In December 1990 Deryk graduated from the University of Wollongong with an Honours degree in Environmental Science. Once this was completed, Deryk moved to Ravenshoe in Far Northern Queensland where he spent a year researching and radio-tracking Yellow-bellied Gliders in an area proposed for damming. Since returning from Queensland, Deryk has worked as an environmental consultant. During this time he has undertaking a large number of ecological surveys, using a diverse range of fauna & flora identification techniques. These surveys have formed part of such planning documents as Land Rezonings, Local Environment Plans, Development Applications, Reviews of Environmental Factors, Environmental Impact Statements and State of the Environment Reports. These surveys have been undertaken within both small & large parcels of land throughout New South Wales, southern Queensland and northern Victoria. Some of the organisations that have contracted Deryk include the Department of Defence, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Sydney Water, NSW Department of Trade and Investment, NSW Department of Public Works and a range of local governments.Deryk has also prepared ecological reports for organisations such as Peabody Energy, Centennial Coal, Telstra, Fulton Hogan and LendLease.To broaden his skill base, during his career, Deryk has undertaken the following short-term in house contracts:• A research assistant by Queensland University;• Hyder Consulting’s Principal ecologist;• An Environmental Officer at the NSW Roads and Maritime Services; and• A Ranger/Project Manager for the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.In April 2014 Deryk registered Lesryk Environmental Pty Ltd as a company.