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 Tagger/Handlers 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

The Sea Turtle Tagger/Handler will support all aspects of sea turtle capture, tagging, and biological sampling operations, while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare, data quality, and regulatory compliance during in-water or land-based surveys.

• Capture sea turtles in the field using approved net or hand-capture methods.
• Safely restrain, handle, and process turtles for biological data collection (e.g., morphometrics, photos, body condition).
• Apply and ensure accurate deployment of PIT, flipper, and satellite tags according to NOAA standards and permitted protocols.
• Collect blood and tissue samples for health, genetic, and contaminant analysis following strict aseptic and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Record all field and sample metadata within digital or paper data systems; support daily QA/QC reviews.
• Ensure compliance with animal use permits, safety requirements, and field sampling protocols at all times.
• Participate in daily field briefings, equipment checks, and team debriefs; support gear prep, care, and post-survey clean-up.
• Assist with drone operation (if trained/certified), outreach materials, or mentoring as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant technical certification in biology, marine science, wildlife, or related field.
• Demonstrated field experience (preferably >1 year) conducting sea turtle capture, handling, biological sampling, and tagging in research, monitoring, or conservation settings.
• Experience with in-water (small boat-based) fieldwork in challenging marine or estuarine conditions.
• Certification or documentation of safe animal handling and tag deployment training (per NOAA, NMFS, or another relevant authority).
• Knowledge of sea turtle biology, health assessment, and sampling techniques.
• Experience completing robust field documentation/protocols.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, swim, and work outdoors for extended periods; willing to travel and work variable hours as needed.
• Must meet all federal and NOAA safety and security requirements for field staff, including small boat safety if operating vessels.

Preferred:

• Experience operating under a permitted co-investigator or lead tagger-permit holder.
• Drone pilot training/certification for aerial sea turtle assessment (optional).
• First aid/CPR certification.
• Experience supporting public outreach, mentoring, or training in field techniques.

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.