Introduction
Water utility operators are quiet guardians of public health that ensure our communities have safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater service, often without the public even noticing their vital work.
Water utilities offer stable, rewarding careers with competitive pay. Over 57% of water and wastewater operators are 45 years or older (Brookings, 2021), and it is expected that nearly half of that workforce will retire in the next decade (Bloomberg, 2024). Workers entering the water and wastewater industry are in high demand.
Strong interview skills are key to securing one of these vital jobs. Here are steps you can take before, during, and after a job interview to help you get your career in this industry started.
Priming the Pump: Steps to Get Ready for Your Interview
1. Research the Employer and Job Requirements
Thoroughly research the company and position beforehand to demonstrate interest and anticipate interview topics. Use the company’s website or talk to current employees.
Some areas to review include:
- The company: If they treat water, wastewater, or both, and whether it’s municipal, private, or industrial.
- Key required skills like maintenance, regulatory compliance (EPA/state), or specific software.
- The company’s mission, ongoing projects, and recent challenges.
2. Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
Refresh your technical knowledge of the water industry. Even with limited experience, reviewing core technical concepts will help you speak knowledgeably in your interview.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Core water/wastewater treatment processes and regulations.
- Key equipment (pumps, clarifiers, SCADA).
- Essential safety protocols (confined space, chemical handling, OSHA).
- Regulatory compliance (SDWA, CWA, NPDES permits).
- Standard lab tests (pH, chlorine residual, Colilert).
3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions
Answer interview questions using the STAR method, described below, to structure clear, compelling responses. Choose examples that highlight your relevant skills and align with the company’s needs. Review the questions below and practice answering them concisely using the STAR method.
Common Interview Questions Include:
- Why do you want to work at this company?
- Why are you interested in working as a water utility worker, and what skills do you believe make you a strong candidate for this position?
- Tell me about yourself/your work experience.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.
- How do you prioritize tasks during a shift when working on multiple projects simultaneously?
- What is your experience working with drinking water and/or wastewater regulations?
- How do you ensure that you are following all safety protocols while working on a project?
- How would you handle a high-pressure situation, such as an emergency repair or outage?
- Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem.
- How would you communicate a problem to a supervisor?
Bonus: Practice your delivery by writing down key situations and rehearsing them aloud, ideally with a friend. This will refine your answers and build confidence.
Making a Splash During an Interview: Being Memorable for the Right Reasons
1. Highlight Relevant Experience & Certifications
Be sure to mention any relevant experience you might have, even if it is not directly related to water operations.
Relevant experience includes:
- Hands-on experience with treatment processes, lab work, or maintenance.
- Certifications you possess (operator license, commercial driver’s license, OSHA safety training).
- Mechanical experience whether related to water or not (such as diagnosing and resolving equipment issues).
- Examples of problem-solving in past roles.
2. Demonstrate Soft Skills
Don’t overlook soft skills. These essential, non-technical abilities—like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving—are learned through experience and are vital to being an effective employee.
Demonstration of Soft Skills include:
- Experience with teamwork and communication.
- Showing awareness of the role’s physical demands and shift-work challenges.
- Commitment to continuous learning (staying updated on industry trends).
3. Ask Insightful Questions
Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation. Prepare two or three insightful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest and helps you evaluate the company’s priorities and expectations.
Consider the following questions and tailor them for yourself.
- What are the biggest challenges facing this utility?
- What opportunities are there for professional development?
- What are the short- and long-term opportunities for advancement?
- Can you describe a typical day for this role?
- What do you think are the biggest opportunities and challenges this company will be facing in the next few years?
4. Dress Professionally & Bring Documentation
You want to make a good first impression. Arrive prepared to boost your confidence and demonstrate professionalism.
When you arrive at your interview make sure to:
- Wear clean, appropriate attire (work-appropriate or business casual).
- Arrive fifteen minutes before your interview starts and take that time to review your notes while you wait for your appointment.
- Bring copies of your resume, licenses, and certifications.
- Have references ready if requested.
Closing the Valve: Steps to Take After an Interview
Send a thank-you email to reiterate your interest. Use it to clarify any points or add new thoughts. You should also write down any challenging questions you were asked to practice for next time.
Conclusion
Preparing for an interview reduces anxiety and builds confidence, helping you make a strong impression. A career in water utilities is more than a job, it’s an essential service to your community. Be prepared to start your career in this vital industry.