Fisheries Dockside Sampler – Southeast Region Head Boat Survey

About the role

Lynker Corporation is seeking a Fisheries Dockside Sampler to support NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD), and the Southeast Region Head Boat Survey (SRHS).

Responsibilities

• Provide biological sampling from the recreational head boat fishery in the Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Texas.
• Serve as the NOAA Fisheries field representative with head boat owners, operators, and anglers in the assigned sampling area.
• Identify and enumerate individual fish to the species level from landed catches.
• Collect length measurements and record weights and sex from individual fish in accordance with sampling protocols and goals.
• Collect fish otoliths and spines in accordance with sampling protocols and goals.
• Enter, check, validate, and quality control data daily.
• Provide data to appropriate researchers at the direction of the Chief, Catch Validation and Biosampling Branch.
• Process, perform QA/QC, and analyze biological samples collected during sampling operations.
• Upload biological samples to the Oracle system by the 15th of each month for the previous month.
• Mail otoliths and spines to the Beaufort Laboratory by the 30th of the following month.
• Use custom data entry applications and database software such as Microsoft Excel, Oracle, and Access to summarize data and provide results.
• Review daily Trip Reports to identify errors and inconsistencies for vessels in the area of responsibility.
• Review dockside sample data for accuracy and submit to the Oracle system within seven days of the date sampled.
• Aid FSD staff with collection, data entry, and processing of fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data as needed.
• Participate in weekly and quarterly administrative calls and respond to unscheduled calls or emails.
• Submit Weekly Activity Reports documenting work completed.
• Conduct regular checks, maintenance, and precautions to ensure government equipment remains in good working order.
• Afford assistance with vessel reporting compliance, including contacting captains or vessel staff for missing Trip Reports.
• Update and submit Head Boat Activity Reports weekly in accordance with protocols.
• Participate in surveys and related research projects in the field and laboratory.
• Participate in public outreach efforts, including meeting with fishermen and participating in public events to educate the public about SRHS and fisheries management in the region.
• Prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in position-related workshops, scientific meetings, symposiums, and public forums, including stock assessment data workshops, Fishery Management Council meetings, and Port Agent Annual Meetings.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge of Southeast U.S. Atlantic marine fish identification.
• BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of data management and analysis of fishery data.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis and provide results in presentation or report form.

Preferred qualifications

• Proficiency in the use of fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification books and keys.
• Computer literacy and experience with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Experience collecting catch and effort information from recreational fishermen.
• Knowledge of collection of routine biological samples, including lengths, age structures, gonads, and related samples from marine fish.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Benefits

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:

• 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 per year.
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace.
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $50,000 - $70,000 annually.

Schedule

The place of performance for this task is offsite at any coastal location in the Southeastern U.S. from North Carolina to Texas. Facility access is from 600 a.m. to 800 p.m., Monday through Friday. Personnel shall perform during normal operating hours, five days per week for the performance period, not to exceed 40 hours per week except when overtime is approved in advance. Deviations from this schedule must be coordinated with the COR.