Lynker Corporation, in strategic partnership with Fisheries Immersed Science Hawaii (FISH) as the FLOAT – the "FISH" and "Lynker" Ocean Alliance Team Joint Venture, is seeking motivated Lead Marine Mammal Observer to join interdisciplinary field teams on vessel-based research surveys for NOAA’s ProTech Fisheries 2.0 program. Employment in this role is contingent upon FLOAT being awarded the contract by NOAA.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and schedule teams of marine mammal observers for ship-based surveys, ensuring proper observer rotation and shift assignments for continuous coverage per project protocols.
• Oversee and participate in systematic visual searches for marine mammals using big-eye binoculars and line-transect methodologies, accurately documenting species ID, group size, and group behavior.
• Ensure data integrity through daily QA/QC review of visual sighting data, photographs, and survey logs; troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with NOAA Survey Leaders and team members.
• Train, mentor, and supervise observers in field protocols, best practices, and data entry procedures (VisCruz, WinCruz, VizSurvey, or other designated software).
• Serve as the primary liaison between the observer team, vessel command, and NOAA project leads; maintain clear, professional communication regarding operational updates, personnel issues, or safety matters.
• Provide leadership in the collection and processing of ancillary data (biopsy samples, identification photographs, acoustic data entry), and actively contribute in small boat deployments when required.
• Prepare and submit daily logs, observer rotation schedules, annotated survey records, and post-survey summary reports in compliance with NOAA contract deliverables.
• Support outreach efforts and actively participate in pre-, during, and post-survey knowledge transfer and staff training, including skill development for junior and novice observers.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in marine biology, ecology, zoology, or closely related behavioral or life sciences.
• Minimum 12–14 months cumulative experience as a marine mammal observer on large (>100ft) research vessels, including extensive experience with big-eye binoculars during systematic ship-based data collection.
• Documented experience in team leadership or supervision in field settings, preferably in multi-disciplinary marine science projects.
• Demonstrated proficiency in marine mammal identification (species-level), line-transect survey techniques, and use of major NMFS shipboard visual data collection software (e.g., VisCruz, WinCruz, VizSurvey).
• Experience producing scientific datasets and reports for marine mammal research.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, organizational, and communication skills in high-tempo, multi-partner environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required medical clearance, shipboard suitability, NOAA safety certifications, and background/security checks for offshore deployments.
• U.S. citizenship or, if foreign national, ability to meet all NOAA requirements for work authorization, visas, and advance clearance (including higher qualifications, as required by NOAA policy).

Preferred:

• Prior Lead Observer experience on NOAA or equivalent research vessels.
• Experience collecting and processing biopsy samples from wild cetaceans and archiving digital photographic data.
• Experience supporting or working alongside acoustic operations (PAM) and cross-training field teams.
• Positive references from prior employers attesting to observer team leadership performance.

Work Environment:

Extended deployments at sea, multi-week assignments on large research vessels under variable weather and operational conditions. Night or shift work, small boat operations, and remote/irregular schedules are common.

About Lynker

Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in fisheries, marine science, and environmental research. With a commitment to scientific excellence and resource stewardship, Lynker leverages technical expertise and advanced field operations to support the management and conservation of aquatic resources and protected species. environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. We are 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
• 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.