17 Wastewater Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Wastewater technicians play an important role in keeping our environment clean. They are responsible for the treatment of sewage and industrial wastewater. This job can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding.

If you are interested in becoming a wastewater technician, you will need to go through an interview process. This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing you with sample questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the proper use of a pH meter?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of the tools and equipment used in wastewater treatment. Use your answer to highlight your experience with pH meters, as well as how you use them properly.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the proper use of a pH meter. In my last position, I was responsible for testing the pH levels of our water samples on a daily basis. I also calibrated the pH meter once per week to ensure that it was operating at peak performance. This helped me maintain accurate readings when measuring the pH levels of our water samples.”

What are the primary components of a wastewater treatment plant?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the wastewater treatment process. They want to know that you have a basic understanding of how these plants operate and what they do. In your answer, try to include all of the major components of a plant and explain their function.

Example: “A wastewater treatment plant has several primary components. The first is a screening system, which removes large objects from the water before it enters the primary clarifier. Next are aeration tanks, where bacteria break down organic matter in the water. After that, there’s an oxidation ditch, also known as a trickling filter, where bacteria further break down waste. Finally, there’s a secondary clarifier, which filters out any remaining solids.”

How would you handle a situation where a pump is malfunctioning and causing wastewater to back up into the streets?

This question can help interviewers assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. In your answer, try to highlight how you would use your critical thinking skills to find a solution quickly.

Example: “In this situation, I would first make sure that the pump was not just experiencing a power outage or other minor issue. If it is malfunctioning, I would immediately call my supervisor for backup. Then, I would start troubleshooting the problem by checking all of the pumps in the system to see if they are working properly. If one of them is also malfunctioning, then I would need to figure out what caused the malfunction so we could fix it before it happens again.”

What is the proper procedure for handling hazardous waste at a wastewater treatment plant?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of proper safety procedures. Use examples from your experience that show how you followed the correct protocols for handling hazardous waste and protecting yourself and others in the workplace.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for disposing of all hazardous materials at the treatment plant. The first step is always to make sure the area is properly ventilated so no one gets hurt by toxic fumes. Then, I wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles and a respirator mask. Finally, I place the hazardous material into an appropriate container and dispose of it according to local regulations.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with an upset customer at a wastewater treatment plant.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation and if you have the ability to diffuse conflict. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and use your communication skills to resolve the issue.

Example: “In my previous role as a wastewater technician, I had to deal with upset customers on occasion. One time, an older woman called me because she was concerned about the smell coming from her drain. She said it smelled like sewage and asked what we were doing to fix it. I explained to her that there is always going to be some odor in a wastewater treatment plant, but that our equipment is designed to minimize the smell. I also told her that the smell should go away once the water goes through the treatment process.”

If you had to choose one type of wastewater treatment process to describe yourself, what would it be and why?

This question is a way for the interviewer to get an idea of your knowledge and experience with wastewater treatment processes. It also helps them understand what you value in your work as a wastewater technician. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a process that you have personal experience with or one that you are passionate about.

Example: “I would describe myself as a biological wastewater treatment specialist. I love working with living organisms and helping them thrive. In my last role, I was responsible for monitoring the health of the bacteria colonies in our system and making sure they were performing at their best. I found it very rewarding to see how much good we could do by taking care of these little creatures.”

What would you do if you noticed an abnormally high amount of solids in the wastewater you were monitoring?

This question can help interviewers assess your problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions. Your answer should include a specific example of how you would respond to this situation, including the steps you would take to solve it.

Example: “If I noticed an abnormally high amount of solids in the wastewater I was monitoring, I would first check the equipment for any malfunctions or errors. If there were no problems with the equipment, I would then contact my supervisor to discuss what may be causing the issue. They may decide to send someone out to inspect the site and collect samples for further testing.”

How well do you perform under pressure?

Employers ask this question to see if you can handle the pressure of working in a wastewater treatment facility. They want to know that you are able to work quickly and efficiently when there is a lot going on around you. Use your answer to show them that you have experience with high-pressure situations and how you handled them.

Example: “I am used to working under pressure, as I worked at my previous job where we had to meet certain deadlines for our reports. I was responsible for collecting data from the sensors while also monitoring the pH levels. If any of those levels were off, it would affect the entire report. So, I always made sure to stay focused and complete my tasks before the deadline.”

Do you have any experience using data analysis software to evaluate wastewater samples?

