Rasmus works with climate and wastewater management in Odder Municipality

The main focus of my job is climate adaptation and environmental issues. In practice, that means everything from large construction projects to regulatory tasks – such as granting permits for stream regulation, rainwater infiltration, industrial wastewater discharge, and connection to the municipal wastewater and storm water pipes during construction projects.

My work tasks are closely tied to real-life  problems. For example, I might need to approve a water management plan for a new construction project. That approval actually affects how rainwater is handled across the entire construction site. It might sound a bit dull, but it is surprisingly interesting. Once I have given the green light, it usually does not take long, before I can visit the site and see how the plan has been put into action.

Combining theory and practice

What I really enjoy about my job is the combination of practical, hands-on work—like visiting project sites - and the more theoretical side behind the desk. It makes me feel connected to what is actually happening in the municipality. Last year, we had a lot of inquiries from citizens about flooding and high groundwater levels. Groundwater, in particular, is a big and unexpected challenge we will need to address as part of our climate adaptation efforts.

I like working in a smaller municipality, because I get to handle a variety of different tasks - and sometimes take full responsibility for them. But I am never alone. I can always ask colleagues for advice, and we collaborate with consultants and staff from other municipalities when needed.

From internship to full-time job

I did my internship at the Danish Road Directorate, where I worked on drainage planning for different highway projects. These were huge construction projects involving pipe dimension calculations, flow capacity, slopes, and stormwater basins. It was exciting, but very technical. Personally, I prefer the way I work now—with a broader range of tasks and more direct interaction with the world around me.