Job Details

Seabird Observer

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 Seabird Observer 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

Conduct systematic vessel-based seabird surveys, accurately identifying all observed seabird species and quantifying abundance, flock size, and behavioral patterns according to NOAA protocols.

Develop, maintain, and coordinate detailed observer schedules and rotations to ensure comprehensive data collection and team effectiveness.

Document seabird observations and flock counts using SeeBird or analogous field survey software, including real-time data entry, annotation, and backup.

Participate in daily QA/QC of observation data, collaborate closely with marine mammal, acoustics, and other scientific teams, and uphold rigorous scientific standards.

Assist with technical data review, summary report preparation, and contribute to project outreach and knowledge transfer initiatives.

Maintain field equipment, troubleshoot logistical challenges, and support all safety and compliance protocols on board.

Engage positively in pre-survey briefings, daily safety drills, post-survey data management, and continuous improvement activities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in ornithology, wildlife biology, ecology, marine science, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 12 months cumulative experience conducting seabird observations on large (>100 ft.) research vessels (at-sea, not just coastal/estuarine).
• Proven knowledge of seabird biology, identification (species-level), strip-transect methodologies, and at-sea survey protocols.
• Proficiency with shipboard field data collection and management software (e.g., SeeBird or comparable), including digital data entry and QA/QC.
• Ability to work extended multi-week field assignments at sea, maintain composure and accuracy under demanding conditions, and obtain all required medical and security clearances.
• Strong observational, teamwork, technical, and written/oral communication skills in multidisciplinary environments.

Preferred:

• Previous experience on NOAA research vessels or supporting federal/state protected species survey missions.
• Experience training or mentoring junior field observers and/or supporting multi-taxa or interdisciplinary survey operations.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to technical/scientific reports, project summaries, or outreach publications.

Work Environment:

Multi-week at-sea deployments, constrained quarters, shift work, and variable marine/weather conditions. Requires physical stamina, consistent attention to detail, and robust safety focus.

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
• 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 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.