Aerial Survey Leader

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 Survey Leader 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

• Oversee and execute planning, coordination, and supervision of all aerial survey operations, logistics, and field safety for multi-disciplinary teams.
• Develop, communicate, and manage detailed travel and daily flight schedules in coordination with pilots, flight crew, and NOAA Survey Leaders.
• Ensure and document safety compliance, including all required emergency egress or FAA/drill training for participating staff.
• Lead and facilitate pre-flight and daily briefings, handling rapid changes for weather, mission, or logistics as required.
• Supervise and ensure high-quality collection, review, QA/QC, and delivery of all observational and photographic data according to NOAA scientific protocols.
• Maintain meticulous equipment, personnel, and operational records and coordinate gear transport, troubleshooting, and data backup procedures.
• Act as the key point of contact between aerial observer teams, aircraft command, NOAA project leads, and other government stakeholders.
• Prepare, review, and submit operational, progress, and summary survey reports as required by contract deliverables.
• Mentor, support, and assign flight duties to aerial observers and field team technicians.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in marine biology, environmental science, zoology, or closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated supervisory/leadership experience conducting or managing wildlife or marine aerial survey teams (minimum one full season or equivalent).
• Comprehensive knowledge of low-altitude aircraft operations, field safety standards, and FAA/regulatory requirements.
• Experience with travel coordination, logistics planning, and remote fieldwork; proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous assignments and respond dynamically to weather, logistical, or personnel changes.
• Strong QA/QC orientation and track record of ensuring meticulous data integrity.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all NOAA/public trust medical, security, and emergency training clearances.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills, with a focus on team building, positive leadership, and interagency collaboration.

Preferred:

• Prior experience on NOAA, BOEM, or other federal/state aerial survey programs focused on marine mammals or protected species.
• Experience with digital data/photo management, GPS/mapping systems, and scientific reporting requirements.
• Prior field mentoring, supervisory, or staff-training background in the context of wildlife fieldwork or aerial operations.

Work Environment:

Frequent travel required. Position involves regular deployment for extended periods to field stations/airports in North America (seasonal and year-round as needed), in variable weather and operational conditions. May require working irregular hours, weekends, and rapid response to changes in mission schedule.

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. environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. 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.

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