Technical Application Specialist - Water Treatment/Wastewater

Hawkins, Inc.; Luling, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawkins, Inc. in Texas is seeking a Technical Application Specialist (TAS) to support and grow our water treatment business across industrial and municipal markets.

You will perform on-site testing, evaluate coagulation, sludge dewatering, and pilot plant trials, translating data into practical treatment recommendations. This role blends technical fieldwork with sales support, requires independent work, strong communication, and the ability to build trusted customer relationships.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree or equivalent experience; biology/chemistry/engineering preferred
• Previous sales experience preferred
• Excellent selling skills and proven sales experience
• Ability to identify opportunities and key personnel within accounts
• Ability to gain customers’ trust
• Strong computer skills; experience with JDE preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• Strong math skills including calculations for flow rates

Responsibilities

• Supports water treatment chemical sales efforts for industrial, municipal, and metal finishing markets.
• Conducts on-site product testing and selection for water treatment applications.
• Conducts coagulation studies for potable water products.
• Conducts wastewater product selection studies for municipal and industrial clarification.
• Conducts sludge dewatering studies for municipal and industrial applications.
• Conducts coagulation and permanganate studies and makes treatment recommendations for iron filtration systems.
• Assists in training Hawkins Water Treatment Group personnel in potable and wastewater applications.
• Assists in developing new products and applications for Hawkins, Inc. products and services.
• Conducts plant trials for potable water and wastewater applications.
• Troubleshoots customer treatment systems and makes recommendations for performance improvement.

Skills

Sales experience

Selling skills

Customer service

Communication

Math skills

Problem solving

Organization

Time management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Background in Biology/Chemistry/Engineering

Tools

JDE

Job description

Description

Hawkins, Inc. is a trusted and well-known leader in the chemical industry for over 80 years. We have opportunities for motivated hard workers to learn and develop a career with our Water Treatment business segment. Our route sales/delivery approach to supplying products and equipment to our customers in 27+ states ensures superb customer service and support. Our customers include water and wastewater treatment systems, municipal and commercial swimming pools, industrial process and wastewater facilities, and industries like oil/gas and agricultural farmers/growers.

Learn more about us at www.hawkinsinc.com (NASDAQ: HWKN).

ABOUT THE JOB

Hawkins is seeking a Technical Application Specialist (TAS) to support and grow our water treatment business across our industrial and municipal markets. This role combines technical expertise, fieldwork, and sales support, working closely with both customers and internal sales teams to develop solutions, conduct testing, troubleshoot systems, and identify new business opportunities. The TAS will perform on-site product evaluations, including coagulation, sludge dewatering, wastewater clarification, and permanganate demand studies, while leading plant trials and making data-driven treatment recommendations for potable and wastewater systems.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in water or wastewater treatment, along with excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills. This role requires the ability to work independently, build strong customer relationships, and confidently translate technical data into practical solutions that improve system performance. Previous sales or customer-facing experience and knowledge of water treatment applications are preferred. Candidates must also possess strong math skills, be comfortable working in industrial environments with varying conditions, and have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated, technically skilled professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, working in the field, and contributing directly to customer success and business growth.

*This position will be based in the Luling, TX area - Must live in Texas or open to relocation*

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports water treatment chemical sales efforts for industrial, municipal, and metal finishing markets.
• Conducts on-site product testing and selection for water treatment applications.
• Conducts “Coagulation Studies” for potable water products.
• Conducts wastewater product selection studies for municipal and industrial clarification.
• Conducts sludge dewatering studies for municipal and industrial applications.
• Conducts coagulation and permanganate demand studies and makes treatment recommendations for iron filtration systems.
• Assists professional organizations by assisting in professional training seminars.
• Assists in developing new products and applications for Hawkins, Inc. products and services.
• Conducts plant trials for potable water and wastewater applications.
• Troubleshoots customer treatment systems and makes recommendations for performance improvement.
• Assists in training of Hawkins Water Treatment Group personnel in potable and wastewater applications.
• Assists the sales force in making potable water scale and corrosion treatment recommendations.

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE

• Four-year degree or equivalent experience required. Degree focused in Biology, Chemistry or Engineering preferred
• Previous sales experience preferred
• Excellent selling skills and successful sales experience
• Ability to identify appropriate business opportunities and key personnel within accounts
• Ability to gain customers’ trust
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a high level of activity under a variety of conditions
• Ability to professionally and positively present information about Hawkins products and services
• Strong computer skills. Must have the ability to work with computers and software systems, preferably JDE
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• Strong math skills including ability to perform calculations to determine flow rates etc.
• Excellent organization and time management skills Strong negotiation skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective organizational and follow-through skills required
• History of working in a field that required autonomy and self-motivation
• Must have clean driving record and be able to pass drug and background screening

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs. 10-20 feet up to 10 times/day; ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds, frequently.
• Ability to sit, stand, and climb stairs for up to 12 hours per day.
• Ability to work in facilities where temperatures may range from 45 up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit; as well as work outside in all weather conditions (all four seasons).
• Able to perform manual dexterity tasks.
• Occasional turning, twisting, stooping, bending, and reaching.

TRAVEL

Up to 50%

Expected Compensation

$85,000-$95,000 + 10% Bonus Eligibility

Hawkins offers eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD/STD and more.? Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) match, Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP), paid time off, and paid holidays.?

For more information on Hawkins benefits, visit: https://www.hawkinsinc.com/careers/benefits/

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All applications must be received online. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Hawkins is a Drug Free workplace.