Bird inventory

What does a bird surveyor do? – Tasks and work environment

A bird surveyor works with mapping and documenting the presence of various bird species within defined geographical areas. Tasks include fieldwork such as observations, counting individuals, species identification, and collecting data on breeding success and environmental factors. Days are often spent outdoors, sometimes during early mornings and in varying weather conditions. Documentation and reporting are done digitally and require accuracy and data handling skills. Bird surveyors often collaborate with researchers, authorities, and volunteer organizations involved in nature conservation and environmental monitoring.

Salary development over time

The profession of bird surveyor has experienced stable and positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,100 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 41 600 SEK, which is approximately a 3.7% increase. In 2024, the trend continued upward to 43 100 SEK, a further increase of about 3.6% compared to the previous year. This salary increase can partly be explained by the growing demand for specialist skills in nature and environmental conservation, as well as an increasing focus on biodiversity and environmental monitoring in society. At the same time, education level and experience influence the possibility of higher salaries, especially for those with a research background.

Bird surveyor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 48,300 SEK (male, public sector, postgraduate degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK
• Women earn: 42 200 SEK (97% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 43 400 SEK
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a bird surveyor, a university degree in biology, ecology, or natural sciences is usually required, often with specialization in zoology or environmental science. Practical fieldwork experience and good species identification skills are highly important. Additional courses in statistics, GIS, and environmental monitoring can be advantageous. Self-study and engagement in volunteer conservation projects often provide valuable practical experience.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's degree in biology or ecology (3–5 years)
• Courses/certifications: Field ornithology, environmental monitoring, GIS
• Internships: Internships or trainee positions in conservation projects are recommended
• Prerequisites: Good species knowledge, especially of Swedish birds
• Self-study: Engagement in bird clubs and inventory projects

Common benefits and allowances

Bird surveyors are often compensated for travel and per diems when working in other locations. Employers may also provide equipment such as binoculars, GPS devices, and field clothing. Flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work for data processing are common. Some employers also offer professional development through courses and conferences.

Competition and challenges

The competition for permanent positions as a bird surveyor is relatively high since the number of specialist roles is limited and many are attracted to the field-based nature of the work. Temporary project employment is common, especially during the survey season. Challenges include long working days in demanding terrain and occasionally insecure employment conditions. Advances in environmental monitoring technology increase demands for digital skills and reporting. At the same time, experience from volunteer activities and broad species knowledge are highly valued in recruitment.

Tips for those wishing to become a bird surveyor

To succeed as a bird surveyor, it is good to combine curiosity with patience, as careful observations and long-term studies often require perseverance. An analytical mind is important for interpreting data and drawing conclusions about bird populations and environmental factors. Being communicative facilitates collaboration with colleagues and reporting results to stakeholders. Fieldwork also requires physical endurance and the ability to work independently under varying weather conditions. Engage early in bird clubs and initiate your own inventory projects to gain experience. Keeping your species knowledge updated and being willing to learn new technical tools provides an advantage. Finally, accuracy is crucial to ensure that the collected data is of high quality.

Key facts about Bird Surveyors

• Education level: University degree in biology or ecology
• Work environment: Field-based, often outdoors in varying weather
• Employment type: Project employment or consultancy is common
• Demand: Limited number of positions, approximately 360 vacancies within the profession
• Special expertise: Good species knowledge and field inventory experience

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a bird surveyor, career development can lead to more qualified roles such as project manager for inventory projects, environmental consultant, or researcher in ecology. Other options include working with nature conservation strategies within authorities or NGOs. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for the profession of specialists and advisors in forestry, no specific assessment is made for bird surveyors, but the number of job openings in the group is about 360. Future prospects are influenced by societal development and the increasing interest in environmental monitoring and biodiversity, but competition for permanent positions is likely to remain high.

Frequently asked questions about Bird Surveyors

• What does a bird surveyor earn?
  - The average salary is 43 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on education level and employer.
• What education is required to become a bird surveyor?
  - A university degree in biology or ecology is most common, often supplemented with field courses and practical experience.
• Are there regional salary differences for bird surveyors?
  - Available statistics do not show clear regional differences for this profession.
• What is the job market like for bird surveyors?
  - The number of permanent positions is limited, but approximately 360 job openings are available within the profession according to recent data.
• What qualities are important for a bird surveyor?
  - Accuracy, patience, good observation skills, and an interest in nature and the environment are central qualities.
• Can you work internationally as a bird surveyor?
  - Yes, especially for those with experience and good language skills, opportunities exist within international projects and organizations.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a bird surveyor?
  - The highest salary is 48,300 SEK per month, and the lowest is 27,000 SEK per month.