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.  Lynker is seeking a CNMI, CRCP, and CZM Management Liason to join our growing team.  This role is contingent upon Lynker winning the contract, and an offer will likely not be extended until it is confirmed that the contract has been won.   

Lynker is searching for a talented Coral Reef Conservation Program and Coastal Zone Management Liaison for the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management (OCM). The Liaison will support the implementation of two NOAA programs in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas: the Coral Reef Conservation Program (Coral Program) and the Coastal Zone Management Program.This position is located in Saipan, CNMI.

This successful candidate will provide support for the Coral Program, and will deliver regionally relevant coral conservation services to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI) and their partners. The liaison will also support the implementation of the CNMI’s coastal management program approved by NOAA under the Coastal Zone Management Act. For both roles, the liaison will provide place-based and regional technical assistance related to coastal management and coral conservation.

Core responsibilities include the following, but are not limited to:

Serve as Liaison for CNMI Coral Reef Conservation Program: 

• Provide management assistance to CNMI’s coral reef management program to maintain programs and meet all program requirements 
• Provide technical assistance in the areas of coral reef conservation, planning, and management, restoration ecology, climate change adaptation and planning, and watershed management.
• Coordinate with jurisdiction coral reef points of contact and other appropriate agencies on NOAA Coral Program activities in the region.
• Coordinate with federal partners in the development and implementation of initiatives in priority areas that are consistent with Coral Program goals and objectives.
• Support annual Coral Program planning process, including: fielding questions from, and coordinating calls with potential principal investigators and local partners; conducting technical reviews of proposals; and providing implementation support to awarded projects.
• Support development and implementation of local action strategies initiatives in coral jurisdictions.
• Provide support for efforts to develop and manage marine protected areas and build management capacity, when appropriate.
• Conduct site visits or fieldwork to assist or assess Coral Program activities.
• Coordinate with the CNMI and NOAA’s federal program officer to negotiate, process, amend, and monitor the cooperative funding agreements; and provide technical reviews of other Coral Program funding grants and agreements.  
• Provide guidance to CNMI on their responsibility to ensure documentation on all coral reef projects, including permits; completion of financial requirements and environmental compliance; and adequate monitoring of ongoing coral reef management and restoration projects is realized. 
• Provide an interface between CNMI’s work to address coral reef conservation and coastal management challenges. 

Provide information to outreach and communications staff for the development locally-tailored coral reef outreach and education materials.

Serve as Liaison for CNMI Coastal Zone Management Program: 

• Provide support and assistance to CNMI’s implementation of its coastal zone management program approved under the Coastal Zone Management Act. 

• Coordinate with CNMI, and NOAA’s federal program officer to negotiate, process, amend, and monitor cooperative agreements and grants; and provide technical reviews for other proposals as necessary.
• Support CNMI in the implementation of National Coastal Zone Management Program activities, including: review and analysis of proposed program policy changes; program evaluations required under the CZMA; and the development, review, and approval of five-year assessments and strategies.   
• Provide subject matter expertise and regional coordination support.
• Identify CNMI’s coastal management program highlights and other opportunities to communicate partner success stories.
• Identify and facilitate programmatic synergies across the Coral and Coastal Zone Management programs to enhance execution and results, and/or identify joint projects.

Required:

• Master’s degree in coral reef conservation, marine science, coastal management, or related field plus three years of related experience
• Knowledge of issues confronting coral reef conservation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with ability to work in a team environment
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with management, colleagues, and external partners
• Technical writing skill and ability to synthesize technical information

Preferred:

• Knowledge of, and experience with, the Coastal Zone Management Act and/or the Coral Reef Conservation Act
• Experience working with state, territorial, and federal agencies, tribes, academia, and nongovernmental organizations
• Experience developing and tracking project milestones and strategic planning

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.

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.