Location
Description
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator II/III position plays a key role in the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the City’s wastewater treatment facilities. The successful candidate will be appointed at the Operator II or Operator III level based on qualifications and experience.
Under general direction, this position operates, monitors, and maintains the wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, trunk sewers, outfall, and related facilities. Responsibilities include adjusting treatment processes to meet NPDES permit requirements, utilizing SCADA systems to monitor and control plant operations, performing preventive maintenance on plant equipment, collecting and analyzing wastewater and sludge samples, and maintaining accurate operational records.
At the Operator III level, additional responsibilities may include advanced process optimization, technical leadership, administrative and reporting duties, CMMS oversight, contractor coordination, and providing support to or acting in the absence of the Chief Treatment Plant Operator. This position requires flexibility to work off-hour, weekend, holiday, and on-call shifts and to respond to emergency situations as needed.
This position requires flexibility to work rotating, weekend, holiday, and on-call shifts, and to respond to emergency callouts. The work environment may include exposure to inclement weather, noise, odors, fumes, and other potentially hazardous conditions, requiring strict adherence to safety practices and the use of personal protective equipment.
See the attached Job Descriptions directly below for WWTP Operator II and III for full list of job related and essential qualifications.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a reliable, safety-focused wastewater professional with the qualifications and experience necessary to operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities in compliance with regulatory requirements. Appointment will be made at the WWTP Operator II or WWTP Operator III level based on the candidate’s education, experience, certifications, and demonstrated competencies.
WWTP Operator II – Minimum Qualifications
The ideal Operator II candidate is a detail-oriented self-starter who works effectively both independently and as part of a team. They are mechanically inclined, safety-oriented, accurate with basic math, and able to follow established procedures and directions.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by training required by the California State Water Resources Control Board for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation
A minimum of twenty-four (24) months of hands-on experience in wastewater treatment plant operations; equivalent experience may be considered at the City’s discretion
Licenses and Certifications
Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate or higher issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License
WWTP Operator III – Minimum Qualifications
The ideal Operator III candidate will demonstrate a strong record of efficient and productive performance and possess the experience, knowledge, and judgment necessary to lead, train, and mentor others when assigned. This level requires advanced technical expertise and the ability to independently analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize treatment plant operations.
Education and Experience
Education equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by training required by the California State Water Resources Control Board for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience operating and performing routine maintenance on facilities and equipment in a secondary wastewater treatment plant and related facilities
Licenses and Certifications
Certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board in Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation
Possession of a Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, or the ability to obtain a Grade IV certificate within twelve (12) months of assignment
Additional Requirements (Both Levels)
All candidates must be willing and able to work non-traditional hours, including rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments, and to respond to emergency callouts as required. The position requires the ability to work in inclement weather and potentially hazardous environments, operate City or personal vehicles safely while conducting City business, and wear required personal protective equipment.
A strong commitment to safety, teamwork, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship is essential for success in this role.
Benefits
The City of Mill Valley prides itself in its workforce and is pleased to offer a generous benefits package. This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Association (AFSCME).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Mill Valley and Local 2167, Mill Valley Employees' Association, AFSCME is available on the City website. Please review the MOU for detailed information on benefits offered for this position.
- Leave – the City provides a generous leave package:
- 15 holidays and floating holidays/personal days
- 2 to 5 weeks of vacation leave based upon years of service
- 320 hours (equivalent to 8 weeks) of Paid Family Leave for the purpose of bonding with a new child or for use related to the birth of the child
- Health Insurance – City provides the full premium for the Kaiser Family Plan or the equivalent thereof for employees who elect Western Health Advantage HMO
- Dental Insurance – City provides the full premium for Delta Dental PPO
- Retirement
- New employees with no prior CalPERS service or have a break in CalPERS service of 6 months or more: 2% @ 62
- New employees who are “classic” CalPERS members and do not have a break in service of more than 6 months: 2% @ 55
- Retirement Health Savings Account (RHSA) - mandatory 1% employee contribution (1.5% after 5 years of service); City matches after year 1
- 457 Deferred Compensation – the City offers up to $600/year in matching contributions toward deferred compensation (optional supplemental retirement plan)
- Other
- City pays the premium for Long-Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance ($50,000)*
- Free pool/gym membership at the Mill Valley Aquatics & Fitness Center
- Discounts on personal training, classes, swim lessons, facility rentals, and camps provided by Mill Valley Recreation
*Certain restrictions apply.
Special Instructions
Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise the City of Mill Valley by emailing abricca@cityofmillvalley.gov and sallingham@cityofmillvalley.gov.
City of Mill Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The City of Mill Valley primarily utilizes CalOpps.org to accept and process employment applications. All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail. Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to Human Resources Analyst Annie Bricca at abricca@cityofmillvalley.gov.
Please complete all sections of the application, including the supplemental questions and work experience section which should be consistent with information on your resume. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the City's official application form, but should accompany the application. Applicants are required to attach both a cover letter and a resume for consideration. All applications, cover letters, and resumes will be reviewed to select those applicants whose qualifications appear to most closely match the requirements of the position. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process and the City of Mill Valley is not responsible for failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application.
Incomplete applications may be disqualified from further consideration.
It is strongly recommended that you write your cover letter personally and do not use AI tools, as we value authentic and individualized responses.
Paper applications may be obtained from the City of Mill Valley at City Hall, 26 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941 or by calling (415) 388-4033 x4772.
INTERVIEW PROCESS & SCHEDULE
A limited number of qualified applicants may be invited to participate in the subsequent phase(s) of the recruitment process, which may include one or more of the following: written examination, performance examination, assessment exercises, oral interviews, and complete background checks.
Please ensure that you are available for the interview dates listed below when submitting your application, as we are unable to accommodate rescheduling or make-up interviews.
Round 1| Thursday, March 19, 2026 (in-person)
Round 2| Thursday, March 26, 2026 (in-person)
ELIGIBILITY LIST
At the conclusion of the panel interviews, all total scores are tallied and ranked to create an eligibility list, with candidates listed in order from highest to lowest scores. Only candidates who meet or exceed the passing score on the selection procedure are placed on the eligibility list. Candidates who score below the pass point are not included.
Placement on the eligibility list does not guarantee a job offer, but it means you are eligible to move forward in the hiring process without needing to repeat interviews, should a position become available. Eligibility lists remain active for one calendar year from the date of placement.
During that time, if an opening occurs for the role you applied for, a member of our team will contact you directly regarding next steps. Even if an offer has been extended to another candidate, factors such as offer acceptance or completion of background checks may affect final hiring decisions. The eligibility list ensures that qualified candidates are ready for consideration and helps streamline the hiring process for future opportunities within that timeframe.