Entry Level Marine Mammal Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lynker Corporation is seeking a Scientific Data Manager to support NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD). This proposed role will support marine mammal and sea turtle science through data collection, data management, survey coordination, quality control, documentation, reporting, and dissemination of scientific information. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.

Background paragraph:

SEFSC MMTD conducts marine mammal and sea turtle research in support of conservation, assessment, and management objectives. The division’s work includes field-based research from research vessels, small boats, planes, and advanced unmanned technologies, as well as laboratory-based research in areas such as molecular genetics, photogrammetry, stable isotopes, hormone assays, passive acoustics, and necropsies. Additional support may include end-to-end data management services from data collection through quality control, processing, analysis, dissemination, and archival in cloud-based repositories following FAIR data use principles and NOAA data governance policy.

• Support data collection and management and survey coordination within SEFSC MMTD.
• Conduct, support, and/or oversee aspects of field research activities conducted by the Division and partners, from project design to data collection, management, sharing, and dissemination of scientific information.
• Coordinate and communicate with Principal Investigators, Program Leads, and MMTD leadership.
• Develop and update standard research protocols and comply with scientific research permit requirements, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, Animal Welfare Act, and NMFS Animal Care and Use Policy.
• Manage and curate data for accuracy and quality.
• Ensure metadata is provided and data is properly stored, archived, and accessible in established cloud repositories and in accordance with NOAA’s Data Governance Strategy and other established NOAA data policies.
• Use current techniques and software for managing large and complex datasets, including acoustics, photo-ID, omics, and survey data.
• Work with other MMTD team members to formulate analytical solutions to marine mammal management questions that integrate existing data streams within NOAA.
• Run editing and validation procedures to ensure high-quality data is maintained and provided for advanced analysis or varied data users.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Chief Scientist(s) to provide project planning, budget, and logistical support for ship and/or field surveys.
• Assist Project Investigators, MMTD, and the Center Director in preparing ship time requests, justifications, and evaluations of potential funding and time allocation scenarios.
• Oversee field survey equipment inventory, repair, maintenance, and storage, including operating the forklift and crane as needed to prepare and load/unload equipment.
• Oversee and prepare survey equipment for loans nationally and internationally.
• Maintain and update websites, including posting newsworthy stories and field survey blogs and sharing briefings and reports internally and externally.
• Develop written technical reports and peer-reviewed publications documenting project findings.
• Disseminate scientific results through presentations to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Attend planning and coordination meetings with MMTD researchers, either virtually or in person.

• Master’s degree in marine ecology, environmental science, oceanography, or related field; or an undergraduate degree with 1 year of relevant research experience.
• Working knowledge of marine mammal or marine species data collection and processing.
• Experience managing complex datasets collected from varied surveys and observation platforms.
• Ability to work with other data managers to coordinate data processing efforts.
• Proficient technical writing skills to maintain adequate documentation of data processing protocols.
• Experience writing and editing technical reports describing data summaries and trends in miscellaneous scientific publications.

This task will be based at a SEFSC laboratory in Miami, FL; Beaufort, NC; or Pascagoula, MS. Facility access is from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for tasks requiring facility access. Work shall be performed during normal facility operating hours, five days per week, not to exceed 40 hours per week except when overtime is approved in advance.

Travel is anticipated and authorized for this task order, subject to COR approval prior to travel. Travel may include fieldwork to collect biological and environmental data from different surveys and/or platforms, including aerial, ship, or unmanned systems; fieldwork in support of MMTD marine mammal and turtle research and outreach; and participation in meetings, workshops, conferences, and prescribed training.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned 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
• 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

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.