Chief Treatment Plant Operator

City of Mill Valley; Mill Valley (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

CalPERS retirement

Paid leave

Deferred compensation

Professional development

Recreation access discounts

Job summary

The City of Mill Valley and the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) seek an experienced wastewater professional to serve as Chief Treatment Plant Operator. This key supervisory role oversees the safe, reliable operation of SASM’s treatment facilities and provides leadership to the operations team.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years in plant operations with supervisory duties, holds a California Grade IV Operator Certification or higher, and is able to work nontraditional hours and respond

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Supervisory experience

Operations management

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

California Grade IV Wastewater Operator Certification

Job description

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.

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

Benefits

The City offers excellent benefits, including City-paid medical and dental coverage, CalPERS retirement, generous leave, paid family leave, deferred compensation matching, professional development opportunities, and discounted access to City recreation programs and facilities.

Save the Dates

First-round interviews: October 15, 2026 @ SASM

Second-round interviews: October 22, 2026 @ SASM

Virtual participation must be requested and approved in advance.