The interviewer may ask you this question to gauge your experience with a specific software program. If they do, it’s important to mention the name of the software and describe how you used it in your previous role.

Example: “I have worked with several data analysis programs throughout my career as a wastewater technician. In my last position, I primarily used LabView for analyzing samples because it was easy to use and provided me with valuable information about the quality of our water treatment process. It also helped me identify any issues that could lead to contamination or other problems.”

When is it appropriate to use aeration to treat wastewater?

This question can help interviewers assess your knowledge of the different processes used to treat wastewater. Use examples from your experience to explain when you would use aeration and how it works.

Example: “Aeration is a process that uses oxygen to remove organic matter from water. It’s often used in treatment plants because it’s an effective way to reduce odors, improve clarity and kill bacteria. I’ve used aeration at my current job to treat wastewater before releasing it into rivers or lakes. We also use aeration to treat our primary sludge after removing solids from the wastewater.”

We want to increase our capacity to treat more wastewater. What would you do to increase our current treatment capacity?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively. You can answer this question by describing a process you would use to increase the capacity of a wastewater treatment plant.

Example: “I would first conduct a thorough assessment of our current system, including its strengths and weaknesses. I would then develop a plan for increasing the capacity of the plant based on my findings. For example, if I found that we have plenty of space but need more equipment, I would recommend purchasing new equipment or upgrading existing equipment. If I found that we are running out of space, I would recommend expanding the facility.”

Describe your experience using basic hand tools.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with tools that you use on the job. This can help them determine if you have enough experience using these tools and how comfortable you are working with them. When answering, try to list which hand tools you’re familiar with and describe a time when you used each one.

Example: “I’ve worked as a wastewater technician for five years now, so I’m quite experienced with many of the basic hand tools we use in our work. For example, I know how to use wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and hammers. In my last position, I had to replace some parts in a pump station. To do this, I removed the bolts holding the old parts together and replaced them with new ones. It took me several hours to complete this task but I was able to finish it successfully.”

What makes you a good fit for this wastewater technician position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, it can be helpful to highlight a few of your skills or experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the role. You may also want to mention any personal traits that could help you succeed in the position.

Example: “I am passionate about environmental conservation and would love to work as a wastewater technician because I enjoy helping communities stay safe and healthy. In my previous job, I worked with a community organization to clean up local waterways, so I have experience working with waste management systems and understanding the importance of proper sanitation. I think these skills make me a great fit for this position.”

Which wastewater treatment process do you have the most experience with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with different wastewater treatment processes. You can answer this question by naming the process you have the most experience with and briefly describing what it is and how it works.

Example: “I’ve worked primarily with aerobic treatment, which uses oxygen to break down organic matter in wastewater. Aerobic treatment is a common method for treating wastewater because it’s effective at breaking down waste while also producing biogas that can be used as fuel or fertilizer. I’ve also done some work with anaerobic treatment, which uses bacteria to break down organic matter without oxygen.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a wastewater technician to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine what skills you value most in your work and how they align with those of their company. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a skill that is important for this role and one that you have or are willing to learn.

Example: “I think communication is the most important skill for a wastewater technician to have because it allows them to effectively relay information to other technicians and supervisors about any issues they may find during treatment. I’ve always been good at communicating clearly and concisely, which has helped me build strong working relationships with my coworkers.”

How often do you perform routine maintenance on the equipment you use at work?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your technical skills and how often you perform maintenance on the equipment you use at work. Use your answer to highlight your ability to troubleshoot problems with equipment and solve issues that arise in the workplace.

Example: “I usually perform routine maintenance on my equipment once a month, but I also check it daily for any signs of wear or damage. If I notice something wrong with the equipment, I fix it right away so I can prevent bigger problems from occurring later. For example, when I worked at my last job, I noticed one day that our sensors were malfunctioning. I fixed them immediately so we could continue monitoring the wastewater levels.”

There is a clog in one of the wastewater pipes. What is your reaction?

This question is a test of your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer how you react to stressful situations and whether you can remain calm under pressure. Your answer should show that you are confident in your abilities, but also that you will take time to analyze the situation before taking action.

Example: “I would first try to determine where the clog is located. If it’s at the beginning of the pipe, I would use a jetting machine to clear it. If it’s further down the pipe, I would have to open up the pipe and remove the blockage manually. This process could be quite challenging because wastewater pipes are usually full of sludge.”