Environmental Engineers Interview Questions & Answers

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.

Interviewers look for candidates who demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Imagination skills
• Reading skills
• Writing skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for environmental engineering positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills that you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Imagination

Why the interviewer is interested in your imagination:

Environmental engineers sometimes have to design systems that will be part of larger ones. They must foresee how the proposed designs will interact with components of the larger system, including the workers, machinery, and equipment, as well as with the environment.

Interpersonal skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your interpersonal skills:

Environmental engineers must work with others toward a common goal. They usually work with engineers and scientists who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.

Problem-solving skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your problem-solving skills:

When designing facilities and processes, environmental engineers strive to solve several issues at once, from workers’ safety to environmental protection. They must identify and anticipate problems in order to prevent losses for their employers, safeguard workers’ health, and mitigate environmental damage.

Reading skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your reading skills:

Environmental engineers often work with businesspeople, lawyers, and other professionals outside their field. They frequently are required to read and understand documents that deal with topics outside their scope of training.

Writing skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your writing skills:

Environmental engineers must write clearly so that others without their specific training can understand their documents, including plans, proposals, specifications, and findings, among others.

(source: bls.gov)

Environmental Engineers Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Tell me about a time you implemented a creative design solution to solve an environmental problem.
2. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
3. In your opinion, which environmental issue will require the most attention in the next years?
4. What is your biggest accomplishment?
5. Tell me about a rewarding team experience.
6. Describe the most challenging project you have worked on. What made it a challenge? What was the result of your actions?
7. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What happened and how did you solve the situation?
8. What do you think are the main skills that make an environmental engineer successful?
9. Tell me about the work experience that you have in ‘X’.
10. What’s your experience in technical writing?
11. How does your previous work experience help you succeed in this position?
12. Do you have any specialized training which could be useful for this position?
13. What is your specialty as an environmental engineer?
14. Tell me how you plan, organize, and prioritize your work.
15. Tell me about the most challenging project you have worked on.

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.