Environmental Scientist & Specialist Interview Questions & Answers

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Self-discipline

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Environmental Scientist & Specialist 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 you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:

Environmental scientists and specialists base their conclusions on careful analysis of scientific data. They must consider all possible methods and solutions in their analyses.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Environmental scientists and specialists may need to present and explain their findings to audiences of varying backgrounds and write technical reports.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Environmental scientists and specialists typically work on teams along with scientists, engineers, and technicians. Team members must be able to work together effectively to achieve their goals.

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

Environmental scientists and specialists try to find the best possible solution to problems that affect the environment and people’s health.

Learn more about problem-solving interview questions and how to answer them!

Self-discipline

Why interviewers are interested in your self-discipline:

Environmental scientists and specialists may spend a lot of time working alone. They need to stay motivated and get their work done without supervision.

(source: bls.gov)

Environmental Scientist & Specialist 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 Environmental Scientist & Specialist 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 Environmental Scientist & Specialist Behavioral Interview Questions

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

1. How would you rate your problem-solving skills? Can you give me a recent example of a time you successfully used these skills?
2. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as an environmental scientist (or specialist)?
3. Give me an example of the methods you have used to inform audiences of varying backgrounds about pollution or contamination.
4. What is your experience in writing technical reports? Can you walk me through the latest projects you have worked on?
5. How would you rate your teamwork skills? Can you give me an example you successfully worked as part of a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians?
6. Give me an example of a project that demonstrates your method for conducting field inspections and your reporting skills.
7. Describe a time your work was criticized. How did you deal with this situation?
8. What do you consider the key to success when you have to communicate complex situations with the public? Can you give me an example?
9. Describe a time you had to adapt to a changing work situation. What happened, and how did you adapt?
10. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a stressful situation. How were you able to remain calm and handle the situation effectively?

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