Overview
Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of professional, scientific, and technical services supporting ocean, coastal, and fisheries science and management. With a strong foundation in scientific integrity and a commitment to innovative, data-driven solutions, Lynker supports mission-critical programs across NOAA and other federal agencies. As part of our ongoing expansion, we are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Observer Gear and Inventory Support Specialist to support the Fisheries Sampling Branch (FSB) within the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), Northeast Field Operations (NEFOP). (This will be a contingent position, based upon contract award). Lynker will be operating under FLOAT – the FISH and Lynker Oceans Alliance Team – a Joint Venture Prime contract holder for NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0.
The FSB provides observer coverage through three key programs—the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP), the At-Sea Monitoring Program (ASM), and the Industry Funded Scallop (IFS) Program—across several Northeast and Mid-Atlantic federal and state fisheries. The branch trains and monitors the performance of fisheries observers who collect critical data while sampling aboard commercial fishing vessels from Maine to North Carolina. Observer deployments are managed through an observer service provider. This position will play a crucial role in supporting these programs by managing the preparation, inventory, and shipment of field gear used in observer deployments.
Responsibilities
The Observer Gear and Inventory Support position duties include:
Organize, inventory, track observer gear.
Inspect and maintain observer gear.
Register, label, and test safety equipment.
Build, fabricate, and upkeep hand-made sampling tools for observers.
Disperse gear to observers or observer providers during or after training.
Deliver life rafts, Marel scales, or other gear to ports from Maine through North Carolina.
Perform cycle count and physical inventories of material and equipment at the Observer Training Center and offsite storage locations.
Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, document, and communicate findings, and perform inventory adjustments in a database.
Interview captains or observers for program feedback.
Ensure all housekeeping and safety standards are maintained and adhered to.
Create purchase requisitions, generate corresponding reports, and verify order and reorder quantities.
Properly store and mark inventory materials according to established procedures.
Assist with observer training in compiling gear, paperwork, classroom setup, and port tours.
Assist with in-person debriefings by "hosting" observers to keep them on schedule and assist with exit interview coordination.
Assist with photocopies and mailings of observer trip data.
Assist with answering phone calls from observers or fishermen.
Assist with observer program outreach.
Tour fishing vessels, ports, and worksites.
Possess the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel.
Lift/push/pull 50lbs to 75lbs on an occasional basis (0-30% of the day).
Lift/push/pull up to 20 lbs on a frequent basis (31% to 50% of the day).
Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools.
Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles.
Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment.
Assist in the tracking of Marel scale distribution and maintenance.
Assist with other duties as time allows, including species verification program (SVP) compliance, check-in calls with observers, a review of training materials, a review of observer references, and routine data pulls in support of training and observer safety.
Research new gear and communicate with gear leads from other regional observer programs as part of this research.
Assist the technology team with electronics prep, distribution, troubleshooting, and tracking as needed.
Assist with training prep, training transportation, training breakdown, and other training-related logistics as needed.
Conduct exit interviews and in-house debriefings - may include scheduling, coordinating, communicating, and uploading interviews and documentation.
Support safety training conducted by internal FMO and TDQ staff, which may entail the development of lesson plans, researching protocols, presenting at training, creating homework assignments, communicating with observers, participating in meetings, maintaining a current MSIT certification, and cross-training with other observer programs as requested