Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1

Lynker is seeking to hire an Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 to support a long-term federal fisheries and ecosystem science support program with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This is a full-time position anticipated to begin upon contract award. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award. Lynker will be operating under its FLOAT joint venture.

This program supports NOAA’s mission by collecting oceanographic and ecosystem data used to monitor marine environments along the U.S. West Coast and in Antarctic ecosystems. Autonomous underwater gliders (“gliders”) are used to collect environmental and biological data in the Pacific and Southern Oceans to support ecosystem monitoring, fisheries science, and long-term ocean observing efforts, including California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) surveys.

The program maintains and operates a fleet of gliders equipped with a variety of oceanographic and ecological monitoring instruments, including conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensors, dissolved oxygen sensors, optical instruments, acoustic systems, and camera systems. Additional field operations include deployment of acoustic Doppler current profilers with integrated echosounders (ADCP/Es) to support data collection on the distribution and movement of ecologically and commercially important marine species.

Glider deployments are conducted regularly throughout the year and range from short-duration missions to deployments lasting several months, requiring extensive operational preparation, maintenance, logistics coordination, and at-sea support.

The Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 will support the preparation, deployment, operation, and recovery of autonomous underwater gliders used to collect oceanographic and ecosystem data in the Pacific and Southern Oceans. 

Duties of the Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 will include the following:

• Ballast gliders by adjusting weights based on ocean conditions
• Clean and seal gliders in preparation for deployment
• Perform pre-deployment system checks
• Conduct test flights in the SWFSC test tank
• Define mission parameters and prepare mission files
• Prepare and assist with deployment of CTDs, ADCP/Es, and mooring systems
• Pilot gliders during deployments, including rotating monitoring shifts
• Monitor glider performance and respond to mission interruptions
• Maintain clean and organized glider workspaces
• Support deployment and recovery operations at sea
• Prepare monthly progress reports

The Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 should have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in natural science, physical science, computational science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
• One (1) year of related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling five (5) years

The ideal Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 will have the following:

• Experience supporting field operations or oceanographic data collection
• Experience working with marine instrumentation or autonomous systems
• Ability to follow technical procedures and checklists
• Ability to work in team-based operational environments

Place of Performance:

On-site in La Jolla, CA, with some fieldwork at sea.

Travel:

Travel is required for vessel operations and glider deployments.

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.

* This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT), a partnership between Lynker and Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii (FISH) serving the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle.