Research Vessel Captain and Fisheries Gear Specialist

Overview

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.
Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.

The FATES Harvesting Systems Branch provides the vessel, fishing gear, and engineering capabilities needed to conduct safe and effective fisheries science. The Branch develops, repairs, and produces research and commercial fishing gear while supporting technologies and operational methods that advance sustainable fisheries and reduce unwanted environmental impacts.

• 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.
• Assist with 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.

• 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.

• Knowledge of selective fishing methods and technology used in commercial fisheries.
• Ability to deliver effective technical presentations using computer and multimedia equipment.
• Ability to provide hands‑on demonstrations and training in fishing gear construction.
• Small boat operation certification for fast rescue boats.
• Knowledge of fishing gear regulations.

The position is based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and includes work aboard Class III research vessels, in laboratories, net shops, warehouses, dockside environments, and at fisheries outreach locations. At-sea work and service as Captain or First Mate are central responsibilities. Domestic and international travel may be required for outreach and training. Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Travel and overtime must be authorized in accordance with contract requirements.

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…