Hunting care consultant

What does a hunting conservation officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A hunting conservation officer works with advising, training, and informational efforts within hunting and wildlife management. The role involves supporting hunters, landowners, and authorities on issues related to wildlife populations, hunting legislation, and sustainable hunting. The work environment is varied, combining fieldwork in nature with administrative tasks at an office. Regular travel to different hunting areas and collaboration with organizations and associations are common.

Salary development over time

The salary for hunting conservation officers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,100 SEK per month, increasing to 41 600 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary reached 43 100 SEK, representing an increase of about 7.5% over the period. The salary development is partly driven by increased demand for specialized advice in sustainable hunting and wildlife management, as well as general salary adjustments within the group of specialists and advisors in forestry. Gender differences persist, but the salary range has narrowed somewhat over time, indicating some leveling within the industry.

Hunting conservation officer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (women, private sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 48,300 SEK/month (men, public sector, postgraduate education)
• Highest salary (women): 45,800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (men): 33,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK
• Gender gap: Women earn 97% of men's salary (42 200 SEK vs 43 400 SEK)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a hunting conservation officer, a higher education in biology, forestry, or natural resource management is usually required, often supplemented with courses in hunting and wildlife management. Practical experience and good knowledge of Swedish hunting legislation are also important qualifications. Many employers also require training in advising and pedagogy, as the role involves extensive contact with both professionals and the public.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in biology, forestry, or similar (3–4 years)
• Additional courses: Hunting and wildlife management courses, often via folk high schools or universities
• Practical experience: Hands-on experience in hunting and nature conservation is highly valued
• Certifications: Hunting license is often a requirement
• Pedagogical skills: Courses in advising and educational methodology are meritorious

Common benefits and compensations

Hunting conservation officers are often offered company cars, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development, especially regarding new research findings and regulations. The work can also involve flexibility in working hours, particularly during field assignments, and the opportunity to participate in seminars and conferences related to hunting and nature conservation.

Competition and challenges

The profession of hunting conservation officer is relatively niche, which means competition for positions can be high, especially in regions with few employers. Challenges often include balancing the needs of different stakeholders, such as landowners, hunters, and authorities, as well as staying updated on legislation and research developments. As demand for sustainable wildlife management increases, higher demands for specialized competence are also emerging. The limited number of new positions can make it difficult for recent graduates to establish themselves directly in the field.

Tips for those wanting to become a hunting conservation officer

To succeed as a hunting conservation officer, it is good to combine a strong interest in nature with analytical ability and social skills. Precision is crucial when collecting and interpreting data on wildlife populations, while pedagogical skills facilitate training hunters and landowners. Engagement and initiative are appreciated by employers, especially when developing new projects and collaborations. Building a network within the industry through participation in associations and further training is also valuable. Flexibility is important, as tasks often vary between fieldwork, office work, and meetings. Good communication skills improve the ability to disseminate information and build trust with different target groups.

Key facts about hunting conservation officers

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in biology, forestry, or similar
• Work environment: Combination of fieldwork and office work
• Work form: Usually full-time, with some flexibility during fieldwork
• Demand: Limited number of positions, 360 available jobs within the profession
• Special skills: Hunting legislation, wildlife management, and advising

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, hunting conservation officers can advance to more specialized roles, such as project managers in wildlife management, training managers, or advisors at the government level. Further education opens opportunities to work with research or policy development in conservation. The Employment Service does not make specific assessments for hunting conservation officers due to limited data, but within the group of specialists and advisors in forestry, there are a limited number of positions and some competition. For those wishing to work closely with practical conservation and education, there remains ongoing demand, especially as focus on sustainable hunting and biodiversity increases.

Frequently asked questions about hunting conservation officers

• What does a hunting conservation officer earn?
  - A hunting conservation officer has an average salary of 43 100 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a hunting conservation officer?
  - Usually, a bachelor's degree in biology, forestry, or similar, along with a hunting license, is required.
• What is the job market like for hunting conservation officers?
  - The number of positions is limited, but there are approximately 360 available jobs within the profession.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 97% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the job responsibilities of a hunting conservation officer?
  - Advising, training, informational efforts, and fieldwork related to hunting and wildlife management.
• How does the salary development look over time?
  - Salaries have increased by approximately 7.5% over the past three years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a hunting conservation officer?
  - The highest salary is 48,300 SEK/month and the lowest is 27,000 SEK/month.