Municipal biologist

What does a Kommunbiolog do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Kommunbiolog works to protect and develop natural environments within the municipality's geographical area. Tasks often include inventory of plant and animal life, assessment of environmental impact during urban planning, and advising on nature conservation. Common activities involve preparing basis for land use decisions, participating in biodiversity projects, and collaborating with other departments, authorities, and the public. The work takes place both outdoors, such as during field studies or nature inventories, and indoors with report writing, analysis, and meetings. The environment can vary from office settings to nature reserves, requiring flexibility and good communication skills.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for a Kommunbiolog has shown a stable but slightly positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month, increasing to 37 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 39 200 SEK, representing an increase of just over 4.5% over the three-year period. This development reflects a continued demand for biological expertise in societal planning, especially as environmental and climate issues gain importance. The salary increase is also explained by higher educational requirements and specialization within nature conservation and ecology. Compared to other academic professions in the public sector, Kommunbiologer have experienced a relatively stable salary development, making the profession attractive for those seeking long-term security.

Kommunbiolog Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 39 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 43,800 SEK/month (men), 42,800 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 236 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 39 900 SEK/month, Women 38 400 SEK/month (women earn 96% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Kommunbiolog, an academic degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science is usually required. Many employers prefer at least a bachelor's degree, but more qualified roles may require a master's or doctoral degree. Work experience and practical knowledge from nature conservation projects or environmental work are highly meritorious. Some municipalities also prioritize experience from planning or regulatory work.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science (3 years)
• Master's degree or doctoral studies may be required for more qualified positions
• Internships or trainee positions during studies are advantageous
• Courses in environmental law, GIS, and nature conservation provide a competitive edge
• Prerequisites: Natural science background at high school level

Common Benefits and Compensation

Kommunbiologer are often offered benefits such as health allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and extra vacation days. Pension schemes and professional development through courses or conferences are common, as well as reimbursement for work-related travel and equipment for fieldwork.

Competition and Challenges

The profession of Kommunbiolog involves some competition, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek environmental and nature conservation roles. The number of job openings within the group of plant and animal biologists is currently 143, but future labor market conditions are uncertain due to limited statistical data. Challenges may include funding for nature conservation projects, changing political priorities, and requirements for broad competence in both biology and societal planning. To stand out, candidates often need to demonstrate project management experience and the ability to collaborate across administrative boundaries.

Tips for Aspiring Kommunbiolog

To succeed as a Kommunbiolog, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in nature. Good communication facilitates collaboration with colleagues, authorities, and the public, while a careful and structured approach is important during nature inventories and report writing. Early internships or summer jobs within the municipality can help build valuable contacts and experience. Flexibility is an asset, as tasks can vary between fieldwork and office duties. Skills in digital tools, such as GIS, provide a competitive advantage. Engagement in environmental issues and a solution-oriented mindset make it easier to contribute to sustainable societal development. Keeping up with new research and legislation in the environmental field is also valuable.

Key Facts about Kommunbiolog

• Education level: Bachelor's degree, often master's or higher
• Work environment: Combination of fieldwork and office work
• Occupational group: Plant and animal biologists
• Number of job openings: 143 within the group
• Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of men's salary

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a Kommunbiolog, there are opportunities to advance to coordinating roles, such as project manager for larger nature conservation efforts or specialist in ecological planning. Other career paths include roles as investigators within authorities, environmental strategists, or consultants in environmental and nature conservation. Forecasts from the Employment Service for the group of plant and animal biologists are uncertain due to limited data, but the need for biological expertise is expected to persist, especially with increased environmental requirements in societal planning. Those combining biological expertise with digital tools and project management have particularly good prospects for development.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kommunbiolog

• What does a Kommunbiolog earn?
  - A Kommunbiolog has an average salary of 39 200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and education level.
• What education is required to become a Kommunbiolog?
  - Usually, at least a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science is required. For more advanced roles, a master's or doctoral degree may be necessary.
• What is the work environment like for a Kommunbiolog?
  - The profession involves a combination of fieldwork and office tasks, with varying responsibilities and environments.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession of Kommunbiolog.
• What are the future prospects for Kommunbiologer?
  - Forecasts are uncertain, but the need for biological expertise in societal planning is expected to remain.
• What benefits are common for Kommunbiologer?
  - Benefits such as health allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and professional development are common.
• How many job openings are there within the profession?
  - Currently, there are 143 job openings within the group of plant and animal biologists.