Travel Compliance Specialist

Overview Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting‑edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the creation and delivery of improved operational weather forecasts. Lynker is seeking a Travel Compliance Specialist, with close attention to detail, to support a long‑term contract with NOAA. This role is contingent upon Lynker winning the contract, and an offer will likely not be extended until it is confirmed that the contract has been won. Responsibilities Lynker is searching for a talented, highly motivated, customer service oriented, Travel/Compliance Specialist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management (OCM) by performing a variety of administrative tasks including Federal travel activities, management, and support; as well as a host of additional tasks, further defined below. The position works within the Business Operations Division (BOD) which is responsible for all Acquisition, Administrative and Financial services for the organization. The successful candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for all aspects of federal travel. As time permits, this position will also provide backup support for tasks related to interagency agreements, and various administrative tasks in support of OCM federal leadership. Core responsibilities of the Travel Compliance Specialist will include, but are not limited to: Provide professional, courteous, timely and expert travel coordination services including but not limited to domestic, foreign, invitational, gift and bequest, and conferences for the Office for Coastal Management (OCM) for approximately 110 federal employees and a rotating number of invitational traveler requests. Serve as subject matter experts keeping up with federal, DOC, NOAA, and NOS travel regulations, including but not limited to domestic, conference, group, gift and bequest, Invitational, foreign, and relocation travel. Serve as the point of contact for any and all federal travel related matters and subject matter experts in the preparation of travel authorizations, travel vouchers, airline and hotel reservations, and rental car arrangements Coordinate/support travel requests and vouchers using E2 Solutions for OCM federal and invitational travelers. Keep abreast of travel updates/changes and disseminate the most current travel information to staff. Respond to and provide information and documentation to vouchers selected for audit. Assist federal staff with obtaining, renewing and processing passports. Train new federal staff members on the use of the E2 Solutions system, federal travel regulations, credit card rules, general travel processes, and lead‑times for conferences, passports & travel authorizations. Assist with travel services for the OCM Director and Deputy Director, as well as Regional Directors if/when requested. Advise on travel estimates, requests, research and communicate with Directors’ Office staff regarding flight times/hotel options and credit card issues. Arrange and coordinate invitational travel. Using the E2 Solutions online system make travel arrangements including hotels and transportation. Serve as OCM subject matter expert and liaison with NOS/NOAA on conference packages. Solicit input, develop and submit conference packages, and report on actual conference expenses. This includes efforts associated with working with other NOAA Line or Program Office travel reps on submission of their packages. Train others on preparation and reporting of conference packages. Lead, coordinate, prepare, submit, and track status and approval for all conference and group travel packages. Act on and respond to post conference audit inquiries. Develop and improve processes on conference reporting. Adhere to audit standards; package and submit travel packages to NOAA Finance as requested for formal audit review. (Approx. 25% of travel packages and all conference packages are audited) Develop, propose, maintain and update OCM travel processes and SOPs. Adhere to audit standards; package and submit travel packages to NOAA Finance as requested for formal audit review. Assist with efforts at year end closeout and new fiscal year start up efforts. Communicate and collaborate among the travel coordinators, federal and contractor, for status, guidance, and information, keeping the federal program manager apprised and seek decisions from the BOD federal program manager for any sensitive, difficult, or challenging travelers or travel situations. Prepare financial steps for Interagency Agreements, Amendments, Annexes & Modifications. Create line of accounting for new agreements, prepare the Project Code Request Form & set‑up the account code in CBS. Create the UCO Allotment and prepare the RG2 screen in CBS. Troubleshoot any issues with period of performance, contract discrepancies, and funding timelines. Submit the entire package to NOS, directing them to the correct screens in CBS & updating the Master Agreement Spreadsheet accordingly, all while monitoring the package to ensure it is moving along the approval process and funding is dispersed accordingly. Qualifications The Ideal Travel Compliance Specialist will have the following: Bachelor's Degree 5+ years of experience in a related business field. Proficient computer knowledge with emphasis on Microsoft Office and Google Drive. Proficient knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, and policies that govern federal travel. Strong, professional oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with federal management, colleagues, and external partners. Self‑starter with ability to work in a small team environment with limited guidance and oversight. Experience working with, for and/or supporting high level management. Knowledge of keeping personnel and business data confidential is required. Ability to follow standard operating procedures and guidance documentation as well as create and/or update standard operating procedures as needed. Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NACI) and maintain it throughout the duration of employment. About Lynker Lynker is 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 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 . Fraud Alert: Recruitment Scam Warning: Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address. #J-18808-Ljbffr