ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.
Job Posting End Date:
05-08-2026Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
DESCRIPTION
This is skilled technical work involving the installation, maintenance, and repair of doors, locks, safes, and access control systems. Employees in this classification perform advanced door and locksmithing tasks, including re-keying, pinning cores, and re-combination of safes. Work is performed under general supervision and reviewed periodically for adherence to standards and completion of assignments. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the security, safety, and accessibility of all HCPSS facilities, supporting the Strategic Call to Action by ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for students and staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.
Education:
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Certification/Licensure:
Valid Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Experience:
Five years of experience installing, maintaining and repairing doors and related hardware, which may include card access systems, automatic door openers and locks.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Experience:
Experience working in an educational and/or government institution.
Working in an educational and/or government institution.
Electrical knowledge of basic electronics and electrical theory, principles of microprocessor-controlled equipment and multi-metering instruments.
Certification/Licensure:
Certification from American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM)
Registered Locksmith Certification from Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA)
Training Certification from Best Lock Institute and Medico Keymaster X4 patented key systems
Training Certification from Sentry Safes and Gardall Safes
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Install, maintain, repair all aspects of commercial doors and window systems including but not limited to, weather-stripping, door closures, hinges, mortise locks, cylindrical locks, deadbolt locks, and classroom intruder locks.
Install, troubleshoot, repair automatic door openers and electrified door hardware on doors with card reader access for security.
Record keying systems and key schedules of each school facility building, solve keying problems, re-key locks to satisfy security needs.
Open and set combination for various types of depository safes, cut keys to replace lost keys for file cabinets and desk drawer locks.
Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate accessibility and safety/security concerns.
Review construction plans, coordinate hardware schedules with architects, and inspect new hardware installations.
Employee Safety
The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
Knowledge of the methods, equipment and tools of the locksmithing/hardware technical trade.
Working knowledge of various key lock systems including electric/electronic locking devices.
Ability to install, repair, adjust, and/or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts in locks, locking systems, door closures and locking devices.
Ability to install, maintain, repair Mortise locks, deadbolts, cylindrical locks, file cabinet and desk drawer locks.
Ability to open locks, re-key locks, and make new keys using key cutting machine for various types of locks.
Ability to install, repair, assemble and disassemble a wide variety of locks and safes.
Ability to repair different types of windows and door glass units.
Skill in the use and care of tools and equipment of the locksmith trade.
Ability to service automatic operators, electronic exit devices and strikes.
Ability to advise the proper type of hardware to use on doors and window casings.
Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with fellow workers, supervisors, administrators and other staff.
Ability to work with administration in schools on security issues, key issues, and door access issues.
Ability to work well in a team environment, handling multiple assignments, and meeting deadlines.
Ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
Demonstrated excellent customer service skills.
Demonstrated excellent time management skills.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements.
Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.
Ability to work at heights on aerial lifts, scaffolding, stepladders and/or extensions ladders.
Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment.
Ability to work in confined spaces and manholes.
Work involves exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings.
Work involves exposure to hazardous conditions which may result in injury.
Work involves special physical demands such as lifting 50 pounds or more, climbing ladders, etc.
Work requires use of protective equipment. The position may/will be required to work outside of normal working hours and weekends to attend job fairs and other recruitment activities such as goggles, gloves, mask, etc.
The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.
Prior to any employment offer, the selected candidate will need to provide a copy of their license and consent to a review of their driving record.
Working Hours
This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies.
When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade IX on the Maintenance/Warehouse salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.
Retirement
Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.
Benefits
HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.
All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.
Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.
For questions regarding this posting, please contact Natasha Mahasa [email protected] .
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].
HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.