Description

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 Marine Mammal Observer / LIMPET Tagger 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

• Conduct systematic ship-based and small-boat marine mammal visual surveys, collecting high-accuracy data on species ID, group size, and behavior per NOAA protocols.
• Prepare, deploy, and document LIMPET and suction-cup tags on cetaceans in the field, following all study protocols, safety and animal welfare guidelines, and active NOAA scientific permits.
• Accurately record tagging activity, metadata, photographs, and video as required; submit timely reports to survey leadership.
• Assist with photographic documentation, biopsy sampling, tagging equipment preparation, and data archiving.
• Operate or assist with acoustic and tracking equipment as trained; support survey logistics and field gear setup/breakdown.
• Participate in small-boat operations under challenging field conditions, including handling of tagging gear, animal approach, and data/sample collection.
• Support outreach, training, and knowledge transfer to less experienced team members.
• Complete accurate and timely data entry; support daily QA/QC reviews for all field data and sample logs.
• Maintain close, professional communication with scientific teams, vessel/boat/NOAA leadership, and other field personnel to ensure mission success, safety, and compliance.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in marine biology, zoology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 6 months cumulative experience as a marine mammal observer from large research vessels, including use of big-eye binoculars, line-transect visual surveys, and systematic data collection.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct visually demanding fieldwork (e.g., standing/watch for up to 40 minutes), safely handle tagging equipment, and work at sea or in remote field locations for extended periods.
• Proven experience in marine mammal identification (preferably in U.S. waters), field data management, and accurate record-keeping.
• Eligible for all required medical/background clearances, security screenings, and compliance with NOAA/contractor and vessel/boat safety requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to work in multi-disciplinary and challenging field environments.

Preferred:

• Documented experience preparing, deploying, and documenting the use of LIMPET, suction-cup, or comparable satellite tags on wild cetaceans, including use of pneumatic tagging rifles or poles.
• Experience working on small-boat platforms for marine mammal surveys, tagging, and sample collection under NOAA/NMFS research protocols.
• Prior experience with biopsy sampling, acoustic/tracking gear, and digital photo-ID archiving.
• Participation under a NOAA scientific permit as a Co-Investigator or similar, or familiarity with federal tagging protocols and permit requirements.
• Experience with training/mentoring field staff, and cross-functional role support (sample processing, outreach, etc.).
• Proficiency in survey data software (e.g., VisCruz, WinCruz, or VB-based NOAA software) is strongly preferred.
• U.S. citizenship or ability to obtain all necessary permits/clearances as a foreign national per NOAA policy.

Work Environment:

Frequent travel required for extended at-sea and small-boat field deployments. Physical fitness, flexibility, and engagement in variable/international marine environments are essential.

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.

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