17 Sanitary Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

A sanitary engineer is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of systems that provide clean water and dispose of waste. This can include anything from water treatment plants to sewage systems.

If you’re interested in becoming a sanitary engineer, you’ll need to have a strong background in mathematics and science. You’ll also need to be able to think critically and solve problems. During a job interview, you’ll have the opportunity to show off your skills and knowledge. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of sample sanitary engineer interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with hazardous materials?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your comfort level with working in a potentially dangerous environment. If you have experience working with hazardous materials, share that information and explain how you handled the situation. If you haven’t worked with hazardous materials before, you can answer honestly and discuss what you would do if faced with this situation.

Example: “I am comfortable working with hazardous materials as long as I follow all safety protocols. In my last position, we had to work with some highly toxic chemicals on a regular basis. We always wore protective gear when handling these substances and followed all other safety procedures. I feel confident in my ability to handle hazardous situations like this one.”

What are some of the most important skills for a sanitary engineer to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to the job.

Example: “I believe that communication and problem-solving skills are two of the most important skills for a sanitary engineer to have. As a sanitary engineer, I would need to communicate with many different people, including other engineers, construction workers and facility managers. These conversations could include explaining technical information or asking questions about certain aspects of a project. In addition, solving problems is an essential part of this job because there may be challenges during projects. Having strong problem-solving skills can help me find solutions to these issues.”

How would you design a wastewater treatment plant?

This question can help interviewers understand your process for designing a facility and how you apply your knowledge to the job. Use examples from previous projects or describe what steps you would take when approaching this task.

Example: “I would first determine the size of the plant based on the population it serves, then I’d consider the location of the site and its proximity to water sources. Next, I would look at the current wastewater treatment methods in place and decide if they’re sufficient for the new facility. If not, I would design a system that’s efficient and cost-effective. Finally, I would ensure all safety measures are in place before construction begins.”

What is your experience with water treatment?

Water treatment is a major part of sanitary engineering, so interviewers may ask you this question to see if you have experience with water treatment. In your answer, explain what type of water treatment you’ve done and how it’s helped the community.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for designing new water treatment facilities as well as maintaining existing ones. I also worked on projects that improved the quality of drinking water in communities. For example, I designed a system that filtered out bacteria from the water supply at a local school. This allowed students to drink clean water while they were at school.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle conflict. They want to know that you can remain professional and solve problems with clients or customers in a way that maintains their trust. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the situation and maintain positive relationships with clients.

Example: “In my previous role as a sanitary engineer, I had a client who was unhappy with some of our services. The client called me multiple times about different issues they were having, which made it difficult for me to address all of their concerns. Eventually, I scheduled a meeting with the client so we could discuss their concerns face-to-face. During the meeting, I listened carefully to what the client had to say and explained why we provided certain services. By listening to the client’s concerns and providing them with information, I was able to diffuse the situation.”

If you had to choose one type of water treatment process to specialize in, what would it be?

This question is a great way to see how much the candidate knows about water treatment processes. It also shows you what their interests are and whether they would be able to work well with others in the office.

Example: “I would specialize in reverse osmosis because it’s one of the most effective ways to purify water. I’ve worked on several projects where we used this process, and I find that it works best when there are high levels of contaminants or minerals in the water supply. In my last position, I was responsible for overseeing the installation of reverse osmosis systems at two different facilities.”

What would you do if you noticed a problem with a system you designed?

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to challenges and make decisions. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to communicate with others and commitment to quality work.

Example: “If I noticed a problem with a system I designed, I would first try to determine the cause of the issue. If it was something that could be fixed quickly, I would implement a solution right away. However, if the problem was more complex or required further research, I would report my findings to my supervisor so they could decide what action to take. In either case, I would document everything I did in order to provide evidence for any future questions.”

How well do you understand chemical processes?

Sanitary engineers must understand chemical processes to ensure the safety of their designs. Your answer should show that you have a strong understanding of how chemicals interact with each other and with humans. You can use your past experience working with chemicals to explain how you apply this knowledge in your work.

Example: “Chemical processes are an important part of my job as a sanitary engineer. I am responsible for ensuring that all water used in food preparation is safe for consumption. In my last position, I worked on several projects where we had to test the quality of water sources. I developed a system for testing water quality using common household items like baking soda and vinegar. This allowed us to quickly determine if there were any issues with the water supply.”

