LIKELY QUESTIONS
- Can you walk us through your experience handling, receiving, and registering laboratory samples, especially water or wastewater samples?
- How do you ensure proper sample labeling, chain of custody, and traceability from collection to analysis?
- Describe your experience preparing laboratory reagents and standard solutions. How do you ensure accuracy and safety?
- What laboratory analytical techniques or tests have you performed that are relevant to water quality or pollution monitoring?
- How do you record, verify, and store analytical data to maintain accuracy and compliance with laboratory procedures?
- Tell us about your experience maintaining laboratory equipment. What steps do you take before reporting a fault or calibration issue?
- This role involves both laboratory and field support. How would you handle sample collection in the field while preserving sample integrity during transport?
- How do your computer skills support laboratory work such as data entry, record management, reporting, or use of spreadsheets?

BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS
- Tell us about a time when you detected an error in a sample record or laboratory result. What did you do?
Model approach: Situation - A mismatch was noticed between sample ID and worksheet entry during routine review. Task - Prevent incorrect reporting and maintain traceability. Action - Stopped processing, checked original submission forms and labels, informed supervisor, corrected documentation through proper procedure, and added an extra verification step. Result - Error was resolved before reporting, no invalid result was released, and record accuracy improved.

- Describe a time when you had to manage multiple samples or tasks under tight deadlines.
Model approach: Situation - The lab received a high volume of samples with urgent turnaround needs. Task - Prioritize work without compromising quality. Action - Categorized samples by urgency and test type, coordinated distribution to units, prepared reagents in advance, updated the tracking log consistently, and communicated progress with the team. Result - All critical samples were processed on time and documentation remained complete and accurate.

- Give an example of a time when you followed strict safety or quality procedures in the laboratory.
Model approach: Situation - While preparing reagents and handling test samples, there was risk of contamination and chemical exposure. Task - Complete the work safely and in line with SOPs. Action - Used PPE, checked reagent labels and expiry dates, followed measuring procedures carefully, maintained a clean workspace, and disposed of waste correctly. Result - Work was completed without incidents, reagent quality was maintained, and the process met laboratory standards.

- Tell us about a time you worked with others to solve a laboratory or field problem.
Model approach: Situation - During sample collection or analysis, an equipment issue or labeling confusion affected workflow. Task - Help the team resolve the issue quickly and accurately. Action - Coordinated with colleagues, verified sample details, helped arrange backup equipment or alternative workflow, documented the issue, and kept the supervisor informed. Result - Testing continued with minimal delay, sample integrity was protected, and teamwork improved efficiency.

SMART QUESTIONS TO ASK
- What are the main water quality and wastewater parameters this position handles most frequently, and what analytical methods are commonly used?
- How is work typically divided between sample reception, laboratory analysis, field sampling support, and record management?
- What training and mentorship are provided for new Laboratory Technologist III officers, especially on SOPs, equipment handling, and quality assurance?
- What systems does the Authority use for laboratory data management, reporting, and tracking samples across units?
- What does success look like in the first 6 to 12 months for someone in this role?

RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR
- Vague answers about laboratory SOPs, quality control, calibration, or sample traceability, which may indicate weak quality systems.
- Signs of chronic understaffing, unrealistic sample volumes, or pressure to release results too quickly at the expense of accuracy.
- Lack of clarity on safety practices, PPE availability, equipment maintenance, or training for field and laboratory work.