Since 1974 Erik has worked for Inuit and First Nations organizations and the federal and territorial governments in Ontario, Northern Quebec, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.  With degrees in biogeography and resource management, Erik has undertaken community based research in Inuit land use, offshore fisheries/petroleum management and socio-economic impact assessment.

In 1984 he joined Parks Canada holding various positions including Chief of Socio-Economic Research (Ontario) and Superintendent of Nahanni National Park Reserve. He has also coordinated northern research programs for Environment Canada and undertaken policy development research for Indian and Northern Affairs. In 2000 he transferred to the Yukon Government as the Director of the Yukon Protected Areas Strategy (YPAS) Secretariat. Three years later he was appointed the Director of Yukon Parks where he oversaw the operation of Yukon campgrounds, introduced a park officer enforcement program, developed a First Nation-government-private sector commercial grizzly bear viewing partnership, and guided the implementation of park management plans for Tombstone and Fishing Branch Territorial Parks. He retired in 2014 and is currently a National and Yukon Chapter board member for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.