Environmental officer, health

What does an Environmental Officer in health do? – Tasks and work environment

An Environmental Officer focusing on health mainly investigates, assesses, and follows up on cases concerning people's health in relation to the external environment. The tasks often include supervision and control of activities that may impact environment and health, such as restaurants, industries, or water facilities. The officer analyzes risks, interprets legislation, offers advice to companies and the public, and prepares reports and decisions. The work typically involves close collaboration with other authorities, companies, and sometimes the public. The work environment is often varied, including both office work and site visits, which requires flexibility and the ability to quickly understand different situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for Environmental Officers in health has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,000 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 39 900 SEK and reaching 41 000 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of about 8% over three years, which is slightly higher than the general wage growth in the public sector. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased focus on environmental and health protection within society, leading to higher demand for qualified officers and thus higher salaries. Despite this, gender differences persist, with women earning slightly less on average than men in the profession. Regional differences exist but are generally less pronounced than in many other occupations.

Environmental Officer in health salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 48,700 SEK/month (male, private sector, unspecified education)
• Lowest salary (female): 38,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary (female): 48,100 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
• Women earn: 40 700 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 41 800 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as an Environmental Officer in health, a university degree in fields such as environmental science, biology, chemistry, or similar is generally required, often complemented with courses in environmental and health protection. Many employers also value experience from similar work, internships, or specialized certifications. It is common to combine theoretical studies with practical periods to gain as broad a competence as possible.

• Formal education: University degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or similar (3–4.5 years)
• Specialized courses: Environmental and health protection, environmental law, risk assessment
• Internship: Recommended during studies
• Certifications: Additional merits can be obtained through courses in environmental management or supervision
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies and often a science-oriented high school background

Common benefits and compensations

Environmental Officers in health often have access to collective agreements, wellness contributions, flexible working hours, and options for remote work. Other common benefits include professional development, occupational pension, and sometimes extra vacation days. Depending on the employer, there may also be subsidized lunches and bike schemes.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an Environmental Officer in health is considered moderate, according to the Employment Service's forecast. At the national level, supply and demand are balanced, meaning it is neither particularly difficult nor easy to find a job. One of the main challenges is staying updated on rapidly changing laws and regulations within environmental and health protection. Additionally, the work demands good ability to handle complex cases and work solution-oriented with various stakeholders. Despite this, the job market is relatively stable, with about 143 current job openings in the profession.

Tips for aspiring Environmental Officers, health

To succeed as an Environmental Officer in health, it is advantageous to have an analytical mind and a structured work approach, as cases often require thorough assessment and documentation. Good communication skills facilitate contact with companies, authorities, and the public, while a diplomatic attitude makes it easier to handle conflicts and difficult decisions. A strong interest in societal development and environmental issues is important to maintain motivation. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new rules and conditions are also crucial, especially since legislation can change. Early internships and networking within the industry often provide an advantage in the job market. Curiosity and a willingness to continuously learn new things make it easier to stay updated in the field. Finally, integrity and the ability to stand by one's decisions are key qualities for long-term and credible work within environmental and health protection.

Key facts about Environmental Officer in health

• Education level: University degree, often 3–4.5 years
• Work environment: Varied, including office work and site visits
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 143 job openings
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 97% of men's salaries
• Future forecast: Unchanged demand over the next five years

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an Environmental Officer in health, there are opportunities for advancement to more specialized roles, such as environmental strategist, project manager, or manager within environmental and health protection authorities. Some choose to work as consultants or transition to the private sector, where their expertise is valued in areas like sustainability work and environmental management. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that demand for the profession will remain stable over the next five years, resulting in a steady but not expanding job market. The number of available positions is relatively constant, and employers report a good balance in recruitment. For those wishing to develop further, there are also opportunities for additional training in environmental law, leadership, or strategic environmental work.

Frequently asked questions about Environmental Officers, health

• What does an Environmental Officer, health earn?
  - The average salary is 41 000 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there large salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required to become an Environmental Officer, health?
  - A university degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or similar is required, often with specialization in environmental and health protection.
• What is the job market like for Environmental Officers, health?
  - Opportunities are considered moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What tasks does an Environmental Officer, health have?
  - The work includes supervision, risk assessment, advising, and report writing within environmental and health protection.
• How much does an Environmental Officer, health earn per hour?
  - The average hourly wage is 246 SEK.
• What career opportunities are available?
  - After a few years, there is potential to become an environmental strategist, manager, or consultant within environmental and health protection.