Fisheries Research and Harvesting Systems Coordinator

Overview

Lynker Corporation is seeking Fisheries Research and Harvesting Systems Coordinators to support NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Assessment, Technology & Engineering Support (FATES) Division. These proposed roles will coordinate fisheries research and field activities, support research data management and analysis, and provide fishing gear outreach and technical assistance. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.

SEFSC supports fisheries research across the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The FATES Harvesting Systems Branch develops and supports fishing gear, research gear, field methods, and vessel systems that enable safe and effective fisheries science and promote sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Fisheries Research Coordinator will include the following:

• Serve as project coordinator and field coordinator for Harvesting Unit research activities.
• Participate in field research and serve as a research data collector as required.
• Enter, edit, organize, and archive fisheries research data.
• Develop databases for archiving research data.
• Conduct data analyses and prepare summaries, reports, publications, presentations, and research proposals.
• Organize and conduct workshops and training sessions for commercial fishers on the proper use of federally required fishing gear.
• Provide outreach through planned workshops, industry meetings, and dockside visits.
• Serve as a Turtle Excluder Device gear expert during verification and outreach visits, including potential travel to foreign countries with NOAA and Department of State personnel.
• Prepare for and participate in scientific meetings, workshops, symposiums, and public forums.
• Provide intermittent field support for Pascagoula Laboratory projects, including gear technology assistance, data collection, and small boat operations.
• Coordinate the South Atlantic Deepwater Longline Survey, including coordination with fisheries management councils, NOAA offices, state agencies, contracted fishers, permitting authorities, and scientific observers.
• Support day-to-day survey project management.
• Prepare required quarterly reports, event summaries, abstracts, presentations, and other deliverables.

Qualifications

The Fisheries Research Coordinator should have the following:

• A Ph.D. in biology or a related science, or a master’s degree in biology or a related science and five years of experience in fish biology, marine biology, oceanography, ecology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of commercial fishing gear used in the Southeast Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, including trawls, gillnets, seines, and longlines.
• Knowledge of biological concepts, principles, and methodologies sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.
• Proficiency using fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
• Experience with common word-processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Documented experience with statistical or quantitative analysis, data management, and fisheries environmental sampling technology.
• Experience serving as the lead data collector for field projects.
• Ability to prepare college-level reports and deliver oral presentations.
• Ability to comply with NOAA Small Boat Operating Procedures.
• A valid driver’s license to operate a government vehicle.

The ideal Fisheries Research Coordinator will have the following preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of selective fishing methods and technology used in commercial fisheries.
• Working knowledge of commercial fishing gear construction, repair, and operation, including nets, traps, and stationary-set gear.
• Experience conducting public outreach events and public speaking.

Work Environment

The position is based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and includes laboratory, office, field, dockside, small boat, and fisheries-industry settings. Work may involve support aboard small boats and participation in fisheries research activities. Domestic and international travel may be required for training, outreach, scientific meetings, and Turtle Excluder Device verification activities. Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Travel and overtime must be authorized in accordance with contract requirements.

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.

* This position is not currently funded and is contingent upon contract award. Employment is subject to successful completion of any required background checks and security processing required by the customer. 

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.