Environmental and health protection officer

What does an Environmental and Health Protection Officer do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An environmental and health protection officer primarily works to ensure compliance with laws and regulations in the environmental and health protection sector. The work involves investigating, assessing, and making decisions on cases related to, for example, environmentally hazardous activities, food safety, waste management, and supervision of various operations. Typically, the work takes place within municipal or government agencies, where the officer conducts inspections on-site and handles administrative tasks such as reports and decision documents. The work environment is largely office-based but also includes field visits and contact with companies, the public, and other authorities. The profession requires good analytical skills, precision, and the ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.

Salary development over time

The salary development for environmental and health protection officers has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,000 SEK per month, increasing to 39 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 41 000 SEK, which is an increase of approximately 8% over the three-year period. Factors driving the salary increase include increased demand for environmental expertise, higher qualification requirements, and a growing focus on sustainability issues in both public and private sectors. Despite this salary growth, differences between genders are still noticeable, although relatively small within the profession.

Environmental and Health Protection Officer Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 48,700 SEK/month (male, private sector, unspecified education)
• Hourly wage: 246 SEK
• Women: 40 700 SEK/month
• Men: 41 800 SEK/month
• Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 97%
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but differences within the profession are generally limited.

Education and Qualifications

To work as an environmental and health protection officer, a university degree with a natural science or environmental profile is generally required, often at the bachelor’s or master’s level. Many employers seek specific knowledge in environmental science, ecology, chemistry, or social sciences, and practical experience or internships are highly meritorious. The educational path is relatively broad, and there are several supplementary courses and certifications that can increase employability within the field.

• Bachelor's degree: Environmental science, biology, chemistry, or similar (3 years)
• Master's degree: Environmental and health protection (1–2 years, often advantageous)
• Supplementary courses: Environmental law, administrative law, inspection methodology
• Internship/Trainee: Common part of education or early career
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Tips for choosing specialization: Select based on interest areas (e.g., water, waste, food)

Common Benefits and Compensation

Environmental and health protection officers are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pensions, wellness allowances, and insurance. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, professional development, and paid further education. Some employers also offer extra vacation days or subsidized lunches.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for environmental and health protection officers is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, meaning moderate competition for positions. Challenges within the profession include a high pace, complex regulations, and the need to make decisions that can sometimes be controversial for the inspected operations. Constantly changing environmental requirements and new legislation require officers to stay updated and adapt quickly. Additionally, the role can involve a fair amount of solitary work, especially during field inspections and investigations.

Tips for Aspiring Environmental and Health Protection Officers

To succeed as an environmental and health protection officer, attention to detail and analytical skills are essential, as the job involves managing and assessing large amounts of information accurately. Good communication skills are also important both in written decisions and in meetings with companies or the public, where clarity and pedagogical ability are often needed. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate handling changing legislation and tasks. Having good teamwork skills is an asset, as many cases require collaboration with colleagues and other authorities. An interest in societal issues and sustainability provides extra motivation and engagement in daily work.

Key Facts about Environmental and Health Protection Officers

• Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher with an environmental focus
• Typical employer: Municipality or government agency
• Work environment: Office-based with elements of fieldwork
• Demand: 143 job openings nationwide (May 2024)
• Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, unchanged demand over 5 years

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as an environmental and health protection officer, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as environmental strategist, coordinator, or manager within environmental and health units. Some choose to further their education and work in consultancy or as experts in specific areas like food safety or environmental law. According to the Swedish Employment Service forecast, job opportunities within the profession are considered moderate nationwide, with unchanged demand over five years. The recruitment situation is balanced, but increasing complexity in environmental legislation and sustainability requirements may increase the need for qualified expertise in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions about Environmental and Health Protection Officers

• What does an environmental and health protection officer earn?
  - The average salary is 41 000 SEK per month, while the hourly wage for hourly employees is 246 SEK.
• How has the salary development looked within the profession?
  - Salaries have increased from 38,000 SEK (2022) to 41 000 SEK (2024), which corresponds to an increase of about 8%.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Women earn 97% of what men do. The average salary for women is 40 700 SEK and for men 41 800 SEK.
• What education is required to become an environmental and health protection officer?
  - A university degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or similar is generally required.
• What does the competition look like in the job market?
  - Opportunities are considered moderate, and the recruitment situation is balanced.
• Who are the most common employers?
  - Municipalities and government agencies are the largest employers for the profession.
• How can one develop within the profession?
  - After a few years, you can advance to specialized roles, coordinators, or managerial positions within environmental and health protection.