Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist

Overview Lynker Corporation is seeking a Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist to support NOAA Fisheries’ Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Fish Ecology Division, by improving long-term survey efficiency, advancing field technology integration, and supporting the transition from at-sea data collection to rapid analytical synthesis. This proposed contract role will support field/ship surveys, digital data collection, eDNA sample coordination, automated data workflows, database usability, and standardized field procedures. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award. Lynker will be operating under its FLOAT joint venture, a NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 prime contract holder.* Long-term surveys that span multiple decades require stable logistical expertise to maintain historical time series while also modernizing to meet current management demands. This role supports NOAA’s field operations and data modernization needs by leading digital data collection, automating ship-to-shore workflows, maintaining sample chain-of-custody, and improving the delivery of management-ready ecological products. Responsibilities Duties of the Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist will include the following: Lead field collection of biological and environmental data in estuarine and marine environments. Support the transition from traditional analog recording to digital data collection platforms, such as electronic measuring boards and ruggedized tablets. Evaluate and implement new field technologies to improve at-sea efficiency. Develop rigorous eDNA protocols and oversee field-based collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody of environmental DNA water samples. Ensure adherence to at-sea anti-contamination protocols for eDNA sampling. Serve as the primary operational liaison to the ’Omics laboratory personnel to ensure field samples are appropriately prepared for bioinformatics processing. Design and implement automated data pipelines to streamline transfer of data from ship to shore. Develop scripts or workflows that rapidly generate preliminary data products, cruise summaries, and visualization tools immediately following field operations. Maintain project databases to improve organization, accessibility, and usability for interdisciplinary team members. Ensure historical and newly digitized datasets are standardized and accessible for analysis. Direct mobilization and demobilization of project equipment using modern inventory tracking systems. Synthesize methodological improvements and field results by authoring technical reports, contributing to journal manuscripts, and presenting workflow modernization strategies at regional and national scientific meetings. Develop and implement standardized, reproducible procedures to format, QA/QC, and transition raw at-sea biological observations into analysis-ready scientific formats. Produce near-real-time cruise summaries, data visualization tools, and standardized datasets that accelerate management decision making. Develop digital Standard Operating Procedures for digital data collection methods, eDNA field sampling protocols, and database structures. Qualifications The Field Operations and Data Modernization Specialist selected should have the following: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in a field of study directly related to the requirements of this contract, including fisheries, ecology, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, oceanography, or hydrology. Advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for two years, MS, or four years, PhD, of experience. Three or more years of experience related to the outlined tasks. Demonstrated familiarity with the marine and anadromous species and habitats managed by NOAA Fisheries within the West Coast region. Quantitative capabilities, including proven experience in statistical and complex data analysis. Familiarity with open science concepts. Working proficiency in analytical tools and software, such as R, Python, or Geographic Information Systems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proven track record of authoring technical reports and contributing to published, peer-reviewed scientific articles. Ability to efficiently manage dynamic workloads, maintain high organizational standards, and produce high-quality deliverables within established timelines. Ability to work independently in the field and collaboratively within interdisciplinary scientific teams. Work Environment Work will be conducted on-site at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, WA, or at one of its associated field stations in WA or OR, or at a mutually agreed upon location. Work may be performed at other than the government facility on a limited basis and in coordination with the COR and Project Lead. Part-time telework is authorized with a formal telework agreement between the Contractor and employee, subject to Office of the Chief Information Officer IT security requirements. This role includes field/ship survey support and may involve at-sea data collection, eDNA sample collection, equipment mobilization and demobilization, and coordination with laboratory personnel. Travel is anticipated and authorized for this task order and must be approved by the Contractor in coordination with the COR before travel occurs. Contractor personnel may periodically be required to drive Government Vehicles after completing Government Defensive Driving training. Overtime is not anticipated and must be coordinated and authorized before being worked. This project is considered low risk, and Contractor staff must be suited for public trust classification. Background investigations are required for all Contractor staff proposed for this project and must be cleared prior to beginning performance. Effective January 1, 2026, vendors and visitors must present REAL