17 Environmental Chemist Interview Questions and Answers

An environmental chemist is a scientist who studies the effects of chemicals on the environment. They may work in a laboratory, in the field, or both. Many environmental chemists work for environmental consulting firms, but there are also opportunities to work for the government or private industry.

If you’re interested in becoming an environmental chemist, you’ll need to have a strong background in chemistry and be able to answer environmental chemist interview questions. In this guide, we’ll give you a list of sample questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the use of chromatography in environmental chemistry?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of a specific technique used in environmental chemistry. You can answer this question by describing how you would use chromatography in the field and what its benefits are.

Example: “Chromatography is a process that separates compounds based on their solubility, which allows me to separate different elements from water samples. I have used chromatography many times in my career because it’s a quick way to test for certain elements or chemicals in a sample. It also helps me determine whether there are any contaminants in the water.”

What are some of the most common uses of atomic spectroscopy in environmental chemistry?

This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of atomic spectroscopy and its applications in environmental chemistry. Use examples from your experience to highlight your expertise with this method of analysis.

Example: “Atomic spectroscopy is a common technique used for identifying elements, determining their concentrations and analyzing samples. It’s especially useful when working with complex mixtures because it allows me to identify specific elements within the sample without destroying them. I’ve used atomic spectroscopy to analyze soil samples for trace metals, water samples for heavy metals and air samples for volatile organic compounds.”

How would you test a water sample for the presence of lead? What steps would you take to ensure the accuracy of your results?

This question can help interviewers assess your analytical skills and ability to follow protocols. In your answer, explain the steps you would take to test for lead in water samples and how you ensure that your results are accurate.

Example: “I would first use a spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of the sample at two different wavelengths. Then I would calculate the difference between these measurements to determine the concentration of lead in the sample. To ensure accuracy, I would repeat this process three times with separate water samples.”

What is the difference between pH and pOH? How are they used in environmental chemistry?

This question tests your knowledge of two important concepts in environmental chemistry. It also shows the interviewer how you apply that knowledge to solve problems and make decisions. In your answer, try to show that you understand both pH and pOH and can use them effectively.

Example: “pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. The lower the number, the more acidic something is. A solution with a pH of 7 is neutral. Anything above 7 is basic, while anything below 7 is acidic. pOH measures the concentration of hydroxide ions in water. It’s measured on the same scale as pH but has a negative value. So, when I’m working with solutions that have a high level of acidity, I need to be aware of the effects of both low pH and high pOH.”

Provide an example of a chemical reaction that occurs naturally.

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of chemical reactions and how they occur. Use examples from your experience or research to show that you understand the process of a natural reaction and its impact on the environment.

Example: “A naturally occurring chemical reaction is photosynthesis, which occurs when plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. This process helps replenish oxygen in our atmosphere and provides us with food. Another example is nitrogen fixation, which happens when bacteria converts nitrogen gas into ammonia. Ammonia is an essential nutrient for plant growth.”

If you had to choose one type of chemical analysis to specialize in, which would it be and why?

This question is a great way to see if the interviewer wants you to focus on one type of chemical analysis or if they want you to be well-rounded in your skills. If you are asked this question, it’s important to show that you have an interest in the specialty and can explain why you would choose it over others.

Example: “I would specialize in environmental testing because I find it fascinating how chemicals affect our environment. In my last role, I was able to work with several different types of chemical analysis, but I found myself most interested in environmental testing. It’s interesting to learn about what kind of chemicals are present in the air we breathe and water we drink.”

What would you do if you discovered a new chemical compound during your research?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach your work and whether you have a plan for handling unexpected discoveries. Your answer should show that you are organized, detail-oriented and able to prioritize tasks.

Example: “If I discovered a new chemical compound during my research, I would first document all of its properties and record any information about where it was found or what conditions were present when I observed it. Then, I would test the compound in different environments to see if it could be used as an alternative to current compounds. If it proved successful, I would create a detailed report on the compound’s properties and submit it to my supervisor so they could review it.”

How well do you perform under pressure?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. They want to know that you can complete tasks on time and meet deadlines. In your answer, explain how you manage stress and stay productive when working under pressure.

Example: “I perform well under pressure because I am used to it from my previous job. There were many times where we had to rush projects due to tight deadlines. I learned to prioritize my tasks so I could get them done as quickly as possible while still maintaining quality. Now, I am accustomed to the feeling of having to rush through assignments and can do so without sacrificing quality.”