Do you have experience working with large teams?

Working as a sanitary engineer can involve working with large teams of people. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary for teamwork. In your answer, share an example of how you work well in a team setting. Explain that you enjoy collaborating with others and helping them succeed.

Example: “I’ve worked on several projects with large teams. I find it helpful to meet with my colleagues regularly to discuss our progress. This helps me understand what they’re working on and gives me the opportunity to help them if they need any assistance. I also think it’s important to be open about my opinions when we’re brainstorming ideas. I always try to offer constructive criticism so that we can improve upon our current plans.”

When was the last time you updated your knowledge on sanitary engineering techniques?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much you value continuing your education. It also helps them understand what kind of commitment you have to your career and whether or not you are willing to learn new things. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific course or training that you took in the past year.

Example: “I recently completed an online certification program on water treatment methods. I find that these courses are a great way to refresh my memory on certain processes and techniques. I am always looking for ways to improve my knowledge and skills as a sanitary engineer.”

We want to improve our water treatment processes. What are some improvements you would suggest?

This question can help the interviewer understand your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to improve processes. Use examples from previous experience where you helped make improvements in water treatment processes.

Example: “In my last position, I noticed that we were using too much chlorine in our water treatment process. This was causing some of our equipment to corrode faster than normal. After researching this issue, I found out that there are other ways to treat for bacteria without using as much chlorine. We switched to a different method that used ultraviolet light to kill bacteria instead of chlorine. This change saved us money on replacing equipment and also improved the quality of our water.”

Describe your process for handling paperwork and reporting to clients.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your organizational skills and how you handle paperwork. Use examples from past projects to describe the steps you take when organizing files, creating reports and submitting them to clients.

Example: “I use a project management software that allows me to create folders for each client’s documents. I then store all of my notes and research in these folders so I can easily access them later. When I’m ready to start writing up my report, I pull all of the relevant information into a new document where I can organize it by category. After I complete the report, I submit it to the client along with any supporting documentation.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates 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 the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your technical knowledge, communication skills and problem-solving abilities.

Example: “I have five years of experience as a sanitary engineer, which makes me highly qualified for this position. I also have a degree in civil engineering, so I am familiar with many aspects of construction projects. In my previous job, I was responsible for managing a team of engineers and developing new strategies for improving sanitation facilities. This experience has given me valuable leadership skills that I would like to use at your company.”

Which industries do you have the most experience working in?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your experience and expertise in different industries. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list the industries you have worked in and what projects you completed for each industry.

Example: “I’ve primarily worked with food processing plants and breweries, but I also have experience working with pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. In my last position as a sanitary engineer at a brewery, I helped implement new safety procedures that reduced waste by 20% while maintaining sanitation standards.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

Customer service is an important part of any job, but it’s especially crucial in the engineering field. Engineers often work with clients and other stakeholders to ensure they’re designing a product or structure that meets their needs. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you understand how important customer service is and what steps you take to provide excellent service to your clients.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of customer service is communication. I always try to be as transparent as possible when working with my clients so they know exactly what to expect from me. If there are any changes to our project timeline or budget, I let them know right away so they can plan accordingly. This helps keep everyone happy and ensures we stay on track.”

How often do you perform maintenance on the systems you design?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much experience you have with maintenance and repair. It can also show them your willingness to take on these tasks when necessary. In your answer, try to explain that you are willing to perform maintenance as needed but will only design systems that are easy to maintain.

Example: “I always make sure my designs are simple enough for anyone to perform basic maintenance. I prefer to focus on designing new systems rather than maintaining old ones. However, if a system is too complex or requires more advanced repairs, I am happy to step in and do what’s needed. I find it helpful to train other sanitary engineers on the basics of performing maintenance so they can handle smaller repairs while I work on larger projects.”

There is a new technology in the industry that you don’t have much experience with. How do you approach learning about it?

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are willing to learn new things and adapt to change. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you take when learning about something new.

Example: “I am always excited to try out new technologies in my field. I would first do some research on the technology to see what others have said about it. Then, I would look into how it could benefit me as a sanitary engineer. If I think it will help me with my job, I would ask for training or certification classes so I can get up to speed on the technology.”