"If I'm fortunate enough to be hired as your next water treatment operator, motivation on the job will never be an issue as I like to stay busy by nature and always like to be doing something. I completely understand that there will always be work to be done, even when the essential tasks are completed. If I ever experienced downtime, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a broom or mop to ensure that the floors were clean. I'm also very experienced with maintaining equipment and I could be relied on to perform any routine maintenance needed."

You want to really put thought into a question like this prior to your water treatment operator interview. Knowing that there will be downtime on the job, your interviewer wants to hear that you will keep busy with cleaning tasks, administrative duties, and even extra work like instrument calibration. What they don't want to hear is that you'll spend time playing on your phone or taking care of personal business. If possible, try to talk about prior roles you've held where you were able to stay motivated and busy at all times.