Assistant Chief - (Engineering/Architecture Specialist III) - Planning, Design & Construction - DGS

Howard County, MD

$95K — $183K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
  • 4 years of progressively responsible experience in project management.
  • Registered Architect or Professional Engineer in Maryland.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Preferred: Project Management Professional certification.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and supervise capital projects for the Department of General Services.
  • Oversee planning, design, and construction phases, ensuring compliance with budgets and schedules.
  • Review engineering plans for compliance and constructability.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external agencies for project execution.
  • Assist in capital budget preparation and expenditure tracking.

Benefits

  • Flexible benefits plan including medical and dental insurance options.
  • Group term life insurance equal to 2 times annual salary at no cost.
  • Accrued annual and disability leave benefits over 24 pay periods.
  • Professional development opportunities through training.
  • Employee contributions made on a pre-tax basis.
Full Job Description
Salary : $95,019.00 - $183,113.00 Annually
Location : 9200 Berger Road, Columbia, MD 21046, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00504
Department: General Services
Division: DGS-Plan Design & Construction
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 7/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY:
Performs senior level project management role to manage/supervise Capital projects and assist the Chief of Planning, Design and Construction in Department of General Services. The position supports the administrative, technical, and budgetary functions of the Bureau, including preparation and management of the capital budget, forecasting of staffing, materials, and equipment needs, and review of plans and design documents. Responsibilities also include assisting in the resolution of complex design and construction issues. In addition, the position serves as a senior project manager for major capital projects, coordinating with internal stakeholders, consultants, and contractors to ensure successful project delivery.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$45.68 - $78.22
$95,019 - $162,698


CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs advanced professional level engineering and/or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, with considerable independence but under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes reviewing complex engineering and/or architectural plans, resolving difficult design analysis, acting as project manager for large scale projects, and preparing planning and engineering documents. Work at this level is distinguished by unique engineering analysis and expertise in areas such as mechanical, electrical or structural engineering; in depth architectural experience in the development, design and construction of institutional building types such as libraries, community centers, police and fire stations, etc.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CAPITAL PROGRAM AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT:
  • Assists in managing administrative functions of the Bureau, including capital budget preparation, expenditure tracking, and resource planning for staffing, materials, and equipment.
  • Assist the Chief to develop program information for capital and operating budgets; supervises, coordinates and manages budgeted operations.
  • Initiates and reviews major expenditure requisitions.
  • Develops and supervises development of new programs and expansion of existing programs; supervises, coordinates and manages budgeted operations.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT (PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION):
  • Serves as project manager for major capital projects, overseeing planning, design, procurement, and construction phases to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards.
  • Conducts periodic site visits to monitor construction progress, verify compliance with contract documents, and support project closeout activities.
  • Provides support in prioritizing and managing multiple projects and assignments in alignment with Bureau goals and County objectives.
  • Manage project documentation, reports, and database systems related to capital program management.
TECHNICAL REVIEW AND COMPLIANCE:
  • Reviews engineering and architectural plans, drawings, and specifications for completeness, constructability, and compliance with codes, standards, and County requirements.
  • Supports evaluation and resolution of complex design, technical, and coordination issues with consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
  • Participates in meetings with stakeholders to interpret codes, standards, and project requirements, and to support resolution of design and construction-related issues.
  • Manage the County's Standard Specifications and Details, including public review of changes through approval by County Council.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:
  • Assists in contract administration activities, including review of change orders, cost proposals, and project schedules.
  • Provides recommendations to the Bureau Chief regarding contract-related actions.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND EXTERNAL COORDINATION:
  • Coordinates with County departments, external agencies, consultants, and contractors to facilitate project execution and resolve technical or administrative challenges.
  • Serves as liaison between the Bureau and County departments such as Finance, DILP, DPW, DPZ, the Bureau of Engineering, and Real Estate Services.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PUBLIC INTERFACE:
  • Provides customer service and information to the general public on construction complaints and construction schedules.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT:
  • Manages the administrative details of special programs such as Performance Appraisal Review Training, and Computer Hardware & Software selection, implementation, training, and publishing related manuals.
  • Enforces documentation, filing, and retention standards.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Entry level management role with managing ten (10) project managers in planning, design and construction bureau in department of general services.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering or a closely related field and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
  • Registered Architect (State of Maryland)/Registered Professional Engineer (State of Maryland).
  • Possession of a valid driver's license.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Certification as a Project Management Professional.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of planning, design, and construction for public infrastructure and building projects, including but not limited to site development, utilities (water, sewer, stormwater management), transportation systems, and vertical building construction.
  • Strong knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards, with the ability to interpret and enforce requirements in a consistent, professional, and impartial manner.
  • Proven ability to manage complex capital projects, including budget development and control, consultant coordination, contract administration, and construction oversight.
  • Ability to coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders, including County departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public.
  • Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver projects within established schedules and budgets.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and customer service.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell for field investigation.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents related to building projects. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, legal documents, and complex architectural and engineering drawings. Ability to provide clear, concise, and professional review comments to consultants in the role of senior project manager. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to prepare written reports, presentations, and materials that conform to prescribed standards and formats. Ability to effectively present information to executive leadership, public groups, and boards or commissions.
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.

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 require

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