Chief Treatment Plant Operator

Sacbar; Mill Valley (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

SASM, serving Southern Marin, seeks an experienced Chief Treatment Plant Operator to lead and optimize wastewater operations. The role oversees a team, manages process control, and ensures regulatory compliance for facilities with an average 1.8 MGD dry weather flow.

The successful candidate will coordinate maintenance, mentor staff, and respond to after-hours emergencies while representing the agency professionally and advancing planning priorities.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• California Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification or higher.
• Ability to work nontraditional hours and participate in on-call and emergency response assignments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the safe, reliable operation of SASM’s wastewater treatment facilities.
• Supervise the operations team and manage process control.
• Support regulatory compliance and coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Represent the agency professionally and mentor staff.

Skills

Wastewater operations

Supervisory experience

Regulatory compliance

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma

California Grade IV Wastewater Operator Certification

Job description

Deadline to apply: 10/4/2026 at 11:59pm

The City of Mill Valley and Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) are seeking an experienced wastewater professional to serve as Chief Treatment Plant Operator.

This key supervisory position oversees the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of SASM’s wastewater treatment facilities. Responsibilities include supervising the operations team, managing process control, supporting regulatory compliance, coordinating equipment maintenance and repairs, and contributing to agency planning and priorities. SASM serves approximately 30,000 Southern Marin residents and operates a treatment plant with an average dry weather flow of 1.8 MGD.

The successful candidate will be an experienced and collaborative manager who can represent the agency professionally, train and mentor staff, and respond effectively to operational needs and after-hours emergencies.

Please see the CalOpps.org application for more information about the opportunity, the agency, and essential functions of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance experience, including supervisory responsibilities
• High school diploma or equivalent
• California Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification or higher
• Ability to work nontraditional hours and participate in on-call and emergency response assignments