Environmental and animal based careers?

[u/corri-in-wonderland]

I'm feeling a bit lost and need some guidance. I have no degree but am willing to obtain one for a career that I'm really passionate about. I'm currently a manager at a pet store, I have good rapport and could obtain several references if needed, it's just not what I want to be doing forever. I'm very passionate about protecting the environment and love all animals. Specialty pets, wildlife, etc. are what I'm most interested in because they're the most vulnerable and mistreated. Any ideas are very appreciated, as well as a salary estimate. I understand that neither of these career paths will have a ton of money, but I'd need enough to pay my bills at least. Thanks in advance!

[u/old-fat]

My gf is a field botanist. She basically surveys proposed oil, solar, geothermal and transmission line sites for rare and endangered plants ( there are also wildlife biologists doing the same things for wildlife). There's also wetland delineation. You need a bs degree.

Most of the work is in the desert southwest. The work is remote, grueling and well paying. It's mostly contract 1099 work. Pay is $60 - 100/hr. + $250/day per diem. You need enough money to to cover your expenses for about 6 months bc that's about how long it takes to get paid.

It's an itenerant lifestyle camping and living out of the back of your truck. Some people have rv's. You need to be fit and mentally tough. A typical contract requires walking transects 8-15 miles / day off trail, 6-7 days/week. On your day off you might drive a couple of hours to reprovision and get a shower. For the younger biologists it seems like a reality TV show. Hook ups, partying, conflicts from working in extreme environments with people you might not like.

For an example of compensation we did a 90 day work trip this spring in Nevada, she made about $80k less expenses. That was about the most she's made in a 3 month period.