Operations manager, waste management

What does a Waste Management Operations Supervisor do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Waste Management Operations Supervisor is responsible for organizing, leading, and developing activities at recycling centers and other waste handling facilities. Tasks include ensuring efficient and environmentally safe waste flows, managing staff, optimizing logistics, and ensuring compliance with laws and environmental standards. The role also involves frequent contact with suppliers, customers, authorities, and internal departments. The work environment is often varied, combining administrative tasks at the office with on-site presence at facilities, requiring flexibility and quick problem-solving skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for Waste Management Operations Supervisors has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, increasing to 37 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 38 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 5.5% over three years. This development can largely be explained by increased demand for environmental expertise and higher requirements related to sustainability, as well as a generally strong job market for operations technicians in energy, water, and waste management. Despite increased technical content and automation, the need for qualified operations managers remains, contributing to the positive salary trend.

Waste Management Operations Supervisor Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
• Highest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, professional, post-secondary education ≥ 3 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 230 SEK
• Women earn: 36 600 SEK (95% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 38 500 SEK
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, generally somewhat higher in metropolitan areas.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Waste Management Operations Supervisor, a post-secondary education in environmental engineering, energy, operations technology, or similar fields is typically required. Many employers also value practical experience from operations, maintenance, or leadership within technical environments. Additional training, certifications, and specialized courses in environmental legislation or occupational health and safety can be advantageous and improve chances of obtaining qualified roles.

• Post-secondary education: YH or university education (2–3 years or more) in environment, technology, or operations
• Certifications: For example, in occupational health and safety, environmental legislation, or leadership
• Internship/Trainee: Practical experience from operations or technical work is highly valued
• Prerequisites: High school diploma with a technical or science orientation is often a minimum requirement
• Tips for choosing: Combining technical interest with leadership skills is highly sought after

Common Benefits and Compensation

Waste Management Operations Supervisors are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, pension schemes, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations include overtime pay for unsociable hours and bonuses for good results. Workwear and tools are almost always provided, and some employers also offer subsidized lunches or staff discounts.

Challenges and Competition

The labor market for Waste Management Operations Supervisors currently maintains a balance between supply and demand. The market is stable, but competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in metropolitan regions where salary levels are somewhat higher. Technological changes, increased automation, and stricter environmental regulations impose new demands on skills and flexibility. At the same time, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, making continuous training and staying updated on industry developments important.

Tips for aspiring Waste Management Operations Supervisors

To succeed as a Waste Management Operations Supervisor, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with strong organizational skills. Good communication facilitates cooperation with staff and external stakeholders, while analytical abilities help with problem-solving and process optimization. Gaining practical experience during studies, such as through internships or summer jobs, helps understand workflows and safety procedures. A structured approach and prioritization skills are crucial for handling unforeseen events in operations. Finally, genuine engagement in environmental and sustainability issues is a key driver for success and growth in the profession.

Key facts about Waste Management Operations Supervisors

• Education level: Post-secondary education (2–3 years or more)
• Work environment: Combined office and facility environment
• Work hours: Full-time, often daytime, but some on-call duties may occur
• Demand: Moderate, stable job market according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
• Special skills: Environmental legislation, leadership, and technical knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a Waste Management Operations Supervisor, there are opportunities to advance to more senior management roles, such as plant manager, environmental manager, or project leader for larger development projects. Specializing in areas like environmental technology, process optimization, or sustainability management is also possible. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that demand for operations technicians and supervisors at heating and waterworks, including waste management, is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The job market is balanced, and currently, there are 481 job openings in the field, indicating good prospects for those with the right qualifications.

Common questions about Waste Management Operations Supervisors

• What is the salary of a Waste Management Operations Supervisor?
  - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month, but it varies between 30,700 SEK and 42,200 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there gender differences in the salary for Waste Management Operations Supervisors?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required to become a Waste Management Operations Supervisor?
  - A post-secondary education in technology, environment, or operations is usually required, preferably combined with leadership experience.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The job market is considered stable with moderate opportunities for employment and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What are the responsibilities of a Waste Management Operations Supervisor?
  - Main tasks include leading and developing operations, ensuring environmental standards, optimizing processes, and managing personnel.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries can be higher in metropolitan areas compared to smaller towns.
• What career paths are available within the profession?
  - Opportunities exist to advance to managerial roles, specialize, or lead projects within environmental and technical fields.