Ship Cruise Leader

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 Ship Cruise Leaders to join interdisciplinary field teams on vessel-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

The Ship Cruise Leader is responsible for overall field leadership of multidisciplinary marine assessment survey teams during extended at-sea survey operations. This role ensures mission objectives are met while maintaining the highest standards of safety, scientific quality, and team coordination.

• Provide daily supervision, direction, and feedback to both contractor and government field staff during marine survey cruises.
• Coordinate cruise logistics, task organization, and schedule adjustments in concert with the NMFS Survey Leader and ship’s Command.
• Oversee data collection for all concurrent scientific teams (marine mammal, seabird, sea turtle, acoustic, biotech, etc.), monitoring adherence to protocols and supporting quality assurance/control (QA/QC).
• Serve as point of contact for vessel command, scientific staff, and all project stakeholders; facilitate clear, respectful onboard communications.
• Support and participate in training, conflict resolution, and team problem-solving to promote a safe and positive work environment.
• Review and consolidate daily data and reports from all cruise staff, ensuring issues, incidents, or protocol deviations are addressed promptly.
• Lead or coordinate emergency protocols, safety drills, and compliance with all shipboard regulations and NOAA policies.
• Prepare summary or outreach reports and provide after-action debriefs as required by survey leadership.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in marine science, ecology, fisheries, oceanography, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience (multi-year) leading teams in ship-based, multidisciplinary marine field research (>100 ft. vessels), preferably with NOAA or related agencies.
• Proven ability in scientific field logistics, personnel management, and adaptive decision-making under variable and extended at-sea conditions.
• In-depth knowledge of field research protocols for marine mammal, sea turtle, seabird, and acoustic survey operations.
• Excellent communication, conflict management, and leadership skills.
• Experience documenting scientific surveys, preparing field reports, and data QA/QC.
• Ability to obtain medical, safety, and public trust clearances required for extended shipboard research.
• Strong organizational, training, and problem-solving abilities.
  
  
  

Preferred

• Previous service as a Cruise Leader on a NOAA-funded or agency research vessel.
• Direct experience working with government, academic, and contracted field science teams.
• Familiarity with NMFS survey data software, vessel safety protocols, and quality assurance plans.
• First aid/CPR, marine safety, or leadership certifications.
  
  
  

Work Environment

This position requires extensive time spent at sea, irregular work hours, and teamwork in challenging conditions. Flexibility with travel, ability to work in international waters, and readiness for short-notice deployment are expected.

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.

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
• 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.

• This position is advertised through our joint venture, FLOAT—a partnership between Lynker and Fish, serving NOAA ProTech Fisheries.
  
  
  

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.