Research Vessel Captain and Fisheries Gear Specialist

Responsibilities

• Construct and maintain Turtle Excluder Devices, Bycatch Reduction Devices, and other selective fishing gear.
• Provide fishing gear expertise for Harvesting Unit research projects.
• Provide gear and at-sea support during Mississippi Laboratories survey cruises.
• Prepare, maintain, and operate Class III research vessels.
• Serve as Captain or First Mate aboard Mississippi Laboratories research cruises.
• Support safe navigation, vessel seaworthiness, vessel cleanliness, cargo and deck-equipment handling, vessel stores, and general vessel operations.
• Aid in workshops and training for commercial fishers in the Southeast and internationally concerning federally required fishing gear.
• Train federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on procedures for inspecting federally required fishing gear.
• Prepare reports documenting outreach, training, vessel, research, and gear-support activities.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience constructing and repairing nets in a commercial fishery or net shop.
• At least five years of experience serving as Captain of a research or fishing vessel, including operation and maintenance of associated equipment.
• A current United States Coast Guard Master License for vessels of 100 tons or greater.
• Proficiency reading fishing gear technical schematics and applying gear-construction techniques.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
• Ability to maintain all certifications and training required by the NOAA Small Boat Program for Class III vessels.

About the Role

Lynker Corporation is seeking Research Vessel Captains and Fisheries Gear Specialists to support NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Assessment, Technology & Engineering Support (FATES) Division. These proposed roles will operate and maintain research vessels, serve as Captain or First Mate during research cruises, and provide fishing gear construction, technical, research, and outreach support.

Benefits

• 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.
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance.
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace.
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee.