Environmental and health protection officer salary

Environmental Health Officer: A Deep Dive into Salary and Working Conditions

Working as an Environmental Health Officer involves playing a crucial role in monitoring and managing environmental and health risks. These officers, also known as environmental health inspectors, often work within municipalities or for government agencies and are responsible for ensuring that laws and regulations regarding environmental and health protection are followed.

Salary for an Environmental Health Officer

The average salary for an Environmental Health Officer is 39 900 SEK per month. However, there is a slight difference between genders; men earn an average of 40 600 SEK while women earn 39 600 SEK, meaning that women earn 98% of what men do. An hourly employee in this profession has an hourly wage of around 240 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Salary Development and Variances

It is pleasing to see that the average salary for the profession has increased from 38 000 to 39 900 SEK since the last measurement. The highest salary for an Environmental Health Officer is 46,400 SEK, belonging to a male working as a private sector executive. For females, the highest salary is 45,900 SEK. On the other hand, the lowest salary is 32,200 SEK for a female in the public sector with a high school education, while the lowest salary for a male is 33,600 SEK.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Health Officers perform a variety of tasks including inspections, investigations, and advisory services in areas such as food safety, waste management, and chemical usage. They work to protect both human health and the environment by ensuring that companies and organizations comply with current legislation and recommendations.

Education and Qualifications

To work as an Environmental Health Officer, a higher education degree in environmental science, ecology, chemistry, or a related discipline is usually required. Many employers also view previous experience in the field positively, which may include internships or jobs in environmental health areas.

Future Outlook and Job Market

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the opportunities for employment as an environmental health inspector are considered moderate at the national level. The recruitment situation is balanced, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. This means that competition in the profession is moderate and there are good opportunities for educated and qualified individuals to find work.

Working Conditions and Benefits

Environmental Health Officers often work in a varied environment, which may include both office work and fieldwork. The work can be both independent and in teams, depending on the nature of the project or assignment. Benefits may vary depending on the employer, but it is not uncommon for some employers to offer benefits such as paid further education, flexible working hours, or the opportunity to work from home.

Challenges in the Profession

Working as an Environmental Health Officer can pose challenges, such as dealing with complex environmental issues and navigating a changing legislative environment. It often requires a good ability to communicate and collaborate with both companies and the public to effectively conduct inspections and follow up on cases.

Summary

The profession of Environmental Health Officer offers a meaningful and diverse career with opportunities to impact and improve both human health and our environment. With an average salary of 39 900 SEK and stable future prospects, this is an appealing career choice for those interested in environmental issues and public service. Education in environmental science or ecology provides a strong foundation for entering this rewarding profession.