Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of professional, scientific, and technical services supporting ocean, coastal, and fisheries science and management. With a strong foundation in scientific integrity and a commitment to innovative, data-driven solutions, Lynker supports mission-critical programs across NOAA and other federal agencies. As part of our ongoing expansion, we are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Assistant Operations Specialist to support the Fisheries Monitoring and Research Division (FMRD).

This position offers the opportunity to train and monitor the performance of fisheries observers who conduct sampling aboard commercial fishing vessels from Maine to North Carolina. While observer deployments are managed by an observer service provider, FMRD staff are responsible for tracking, editing, auditing, and uploading the data—vital information that supports fisheries management decision-making across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. (This will be a contingent position, based upon contract award). Lynker will be operating under FLOAT – the FISH and Lynker Oceans Alliance Team – a Joint Venture Prime contract holder for NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Operations Specialist with planning, coordinating, and executing observer coverage in fisheries across the region. Conduct field (dock) visits to engage with vessel captains, observers, and Area Coordinators, ensuring coverage rates align with end-user needs.
2. Develop understanding of program protocols, Standardized Bycatch Reduction Methodology (SBRM) processes, and potential solutions for field issues encountered by observers.
3. Recommend and implement improvements to data/sample collection procedures and protocols as needed.
4. Create, mail, and track vessel selection letters; collaborate with providers to target vessels for coverage.
5. Ensure vessel selection is random, equitable, and unbiased; conduct quarterly research on vessel selection outcomes.
6. Monitor compliance with call-in regulated fisheries and deliver monthly compliance reports to the Operations Specialist.
7. Educate fishermen and observers on the uses of observer program data by end-users and stakeholders.
8. Conduct interviews with vessel captains; assist in evaluating observer and provider performance, reporting to the Operations Specialist.
9. Observe unassigned commercial fisheries needing outreach, research, and protocol development, or maintain observer certification by working as a trip trainer.
10. Schedule and conduct post-trip dockside interviews with fishing vessel captains to address questions, resolve issues, and schedule future trips.
11. Guide observers in data quality improvement by providing necessary feedback.
12. Provide performance and background information for observer debriefings upon request.
13. Conduct exit interviews and in-house debriefings, updating protocols and plans for these debriefings as needed.
14. Inform the Operations Specialist of significant or controversial data and compliance issues.
15. Follow up on incident reports, including safety deficiencies and refusal reports.
16. Develop memos supporting a ‘refusal’ case for the Office of Law Enforcement.
17. Keep the Operations Specialist informed of any substandard observer data collection performance; collaborate with TDQ on data collection issues and possible falsifications.
18. Research and track "vessel of concern" issues, providing updates to the Operations Specialist.
19. Participate in research cruises aboard NOAA research vessels as time and funding allow.
20. Conduct outreach with the commercial fishing industry at various ports, enhancing observer program relations and facilitating observer placement.
21. Travel to relevant Fishery Management Council and other meetings to present information collaboratively with FMO operational staff.
22. Maintain and update regulatory compliance information for observance dissemination.
23. Respond to information requests, coordinate with Operations Specialist and Data Processing Lead; assist with data quality checks.
24. Track seaday accomplishments monthly; coordinate tasking requests with Operations Specialist and assist with reporting tasks.
25. Complete general office tasks, research projects, document decisions, and communicate with the Area Lead.
26. Conduct field testing of computer equipment, observer gear, or supplies related to local fisheries as required.
27. Develop and implement research projects and protocols in partnership with the fishing industry and scientific community.
28. Provide field and laboratory support for all NESFC FMO Branch data collection and monitoring initiatives.
29. Coordinate technical assistance at sea and ashore; manage training and equipment deployment, troubleshoot electronic acquisition systems, and maintain research objectives compliance.
30. Support NEFOP external sample requests, communicate with external users, coordinate sample delivery.
31. Review and analyze video data as needed.
32. Deploy on shadow, trip trainer, and priority (Data Field Quality) trips as required.
33. Be available for periodic overtime and weekend assignments.
34. Provide support for managing phone and email trip notifications.
35. Respond to industry, provider, and internal inquiries professionally.
36. Assist with routine database maintenance tasks.
37. Assist in training industry representatives on PTNS protocols and functions.
38. Support the monitoring and maintenance of PTNS website performance and coverage metrics.
39. Monitor PTNS compliance of vessels.
40. Participate in after-hours inreach monitoring support rotations.
41. Maintain regular office hours at the observer program facility at least twice weekly.
42. Support dockside/portside sampling initiatives, working closely with FMRD PM, EFP Principal Investigators, participating vessels, and dealers. Monitor offloads, manage data and QA/QC activities, provide analytical support, and participate in ongoing training and debriefing meetings.
43. Support internal safety training, lesson plan development, conducting presentations, creating homework, maintaining MSIT certification, and cross-training in other observer programs.

Contractor Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in marine fisheries information programs or science-based programs.
• B.S. degree in Marine Biology, Fisheries, or related fields.
• Knowledge of fishery science, management, and analytical techniques.
• Effective communication skills in both office and field settings.
• Proficiency in GIS, Oracle or similar systems, MS Office, and G Suite tools.
• Desirable but not required: Previous NEFOP/ASM/IFS observer experience, small boat operation experience, and familiarity with commercial fishing vessels.

Required Certifications:

• First Aid CPR AED (Red Heart Association or equivalent).
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
• Valid driver's license.
• Commerce Learning Center (CLC) Defensive Driving Course.

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 professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

* This position is advertised through our joint venture, FLOAT --a partnership between Lynker and Fish, serving NOAA ProTech Fisheries

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.