Lynker Corporation is seeking SEFIS Survey Support Scientists, Levels I–III to support NOAA Fisheries’ SEFSC, Population & Ecosystems Monitoring Division (PEMD), Southeast Fishery-Independent Survey (SEFIS). These proposed roles will support reef fish surveys, biological sampling, laboratory activities, survey data management and analysis, and public outreach. *Hiring for these positions will be contingent on contract award.

The SEFIS program conducts a long-term trap and video survey to document the occurrence, distribution, and abundance of species associated with hard-bottom habitat along the southeastern United States Atlantic coast. SEFIS data support fishery-independent indices of relative abundance and other metrics used in stock assessments for reef species. Survey activities are conducted aboard multiple vessels, with additional laboratory work focused heavily on reviewing video and managing, quality-controlling, and analyzing survey data.

Duties of the SEFIS Survey Support Scientist will include the following:

• Serve as a chief scientist, watch lead, video lead, or field scientist on reef fish surveys and participate in other resource surveys as required.
• Collect biological samples from fish species.
• Deploy and retrieve fish traps, outfit traps with video cameras, and support video data collection.
• Identify marine fishes in all life stages from habitats of the southeastern United States Atlantic coast and adjacent seas.
• Process otoliths and reproductive tissues and acquire morphometric data.
• Sort, count, and measure collected biological specimens.
• Review survey video and collect data gathered using video cameras.
• Enter, edit, organize, and maintain survey data, as applicable to position level.
• Conduct data analyses and prepare data summaries.
• Assist with development of spatial distribution maps of catch using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Contribute to data reports, publications, and presentations.
• Support surveys by loading and unloading vessels, gathering equipment and data, maintaining gear and supplies, and archiving and labeling collected data and samples.
• Participate in public outreach activities.
• At Level III, lead or support research and operational activities related to video automation and associated analyses and maintain survey databases.
• At Level III, provide oversight of other survey staff when required.

The SEFIS Survey Support Scientist should have the following:

Level I

• Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus zero to three years of relevant experience.

Level II

• Master of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study; or
• Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three years of relevant experience.

Level III

• Master of Science or Ph.D. degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus five years of relevant experience.

Qualifications applicable to the positions, as identified in the PWS, include:

• Knowledge and application of the basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of fish or related biological field sampling sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
• Computer literacy and experience with applicable word-processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Ability to prepare college-level reports and make oral presentations.
• Experience collecting data during at-sea surveys.
• For Level II, experience as a lead data collector on at-sea surveys.
• For Level III, experience as a lead data analyst or lead data collector on at-sea surveys.
• Knowledge and skills using shipboard software that handles hydrological Scientific Computing System (SCS) and biological data streams.
• Proficiency using fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
• Knowledge and identification of reef taxa from the U.S. South Atlantic region.
• Knowledge of otolith and reproductive tissue processing, stomach content analysis, and tagging techniques.
• Knowledge of procedures for encounters with endangered or threatened species.
• For Level III, experience with advanced data analysis programs.
• Sea-going personnel participating in research cruises aboard NOAA ships must obtain required Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) approval.

Work Environment

The positions are based at the NOAA Beaufort Laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina, and include laboratory, office, vessel, and field environments. Personnel will also work aboard NOAA ships, charter vessels, and/or small boats while conducting resource survey duties.

Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work outside normal operating hours and beyond 40 hours per week may be required before, during, and immediately following at-sea surveys and other field efforts, including nighttime and weekend work. Such overtime must be coordinated and authorized in accordance with contract requirements.

Domestic and international travel may be required in support of at-sea surveys, project-related workshops, and working group meetings.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned 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.