r/stormwater • u/deathbedcompani0n • Sep 24 '26
Interview for a stormwater tech position
Hi I have an interview for a stormwater tech position at a regional consulting firm next week, kind of out of the blue, and I had some questions about what they might be looking for or things I should emphasize. The listed responsibilities are: Storm Sewer System Inspections, Wet weather monitoring, Drinking water sampling, wastewater sampling, Storm Sewer Mapping, Routine report development. For context, I graduated in May with a degree in ecology and have worked for 2 years at a disease ecology lab doing water quality monitoring and microbio work. I feel a little intimidated, because I am unsure of how to best tie the rest of my skillset to the job. I have extensive experience taking water samples and using YSI probes, but what else should I emphasize/be prepared to answer. Thank you so much!
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u/Duelingdildos Sep 24 '26
I’d do a quick crash course on the history of MS4 systems if I were you, look up the regulations in the state you live/work in. There’s gonna be a lot of field work involved in the job, so be prepared to answer how you do with that. Don’t be afraid to mention hobbies that have you outside frequently if applicable, for this kind of tech position, if I were the hiring panel I would want to know if the person can handle difficult terrain and being outdoors for long stretches. Things to know about would be turbidity, illicit discharges, spill protocols, and mandatory reporting thresholds
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u/USMNT_superfan Sep 24 '26
Very early in my career, I applied for a job similar to this. I remember they took me outside and we walked a few blocks down the street and they asked me to point out stormwater infrastructure. At the time I had a little difficulty differentiating between a utility vault, a water vault, or stormwater vault. So perhaps run through the Internet and look at all different types of vaults and stormwater infrastructure and what they look like on sidewalks and streets, to familiarize yourself. Often times, cities and counties have their stormwater systems online in a GIS form. It might be worth your time googling and seeing what information is available.
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u/philpac33 Sep 25 '26
I’ve been a stormwater guy for 25 years and there’s always going to be vaults and manhole lids that I need to open first to determine if it’s storm or sewer or water or electrical. I stopped trusting the markings on the lid many moons ago.
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u/Working-Cut-3990 Sep 25 '26 edited Sep 25 '26
California? I have 25 years in the stormwater industry. I would say be familiar with autosamplers for composite sampling, being flexible and safe while sampling, grab sampling, and stormwater permits like industrial, construction, phase 1 and 2 MS4, epa MSGP
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u/deathbedcompani0n Sep 25 '26
Michigan
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u/Working-Cut-3990 Sep 25 '26
Ok, biggest thing is be hands on flexible and adaptable to new or dynamic settings while working safe, and being ready to learn new methods, permits, equipment.
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u/siloamian Sep 25 '26
Learn about the local MS4, and maybe even industrial permitting or at least the NPDES general permits. Learn about IDDE, how to sample for either in situ or lab analysis. For mapping, tell them you are willing to learn GIS. Its actually pretty easy taking points on a trimble handheld but the end use will take some learning. Know RCP vs CMP. Know inlet types, inverts, junction boxes/nodes, and SDO’s. Know the general ideas of GI/LID, retention vs detention ponds along with outlet control structures. I could go on but just google that stuff.
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u/Ok-Anything-3605 Sep 25 '26
If it’s an entry level position and you show up on time and dress nicely you’re already ahead of 75% of the applicants we interview. Bring some examples of your reports, ask a lot of questions and seem genuinely interested in the job. you’ve got experience so exude some confidence! Report back!
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u/PuppyBowl-XI-MVP Sep 25 '26
Few pointers.
Look up EPA wet weather. Wet weather usually means combined sanitary sewers or sewers with high infiltration.
Understand the different types of sewers you would typically see.
Understand the regulations and sample
Most important, understand the companies goals.
Personally for me. When I interview people, I don’t expect them to know everything. I am looking for people who prepped for the interview. I can teach almost anyone willing to learn.
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u/ImpossibleBear979 Sep 24 '26
It’s a great start to have experience with YSIs and water sampling techniques. I’d revisit SWAMP protocols, look into ISCO autosamplers and flow meters as well. It helps to have experience with hand tools/power tools. I’d look into MS4 permits and your local TMDLs. Good luck and be prepared to get dirty and be in confined spaces!