Environmental worker, waste management, station

What does an environmental worker in waste management at a station do? – Tasks and work environment

An environmental worker in waste management at a station is responsible for receiving, sorting, and handling various types of waste and recycling materials from individuals and companies. Tasks include guiding visitors, ensuring waste is correctly placed, and maintaining the station's surfaces and equipment. The job often involves outdoor work year-round, requiring physical endurance and safety awareness. Contact with the public is a central part of the work, where service and clear communication are important qualities.

Salary development over time

The salary for environmental workers in waste management at a station has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,100 SEK per month, rising to 32 100 SEK in 2023 and further up to 32 700 SEK in 2024. The total increase over three years is approximately 8.6%, which is a notable improvement compared to several other service and transport professions. The salary growth is mainly driven by increased demand for labor, higher environmental standards, and a gradually higher proportion of educated and certified workers. Gender differences still exist, although the gap has decreased somewhat in recent years.

Environmental worker in waste management at a station salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 35,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
• Hourly wage: 196 SEK/hour (average for hourly workers)
• Gender difference: Women earn 31 900 SEK, men earn 32 800 SEK (women earn 97% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Specific figures vary, but generally higher salaries in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as an environmental worker in waste management at a station, no formal university education is required, but a high school diploma with a focus on transportation, environment, or vehicle technology is advantageous. Many employers offer internal training and induction, but certain certifications and courses may be required depending on the tasks. Practical experience and good physical condition are highly valued in the profession.

• High school diploma: Vehicle and transportation programs or equivalent
• Certifications: ADR (dangerous goods), forklift license, safety training
• Internship: Internships or trainee programs are often offered upon employment
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish, basic computer skills, B driving license
• Tips: Engagement in environmental issues and customer service give an advantage during recruitment

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for environmental workers in waste management at a station include wellness allowances, work clothing, insurance, and sometimes opportunities for further training or certification courses. Overtime pay and shift allowances are common, especially for work on weekends and evenings. Several employers also offer employee discounts and flexible working hours.

Competition and challenges

The job market for environmental workers in waste management at a station is characterized by great opportunities, but also a paradoxical recruitment situation. Despite high demand for labor, there are reports of difficulties in finding the right competence, while turnover in the profession is relatively high. Challenges mainly involve physically demanding tasks, varying work environments, and the need to quickly adapt to new routines and material flows. Digitalization and increased environmental standards are also changing the profession rapidly, requiring continuous skills development.

Tips for those wanting to become environmental workers in waste management at a station

To succeed as an environmental worker in waste management at a station, it is good to be attentive and service-minded, as contact with the public is central to the profession. Good physical endurance facilitates daily tasks, which are often physically demanding and performed outdoors in various weather conditions. Flexibility and problem-solving skills help you quickly adapt to changing material flows and new routines. Precision is important when sorting waste correctly and following safety regulations. An interest in environmental issues and a positive attitude toward development in recycling and sustainability are also valuable assets in this profession.

Key facts about environmental workers in waste management at a station

• Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with certificates
• Work environment: Outdoor environment with varied tasks
• Typical employment: Full-time, day shifts and rotations are common
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Special skills: ADR, forklift license, customer interaction

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities exist to advance to supervisor, site manager, or specialist in hazardous waste and recycling. Some choose to further educate themselves in environmental technology or logistics and seek administrative roles or consulting. According to the Employment Service's forecast, the outlook remains good, with stable demand for environmental workers in waste management at a station over the next five years. The profession is considered to have great employment opportunities, although recruitment can be challenging due to high turnover and skill requirements. Digitalization and the development of new environmental standards are expected to create additional needs for specialized personnel.

Frequently asked questions about environmental workers in waste management at a station

• What does an environmental worker in waste management at a station earn?
  - The average salary is 32 700 SEK per month, with some variation depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn 31 900 SEK on average, which corresponds to 97% of men's salary, which is 32 800 SEK.
• What education is required to become an environmental worker in waste management at a station?
  - High school diploma, preferably from transportation or environmental programs, as well as certain certifications like ADR and forklift license.
• Are there good job opportunities in this profession?
  - Yes, according to the Employment Service, job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What environmental factors are important to know?
  - Work is often performed outdoors and is physically demanding, with daily contact with the public and handling various types of waste.
• What are the career paths?
  - Opportunities to advance to supervisor, site manager, or further education in environmental technology and logistics.
• What is the highest and lowest salary in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 35,000 SEK (female, public sector, post-secondary education), the lowest is 27,700 SEK (female, private sector, low education).