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 Sea Turtle Observer/Handler to join interdisciplinary field teams on vessel- and small boat-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

• Participate in ship-based and small boat-based surveys to detect, identify, and monitor sea turtle populations using established visual survey protocols.
• Safely capture, handle, and release sea turtles for biological sampling, measurement, tagging, and data collection in adherence with permit requirements and animal welfare standards.
• Deploy and retrieve satellite or other external tags (as trained), record all tagging activities and supporting metadata, and prepare/tagging supplies as required.
• Collect standardized morphological measurements, tissue samples (e.g., blood or skin), and ancillary data (e.g., photographs, environmental measurements) per NOAA protocols.
• Document field data using digital data entry systems and complete accurate QA/QC of records daily.
• Maintain and prepare field and sampling equipment; assist with daily setup, break-down, and field gear inventory.
• Participate in daily safety briefings, drills, and crew meetings; uphold health, safety, and environmental protection standards at all times.
• Engage with multidisciplinary survey teams, provide support for outreach and knowledge transfer activities, and assist with summary and progress reporting as needed.
• Communicate field observations and issues promptly to team leads, NOAA Survey Leaders, and relevant project stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in marine biology, wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated field experience with sea turtle observation, capture, handling, tagging, or sampling (ideally minimum 1 month cumulative).
• Proficient in sea turtle visual identification and biological data collection in at-sea or coastal environments.
• Experience following biological sampling protocols, performing data management/entry, and maintaining accurate field records.
• Physical ability for demanding fieldwork (lifting 40 lbs, long hours on boats, heat, sun, or rough conditions).
• Exceptional attention to animal welfare, ethics, and safety, including up-to-date certifications in first aid/CPR.
• Eligible for all required background checks, medical clearance, and federal/NOAA safety certifications.

Preferred:

• Experience operating or working from small boats under NOAA or equivalent scientific protocols.
• Direct experience handling sea turtles for tagging, applying satellite or flipper tags, and/or collecting morphometric data and biological samples (e.g., as a permitted handler or Co-Investigator).
• Familiarity with satellite/GPS tag deployment and digital photo or video documentation for research purposes.
• Prior experience working on NOAA, BOEM, or state/federal marine protected species research teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary or multi-agency scientific teams and to train or mentor junior team members.

Work Environment:

Frequent multi-day or multi-week field deployments, often at sea or in remote areas, with variable weather and operational conditions. Requires irregular hours, shift work, and extended time outdoors or on vessels.

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.