Inventory, predators

What does a wildlife inventoryer specializing in carnivores do? – Tasks and work environment

A wildlife inventoryer focusing on carnivores works to map and document the presence, distribution, and behaviors of large predators such as wolves, bears, lynx, and wolverines in the Swedish nature. Tasks include fieldwork with tracking, collecting biological samples, camera surveys, and data analysis. The work is often carried out in collaboration with authorities, research institutions, and conservation organizations. The work environment is varied and may involve long days outdoors, sometimes under challenging weather conditions and in difficult terrain, which demands high physical endurance and precision.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for wildlife inventoryers specializing in carnivores have steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 40,100 SEK per month, rising to 41 600 in 2023. In 2024, the average reached 43 100, representing a total increase of approximately 7.5% over the period. This salary trend reflects an increased demand for specialized skills in the conservation sector, where carnivore inventorying has gained greater importance for research and conservation policy. The salary increase is also linked to more employers requiring higher education levels and increased competition for qualified personnel. Despite this, gender pay gaps remain noticeable, although they have decreased somewhat during the period.

Wildlife inventoryer salaries – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 48,300 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK
• Women: 42 200 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men: 43 400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No detailed statistics available

Education and qualifications

The profession of wildlife inventoryer focusing on carnivores usually requires a university degree in biology, ecology, or related natural sciences, often supplemented with field courses and experience working in nature. Practical field experience and knowledge of Swedish fauna are important credentials, as well as the ability to work independently under varying conditions. Specialized training in wildlife management or carnivore inventorying can be advantageous and increase chances of employment.

• Formal education: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in biology, ecology, or natural sciences
• Specialized courses: Field biology, wildlife management, species identification
• Internship: Recommended during studies, preferably focusing on inventorying or conservation
• Certifications: For some tasks, training in safety and handling of carnivores is required
• Prerequisites: Fieldwork experience and good physical condition

Common benefits and compensations

Wildlife inventoryers often receive benefits such as wellness allowances, travel reimbursements, per diems during fieldwork, and access to specialized equipment and work clothing. Many workplaces also offer flexible working hours and further training in conservation and environmental topics.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as wildlife inventoryer specializing in carnivores is intense, especially since many with a strong interest in nature and relevant education apply. The number of advertised jobs within the profession is limited, though there are about 360 available positions in forestry consulting and advisory roles overall. Challenges in the job include managing unexpected field situations, such as sudden weather changes and difficult terrain, and interpreting complex data reliably. Additionally, the role requires balancing independent work with collaboration among colleagues and various stakeholders in conservation.

Tips for aspiring wildlife inventoryers specializing in carnivores

To succeed as a wildlife inventoryer focusing on carnivores, it is beneficial to combine a strong curiosity with a solid education in biology or ecology. Precision is crucial, as collected data must be accurate and reliable, so early practice in field documentation and species identification is recommended. The ability to work independently in challenging environments makes a big difference, so internships or summer jobs that develop these skills are valuable. Good physical condition is also important, as workdays are often long and demanding. Being communicative and able to collaborate with others, such as researchers and authorities, is another key factor for thriving and developing in the role. Finally, patience and a solution-oriented mindset are essential when unexpected problems arise in the field.

Key facts about wildlife inventoryers, carnivores

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in biology or ecology
• Work environment: Field-based, often outdoors and in varying weather
• Typical employment: Project-based or fixed-term contracts
• Demand: Approximately 360 available positions within the profession
• Special skills: Species identification, tracking, and data collection

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a wildlife inventoryer specializing in carnivores, there are opportunities to advance to more senior roles, such as project manager for inventory efforts or specialist in wildlife management and conservation. Some choose to deepen their expertise in research or education, while others move on to government agencies or advisory roles within environmental organizations. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no precise forecast exists for the profession due to limited data, but demand for skills in natural resource management and forestry remains, especially in areas related to biodiversity and carnivore management. The number of available jobs indicates good opportunities for those with the right education and experience, although competition for the most attractive positions is high.

Common questions about wildlife inventoryers, carnivores

• What does a wildlife inventoryer, carnivores, earn?
  – The average salary is 43 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  – Women earn an average of 42 200 SEK, which corresponds to 97% of men's average salary of 43 400 SEK.
• What education is needed to become a wildlife inventoryer specializing in carnivores?
  – Typically a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related natural sciences.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  – Highest salary is 48,300 SEK (male, public sector, research degree), lowest is 27,000 SEK (female, private sector, high school education).
• What is the job market like for wildlife inventoryers, carnivores?
  – There are about 360 available positions, but competition is high.
• What are the tasks of a wildlife inventoryer specializing in carnivores?
  – Tasks include fieldwork, tracking, data collection, and analysis of large carnivores.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  – Accuracy, independence, good physical condition, and teamwork skills are central qualities.