Aerial Observer

Overview

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 Aerial Observer to join interdisciplinary field teams supporting vessel- and aerial-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

Responsibilities

• Participate in vessel- and aerial-based survey missions with emphasis on low-altitude, over-water flights.
• Conduct line-transect surveys for marine mammals and sea turtles, identifying animals to species and recording detailed group data (size, behavior, environmental conditions) using NOAA protocols.
• Collect, curate, and back up high-quality photographic and video datasets during and after each flight, employing automated camera systems or hand-held devices as appropriate.
• Maintain meticulous records of flight effort, sighting, and ancillary observations in electronic and/or paper formats as required.
• Attend and successfully complete all required pre-deployment safety trainings (including aircraft emergency egress), daily briefings, and participate in all safety drills.
• Support survey logistics including transport, gear preparation, and on-the-ground field data management.
• Communicate regularly with the Aerial Survey Leader, Survey Lead, and broader team; respond effectively to mission and weather-related changes.
• Ensure full adherence to all safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements throughout deployment.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in marine biology, ecology, zoology, environmental sciences, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience conducting aerial or marine wildlife surveys, or closely related observational research (minimum preferred: 1 month cumulative fieldwork in comparable settings).
• Proven ability to work for extended periods in confined aircraft and variable (sometimes challenging) operational settings.
• Familiarity with marine mammal and sea turtle identification; strong observational, documentation, and data entry skills.
• Ability to complete and maintain all required medical, background, public trust, and operational clearances for NOAA fieldwork—including emergency egress/safety certifications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and teamwork in multi-disciplinary, safety-focused environments.

Preferred:

• Experience with automated or aerial camera/photogrammetry systems.
• Knowledge of GPS/mapping systems, georeferenced data, and proficiency with digital photo/video management.
• Previous deployment on NOAA or federal aerial survey efforts, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting survey logistics, travel to remote field sites, or working internationally.

Work Environment:

Deployments require extensive travel, irregular schedules, and readiness for extended field assignments throughout North America. Flights may include long-duration, low-altitude surveys as weather permits.

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<