Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the creation and delivery of improved operational weather forecasts.
As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced HGMP and FMP Technical Writer to support a contract with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Region (WCR) California Coastal Office (CCO). This is a part-time remote position that is anticipated to begin on September 13, 2024. This position will be housed under our Mentor-Protege Joint Venture arrangement with Axiom Consultants, called Propel Solutions. The successful candidate may be employed by either Lynker or Axiom. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.
The WCR CCO, together with salmon resource co-managers, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and others, participates in Hatchery Technical Teams (HTTs) that assemble, organize, and apply the best available scientific information in providing guidance and recommendations to improve anadromous hatchery operations, reducing hatchery impacts to natural populations, and supporting commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries. Hatchery programs within the CCO are largely implemented to provide adult fish for harvest in state fisheries as mitigation for lost natural-origin salmonid production in the region, and/or are also implemented to preserve and recover salmon and steelhead populations that are at risk of extirpation.
There are several Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed "threatened" anadromous salmonid populations under NMFS regulatory purview that may be affected by operation of these hatchery programs. As such, these programs require Hatchery Genetic Management Plans (HGMP) under the ESA with review and approval by NMFS to ensure their effects ("takes") do not jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of listed salmon and steelhead. The NMFS review and determination processes require completion of HGMPs which identify program goals and operations, performance standards and identification of indicators, associated monitoring, and identification of future research to study and adaptively manage various program elements. Additionally, Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) are required for programs that provide fish for recreational harvest. Permits are issued following development of these documents, following appropriate environmental evaluation including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. WCR requires support to help with the implementation of the ESA and NEPA.
Tasks
• Attend regular Hatchery Technical Team (HTT) and Advisory Team (HAT) meetings with co-managers to incorporate recommendations in developing/revising/editing planning documents for salmonid hatchery programs. Take and submit notes to Project Officer regarding comments, edits, additions and modifications to be made.
• Assist with the drafting/revising of HGMP and FMP documents, and perform technical editing, updates, and revisions of existing documents to ensure they are well-written and legally defensible for co-managers (e.g., CDFW, US Corps, Tribes and others) to review prior to the responsible agencies submitting to NMFS.
• Work with NMFS and co-managers in drafting/modifying of HGMP and FMP document chapters, utilizing the NMFS template for HGMPs and FMPs describing the program objectives, operations, purpose, effects, performance standards and indicators, broodstock origin, identity, collection and mating protocols, incubation, rearing and release mechanisms, and monitoring/research.
• Under the guidance of the HTTs and HATs, independently write and edit ESA HGMP and FMP documents for CCO area hatchery programs and associated fisheries. Review and edit draft ESA HGMP and FMP documents to create clear and logical flow of analysis, and incorporate model write-ups and alternatives into Appendices. Address and incorporate comments from NMFS, HTTs, States, Tribes, responsible agencies and the general public to complete final versions of the documents.
• Incorporate recommendations from the HTT and HATs in revising draft versions of the documents and submit for co-manager review and approval, prior to the finalization of draft documents.
• Revise HGMPs to develop and draft alternatives and recommendations to resolve specific fishery/hatchery management issues. Research and recommend solutions to address invasive/nuisance species treatment/exclusion plans, and recommend revision to operations (e.g., release/collection protocols) to improve progress towards performance standards. Adaptively manage operations based on monitoring results in accordance with co-manager, NMFS, and WCR policies, procedures, and priorities.
• Review reports and draft comments, and write technically and legally-sound ESA and NEPA documents that meet the standards of scientific journals, NMFS, and Department of Commerce policies, and government plain language requirements; This includes reviewing HGMPs and FMPs, biological surveys, monitoring data and reports, and other scientific documents to determine the severity and duration of chemical, physical, and biological effects anticipated to occur as a result of the action.
• Coordinate with applicants and internal and external experts to develop strategies to effectively minimize impacts and resolve regulatory and ecological issues with applicants.
• Additional support may be required on ESA section 7 consultations, recovery planning, habitat conservation plans, monitoring strategies, conservation banking, and safe harbor agreements.
Deliverables
• Prepare/revise draft Hatchery Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs) and Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) using NMFS templates each quarter based on co-manager and technical team input.
• Prepare or revise up to four draft HGMP’s/FMP’s for co-manager review and approval, in preparation for co-manager final document submittal to NMFS.
• No later than 14 days following completion of a NEPA or ESA assessment, compile, organize and provide all electronic and hardcopy records to the Project Officer that comprise the official record in accordance with the relevant laws and NMFS policies.
• Monthly progress report submitted to Project Officer by the 30th of each month. At a minimum, the progress report will include the following: Accomplishments; issues encountered; travel (including purpose, significant outcomes, action items); and recommendations.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., fisheries, oceanography, etc.) plus four (4) years of relevant experience. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. may be substituted for experience.
• Experience in policy and analysis related to fisheries or other renewable natural resources.
• Ability to articulate both in the written word and orally biological and policy information to technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, be solution-oriented, and be a self-starter.
• Knowledge of salmon and steelhead hatchery and harvest fishery programs, their objectives, and their effects on natural-origin fish populations.
• Experience working with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The selected candidate for this position will work up to 20 hours per week. Travel is anticipated for this role to attend meetings and perform site visits.
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:
Lynker is an E-Verify employer.
Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.
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