Chief Treatment Plant Operator

American Water Works Association; Mill Valley (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) seeks an experienced Chief Treatment Plant Operator in Mill Valley to lead the safe, reliable operation of its wastewater treatment facilities. This senior role supervises the operations team, manages process control, and ensures regulatory compliance, while coordinating maintenance and repairs and guiding planning priorities.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in operations with a California Grade IV certification, availability for on-call duties, and

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressively responsible wastewater treatment operations experience with supervisory duties
• High school diploma or equivalent
• California Grade IV Wastewater Operator Certification or higher
• Ability to work nontraditional hours and participate in on-call and emergency response assignments

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe, reliable operation of SASM’s wastewater treatment facilities
• Supervise the operations team and manage process control
• Support regulatory compliance and reporting
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs
• Contribute to agency planning and priorities
• Represent the agency professionally and mentor staff
• Respond to operational needs and after-hours emergencies

Skills

Supervisory experience

Process control knowledge

Regulatory compliance understanding

Emergency response readiness

Staff training and development

Education

California Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification

High school diploma or equivalent

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