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 dedicated and detail-oriented Assistant Operations Specialist to support the Fisheries Monitoring and Research Division (FMRD).
This position offers the opportunity to train and monitor the performance of fisheries observers who conduct sampling aboard commercial fishing vessels from Maine to North Carolina. While observer deployments are managed by an observer service provider, FMRD staff are responsible for tracking, editing, auditing, and uploading the data—vital information that supports fisheries management decision-making across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. (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.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Assist the Operations Specialist with planning, coordinating, and executing observer coverage in fisheries across the region. Conduct field (dock) visits to engage with vessel captains, observers, and Area Coordinators, ensuring coverage rates align with end-user needs.
Develop understanding of program protocols, Standardized Bycatch Reduction Methodology (SBRM) processes, and potential solutions for field issues encountered by observers.
Recommend and implement improvements to data/sample collection procedures and protocols as needed.
Create, mail, and track vessel selection letters; collaborate with providers to target vessels for coverage.
Ensure vessel selection is random, equitable, and unbiased; conduct quarterly research on vessel selection outcomes.
Monitor compliance with call-in regulated fisheries and deliver monthly compliance reports to the Operations Specialist.
Educate fishermen and observers on the uses of observer program data by end-users and stakeholders.
Conduct interviews with vessel captains; assist in evaluating observer and provider performance, reporting to the Operations Specialist.
Observe unassigned commercial fisheries needing outreach, research, and protocol development, or maintain observer certification by working as a trip trainer.
Schedule and conduct post-trip dockside interviews with fishing vessel captains to address questions, resolve issues, and schedule future trips.
Guide observers in data quality improvement by providing necessary feedback.
Provide performance and background information for observer debriefings upon request.
Conduct exit interviews and in-house debriefings, updating protocols and plans for these debriefings as needed.
Inform the Operations Specialist of significant or controversial data and compliance issues.
Follow up on incident reports, including safety deficiencies and refusal reports.
Develop memos supporting a ‘refusal’ case for the Office of Law Enforcement.
Keep the Operations Specialist informed of any substandard observer data collection performance; collaborate with TDQ on data collection issues and possible falsifications.
Research and track "vessel of concern" issues, providing updates to the Operations Specialist.
Participate in research cruises aboard NOAA research vessels as time and funding allow.
Conduct outreach with the commercial fishing industry at various ports, enhancing observer program relations and facilitating observer placement.
Travel to relevant Fishery Management Council and other meetings to present information collaboratively with FMO operational staff.
Maintain and update regulatory compliance information for observance dissemination.
Respond to information requests, coordinate with Operations Specialist and Data Processing Lead; assist with data quality checks.
Track seaday accomplishments monthly; coordinate tasking requests with Operations Specialist and assist with reporting tasks.
Complete general office tasks, research projects, document decisions, and communicate with the Area Lead.
Conduct field testing of computer equipment, observer gear, or supplies related to local fisheries as required.
Develop and implement research projects and protocols in partnership with the fishing industry and scientific community.
Provide field and laboratory support for all NESFC FMO Branch data collec