OPERATOR: OIT, Grade I, II, III

Central Marin Sanitation Agency (CMSA) – San Rafael, CA
Filing deadline: August 19, 2026

About the Role

Under direct supervision of the Operations Supervisor, Lead, or their designee, monitors, reports on, adjusts and performs related work to maintain the plant processes and equipment in a continuously operating secondary activated sludge wastewater treatment plant, pump stations, and related facilities. Ensures NPDES and BAAD permit requirements, regulations, and all applicable rules are continuously met. As incumbents gain experience and higher certification levels, they receive less guidance and more general direction, allowing for more autonomous judgment in process corrections.

Responsibilities

• Perform plant rounds and inspections; report significant changes in process or equipment conditions.
• Inspect local and remote odor control sites for proper operations.
• Monitor processes and suggest or perform operational changes to ensure NPDES and BAAQMD permits are met.
• Track computerized operations of plant equipment to ensure correct values and expected trends.
• Monitor and report on the inventory of chemicals and supplies.
• Interpret equipment condition using local or portable instrumentation.
• Attend and participate in meetings, trainings, and safety sessions.
• Perform operations and maintenance functions, including:
  • Inspecting plant, pump station, and remote facilities on a regularly scheduled basis.
  • Operating and performing preventive maintenance on a variety of plant equipment.
  • Operating valves, pumps, and automated controls to regulate wastewater flow.
  • Collecting and performing standard lab tests on wastewater flows and biosolids.
  • Using a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment.
• Work shifts, holidays, overtime, or off-hour shifts as operational staffing levels dictate, including emergency conditions and planned shutdowns.

Requirements

• OITs must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training Certificate within one month of employment.
• Graded operators must possess and maintain a valid operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Completion of 12th grade or equivalent (GED).
• General knowledge of elementary mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles; arithmetic; common safe work practices; and common hand and power tools.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver’s license.

Pay

$87,405 to $146,779 annually