Wastewater treatment operations require technical and transferable skills to be successful in the career field. During a job interview for a water treatment position, interviewers are likely to assess your technical, operational and professional background. Your soft skills in communication, critical thinking and collaboration are also important to highlight during an interview. In this article, we discuss example wastewater treatment interview questions with example responses to help you practice your answers in advance so that you can make a great impression.
Wastewater Treatment Frequently Asked Questions | ETP | BOD | COD | Waste Water | TECH MECHA |
What mitigation strategies have you applied to overcome operational challenges in sewage treatment plants?
Your ability to identify and solve challenges that can affect operations is crucial in water treatment operations. Use your answer to show the interviewer how your ability to overcome operational challenges can benefit their organization.
Example: “The organization I worked for before moving was a nonprofit, and our main objectives were developing efficient wastewater management and treatment strategies to control pollution in the environment. My team and I helped manage the development of water reclamation and energy recovery strategies that helped reduce materials consumption and the risk of pollutants releasing into the environment.”
Share some examples of your prior responsibilities.
This question helps interviewers understand your experience and practical skills when operating treatment equipment and overseeing plant processes. Provide examples of previous duties that are similar to the job requirements so the interviewer knows your experience fits the role.
Example: “In my previous role, I monitored all equipment and treatment processes and directed primary operations. I also have experience in mixing and integrating treatment chemicals to dissolve and neutralize solid materials. I also helped train new team members in the operation and maintenance of our facilitys equipment, which resulted in a strong team of qualified individuals.”
What qualifies you for the wastewater treatment role?
The interviewer may also ask about your educational background, specific credentials and skills that tell them how you qualify for the job. Discuss your education and training, certifications or additional credentials that support your experience in the role.
Example: “I received both my Wastewater Treatment Operator Class 1 and Water Treatment Operator Class 1 licenses last year, and continue to renew my OSHA Safety Certificate. I understand your company requires a Water and Wastewater Plants Level 1 license, which I am currently pursuing. Ill be taking the exam in two months, and Im excited to demonstrate what Ive learned in the industry.”
Describe a situation in which you suggested a technique or method that helped improve efficiency.
The interviewer may ask behavioral questions that give them insight into how you provide input and apply strategies for improvement. Consider examples that highlight your communication skills, critical thinking and ability to test and evaluate outcomes.
Example: “There was a time when I had first started in a job as a technician when I noticed that documentation and analysis of treatment procedures were somewhat disorganized. I communicated this with my supervisor, who agreed that the absence of an organizational framework was affecting communications with stakeholders. Working with my supervisor, we developed a framework that provided documentation methods for personnel to communicate ongoing procedures with senior management, executives and shareholders. This framework helped increase the efficiency of communication between all levels and supported overall performance goals.”
Therefore, you need to make sure that you prepare to ace the interview, by going through possible questions, and their answers.
I am a highly intuitive person, which makes it easy for me to perform my tasks in a solid manner. In particular, I am well-versed in determining the right chemical amounts to add to water, and can effectively monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges. Also, I am competent in cleaning and maintaining equipment tanks, and filter beds.
In addition, you will be gauged on your ability to add chemicals to disinfect water and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges.
A water treatment operator’s interview process includes determining what the applicant possesses in terms of skills, and experience in the work.
About 6 months ago, a fellow water treatment plant operator suggested that we leave one 2-hour check on the plant, and go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. I explained that it was not possible because we will be putting lives at risk. He was convinced otherwise and kept insisting that one missed check procedure won’t matter. I told him to go ahead, and I will do it myself, without his help.
The wastewater treatment plant operator is responsible for the overall operation of the plant, as well as the safety and well-being of the workers and the public. They must make sure the plant is running smoothly and that the water meets all regulatory requirements.
Example: “I worked as a lab technician for five years before moving into my current role as a wastewater treatment plant operator. In my previous position, I was responsible for monitoring the water quality of our samples and reporting any changes or abnormalities to my supervisor. This helped me develop my skills with using testing equipment and interpreting data.”
Example: “I am very excited about this role because I love working with people and solving problems. However, I do have one question. What kind of training or certification do I need to become an operator? I know wastewater treatment plant operators must be certified by the state, but I’m not sure how long that takes.”
Example: “I have developed a checklist that I follow each day when performing my daily maintenance checks. This helps me stay organized and ensures I don’t miss any important steps. For example, during my morning rounds, I check all of the pumps and motors to make sure they are functioning properly. Then, I move on to checking the pH levels of the water entering the facility and the wastewater leaving it. Finally, I perform a visual inspection of the entire facility to look for any issues.”
The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with equipment maintenance. This can be an important part of the job, so it’s helpful if you have some experience in performing these checks yourself or working with others who do them. Consider mentioning any specific skills you have that help you perform maintenance on equipment and machinery.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant & System Operator Job Interview Questions & Answers
During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:
Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.
FAQ
What are 10 good interview questions and answers?
- Stage One — Bar Screening. …
- Stage Two — Screening. …
- Stage Three — Primary Clarifier. …
- Stage Four — Aeration. …
- Stage Five — Secondary Clarifier. …
- Stage Six — Chlorination (Disinfection) …
- Stage Seven — Water Analysis & Testing. …
- Stage Eight — Effluent Disposal.
What are the biggest problems in wastewater treatment?
- Tell Me About Yourself. …
- Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? …
- Why Do You Want This Job? …
- How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? …
- Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job? …
- What Is Your Greatest Strength? …
- What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
