Job Details

Field Team Leader (Small Boat Operations)

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 Field Team Leader for 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

Organize, supervise, and direct daily operations for small boat-based research, including implementation of scientific survey plans, scheduling, and personnel logistics.

Lead and oversee safe operation and deployment of small boat research teams according to NOAA and federal safety standards.

Verify and document compliance with all required small boat operator certifications and vessel policies.

Plan and execute field sampling activities, including marine species identification, biological sample collection, tagging, and animal handling, following established data collection protocols.

Troubleshoot and coordinate gear maintenance; ensure all scientific and safety equipment is functional prior to and during operations.

Facilitate daily/weekly safety briefings, field team training, and coordination with vessel captains, project managers, and NOAA Survey Leads.

Prepare and review rotational and logistics schedules; develop summary reports of survey activity and address project planning, personnel challenges, or equipment issues as they arise.

Support and mentor team members, promoting knowledge transfer, professional growth, and effective field communication.

Maintain meticulous data quality standards and ensure proper archival of collected samples and records.

Adapt plans and support team well-being in response to environmental, weather, or operational changes.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in marine science, biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated supervisory/leadership experience with small boat research teams, especially in estuarine or coastal settings.
• Professional field experience in marine species identification, tagging, biological sampling, equipment setup and repair, and emergency preparedness.
• Current possession of, or eligibility to rapidly obtain, NOAA small boat operator certifications and compliance with all USCG/NOAA safety requirements.
• Proven expertise in team training, mission planning, safety management, and troubleshooting field logistics.
• Strong interpersonal, reporting, and written/oral communication skills.
• Must meet all NOAA/government medical, security, and training requirements for field deployments and vessel operations.

Preferred:

• Prior field leadership supporting NOAA, BOEM, or state/federal marine research missions.
• Experience with remote logistics, staff training, and complex data/survey management.
• Additional certifications in first aid, CPR, or advanced marine safety.

Work Environment

Significant fieldwork in coastal or remote locations; extensive time on vessels and outdoors in variable weather; irregular hours and flexible travel expected.

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. 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, FLOATa 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.