Do you have experience working with a team of scientists to complete research projects?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you work with others. In your answer, share a specific example of when you worked on a team project and what role you played in the process.

Example: “In my last position as an environmental chemist, I was part of a research team that studied water quality in local lakes. My job was to test the water samples for different contaminants and then record the results. The rest of the team used my data to create graphs and charts that we presented at conferences.”

When analyzing a chemical sample, do you prefer to work alone or with others?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might fit into their organization. Your answer should show that you are a team player who is willing to work with others and share your ideas.

Example: “I prefer working alone when analyzing samples because it allows me to focus on my task without distractions. However, I also enjoy collaborating with other environmental chemists to discuss our findings and bounce ideas off each other. In fact, I find this process helps me analyze samples more effectively because I am able to learn from my colleagues’ experiences.”

We want to hire an environmental chemist who is willing to go above and beyond to help our company. What would you do if you discovered a dangerous chemical leak at one of our facilities?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would react to a challenging situation and whether your response shows that you are willing to take action. In your answer, try to describe what steps you would take to solve the problem and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Example: “If I discovered a dangerous chemical leak at one of our facilities, my first step would be to alert my supervisor immediately so they could address the issue. Then, I would assess the situation by gathering information about the chemicals being used in the facility and their potential effects on people and the environment. After this, I would work with other environmental chemists to develop an emergency plan for handling the leak.”

Describe your process for double-checking your results before presenting your findings to a client.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and ensure that it’s accurate. Your answer should show that you take pride in your work, are detail-oriented and have a strong attention to detail.

Example: “I always make sure to double-check my results before presenting them to a client. I first review all of my calculations and data collection methods to make sure they’re correct. Then, I compare my findings with those of other environmental chemists on my team to see if there are any discrepancies. If everything checks out, I present my findings to the client.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that are relevant to this position. Think about what makes you unique compared to other candidates.

Example: “I am highly motivated and always looking for ways to improve my work. I also enjoy working in a team environment where we can share ideas and collaborate on projects. My communication skills are excellent, which is why I would be an effective communicator within this department. I am also very detail-oriented, so I would take great care when conducting experiments or analyzing data.”

Which industries do you hope to work in as an environmental chemist?

This question can help an interviewer determine if your career goals align with the company’s mission. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific industry that you are passionate about and why.

Example: “I would love to work in the pharmaceutical industry as an environmental chemist because I am passionate about helping people live healthier lives. In my previous role, I worked on projects that helped companies develop more environmentally friendly ways of manufacturing drugs. This was very rewarding for me because I knew that my research could positively impact thousands of people.”

What do you think is the most important thing for environmental chemists to remember when working with hazardous chemicals?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your safety practices and how you prioritize them. Use examples from your experience to highlight your commitment to keeping yourself and others safe while working with hazardous chemicals.

Example: “I think it’s important for environmental chemists to remember that they are responsible for their own safety, as well as the safety of those around them. I always make sure to follow all safety protocols when handling hazardous materials, including wearing protective gear and following proper disposal procedures. In my last role, I helped develop new methods for disposing of hazardous waste by developing chemical compounds that could break down other harmful substances.”

How often do you perform chemical analysis in your current position?

This question can help the interviewer understand how much experience you have with this type of work. If your current position doesn’t involve chemical analysis, you can explain what other types of analytical work you perform and how often you do it.

Example: “In my current role as an environmental chemist, I perform chemical analysis on a daily basis. In fact, I am responsible for performing all of the chemical testing in our department. This includes analyzing water samples to determine if they meet state standards and identifying hazardous materials that are present at industrial sites.”

There is a lot of competition in this field. How do you set yourself apart from other environmental chemists?

Employers want to know that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. They may ask this question to learn more about your background, education or work history. In your answer, share what makes you unique as an environmental chemist. Consider sharing a specific skill or two that you have that others might not.

Example: “I think my biggest strength is my ability to communicate with clients. I always make sure to explain everything in detail so they understand exactly what we’re doing. This helps them feel confident in our services and ensures that they are happy with the results. Another thing that sets me apart from other chemists is my attention to detail. I am very thorough when conducting research and making notes. This allows me to find solutions to problems quickly.”