Erin Riley

Wildlife Biologist

I study wildlife in relation to permitting projects under environmental laws.

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Environment & Nature

Science

Upholding a Cause and Belief

Day to Day

A great day involves chasing butterflies, looking for birds, finding toads, and getting paid to spend time in beautiful places! Sensitive resources are mapped and studied for breeding, migration, etc. Later comes reporting and relating findings to preservation goals or impact assessments and permitting. Often, there are solution / mitigation goals to be thought through such as designing wildlife undercrossings when a new road is being built or minimizing bird collisions with wind turbines.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

Follow your passion. Take all necessary coursework to obtain a degree in biology or environmental sciences. But know in your heart you are following your passion. You will never be unhappy at work throughout your career.

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

Bachelor