enforcement responsibility.

Solid Waste Management - responsible for oversight of the County’s Solid Waste Masterplan, waste disposal contract, landfill municipal solid waste and yard trim operations, and activities and/or emergency drills involving the County’s Debris Management plan. Oversees development of the Division’s annual operating budget proposal and 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 developing 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. Maintains extensive, diverse, and critical contacts with the public, contractors, developers, other agencies, and civil groups, Coordinates with State and Federal agencies regarding regulatory reviews, approvals, funding, and other matters affecting public works projects.

Keeps the Director informed of projects, operational matters, and issues. Assumes responsibility and authorization in signing record plats, construction drawings, public works agreements, invoices, purchase requisitions, overtime and leave authorizations and Personnel Action Authorizations as Deputy Director or in the Director’s absence.

Coordinates personnel matters within the Divisions Oversees and reviews recruitment actions and hiring recommendations. Evaluates departmental organizational structures, staffing requirements, work methods, and operational procedures and recommends changes to the Director to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Communicates and interprets policy decisions to Division level staff. Years of Experience: Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional engineering experience, preferably government oriented Years of Supervisory Experience: Five (5) years of experience at a supervisory level with full administrative responsibilities Education: Bachelor’s Degree Program from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, or a related Engineering or Technical discipline Certifications, Licensures, and Examinations: Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the State of Maryland is 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. A valid Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Please be advised that this position requires a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Extensive knowledge of engineering theory, principles, and practices. Thorough knowledge of modern engineering, environmental and administrative methods and techniques required in directing and coordinating departmental activities. Thorough knowledge of engineering economics and the methods of problems encountered in financing public works projects and facilities.

Extensive knowledge of administrative methods and practices especially as they apply to public works. Thorough knowledge of supervisory and management methods and techniques. Thorough knowledge of budget preparation and monitoring. Knowledge of the basics of finance and accounting relating to public works budgeting and funding matters.

Thorough knowledge of engineering design and construction practices for various public works disciplines. Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct public works programs and administrative functions and to develop and implement standards, policies, and procedures that promote organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Ability to apply engineering principles and administrative knowledge to the resolution of major public works operational and administrative challenges. Ability to represent the Department effectively at conferences, hearings, and meetings and to interact professionally and tactfully with employees, engineers, developers, contractors, public officials, and members of the public.

Ability to plan and schedule work activities within the department and to prioritize workload to meet strategic goals and deadlines. Ability to exercise sound judgment and make timely, fair, and equitable decisions regarding routine and complex public works matters. Ability to deal firmly, but amicably with engineers, architects, developers, and contractors on controversial issues requiring resolution or department ruling.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others Ability to bend, stoop, sit, or stand; to drive a County vehicle while carrying out some assignments. Safety: Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations, and applicable Harford County safety 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.

Description copied from Harford County Government's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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