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Water Treatment Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contribute to feasibility studies, facility planning, pilot testing, and related technical evaluations, and collaborate with the Applied Research Group on water quality and treatment research.

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Monterey, CA ยท Hybrid

$88K - $176K/yr

Contribute to feasibility studies, facility planning, pilot testing, and related technical evaluations, and collaborate with the Applied Research Group on water quality and treatment research.

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Water Treatment Research information

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How much do water treatment research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment research in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is water treatment research?

Water treatment research is the scientific study and development of methods to improve the purification, quality, and safety of water for various uses, including drinking, industrial processes, and environmental protection. Researchers in this field investigate new technologies, treatment processes, and materials to remove contaminants, reduce pollution, and address challenges such as emerging pollutants and water scarcity. Their work helps ensure that water resources remain safe and sustainable for communities and ecosystems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in water treatment research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Water Treatment Research often encounter challenges such as staying updated with evolving regulations, addressing complex contaminant mixtures, and adapting to emerging technologies. Balancing laboratory work with field studies can also be demanding, especially when troubleshooting pilot-scale systems or scaling solutions for real-world application. To overcome these challenges, researchers collaborate closely with engineers, regulatory agencies, and industry partners, ensuring that innovative methods remain both practical and compliant. Continuous professional development and participation in industry conferences can also help keep skills and knowledge current.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Researcher, you need a strong background in environmental science, chemistry, or engineering, often supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical software like MATLAB or GIS, and knowledge of regulatory standards such as EPA guidelines are typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for designing experiments and sharing findings with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure the development of innovative, compliant, and sustainable solutions to water quality challenges.

What is the difference between Water Treatment Research vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater Treatment ResearchWater Quality Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in environmental science, chemistry, or engineering; research experienceHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification in water testing
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, officesField sites, water treatment plants, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, government agencies, private labsMunicipal water plants, environmental agencies, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonResearch roles, scientific analysis, water treatment innovationWater testing, water quality monitoring, compliance

Water Treatment Research focuses on developing new treatment methods, conducting experiments, and analyzing data in labs or research settings. In contrast, Water Quality Technicians perform routine testing, monitor water quality, and ensure compliance at treatment facilities. Both roles are essential in the water industry but differ mainly in scope, environment, and responsibilities.

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What cities are hiring for Water Treatment Research jobs?

Cities with the most Water Treatment Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Treatment Research jobs?

The most popular types of Water Treatment Research jobs are:

What states have the most Water Treatment Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Treatment Research jobs include:

Infographic showing various Water Treatment Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,043 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

National Water Treatment Technical Expert

Kennedy/Jenks Consulting

Tampa, FL โ€ข On-site

$213 - $266/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

National Water Treatment Technical Expert

Tampa, FL, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

As a National Water Treatment Technical Expert, you will provide technical leadership, strategic guidance, and client-facing support for complex water quality and treatment initiatives.

  • Provide technical process and water quality expertise for municipal drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification, including treatment process evaluation, process selection, preliminary engineering studies, and operations optimization.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with municipal and private-sector water clients; identify emerging client needs, strategic opportunities, and market trends; collaborate with client service managers and regional leaders, lead pursuit strategies, and secure new work that advances Kennedy Jenksโ€™ national water treatment practice.
  • Process design in feasibility studies, facility plans, and process pilot testing for complex water projects.
  • Advise preliminary process design, including basis of design reports and preliminary engineering drawings and specifications for complex water projects.
  • Guide development and provide quality control review of process flow diagrams, process design criteria, and process and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Evaluate process performance and operations optimization of existing water treatment facilities.
  • Actively participate in water-focused professional organizations; submit abstracts and present technical material at regional and national conferences.
  • Collaborate with our Applied Research Group staff to support and/or participate in research projects related to water quality and water treatment processes.
  • Team up with private sector water treatment staff to support and participate in industrial water quality and water treatment processes.

What Makes This Role Different

  • Serve as a trusted technical expert supporting clients and project teams across the firm.
  • Apply your expertise to advanced treatment, reuse, purification, and optimization projects with meaningful community impact.
  • Help develop mid-level staff by sharing expertise in water quality, treatment processes, regulations, and practical project delivery.

What You Bring

  • Demonstrated success developing client relationships, identifying and capturing project opportunities, leading pursuits, and contributing to revenue growth within the water sector.
  • Proven ability to serve as a trusted client advisor, guide project teams in delivering exceptional client experiences, and translate technical expertise into long-term client relationships.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information for clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, reports, design drawings, specifications, and technical memos.
  • Experience reviewing technical deliverables and providing constructive guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Ability to collaborate with and mentor junior and senior staff in water quality and water treatment processes and regulations.
  • Ability to work independently and/or as a valuable member of the team.

Qualifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s or Masterโ€™s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required.
  • 15+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required; license in one or multiple states preferred, including CA, CO, FL, HI, OR, TX, VA, and WA.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes ahybrid modelof home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work.

Salary rangefor this position is anticipated to be $213,000 to $266,000 and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.

Benefits summary:Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

#LI-Hybrid

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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