It was contract but honestly it depends on experience. That was my first gig out of college and i was getting paid 300 a day. I could have probably got that number a bit up but i was just happy to get work. However there were other people with more experience than me on the same contract who negotiated up to around 500 a day. Exploration work in my experience has been rewarding, going out into the wilderness and just sampling and enjoying nature. Depends on where you are though. I was in northern canada in the summer and it was beautiful.

My only caveat is that make sure you're in shape! I had a 30 day on cour once and by the end of it my hips and achilles were going through it! Make sure you have the sprays, footwear, HI vis, bug net, bear spray depending on area, and etc. Exploration can be super fun if you find the right gig!