Ichthyoplankton Laboratory Technician - Sample Processing & Field Support

Overview Lynker is seeking to hire an Ichthyoplankton Laboratory Technician – Sample Processing & Field Support 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 fisheries stock assessments and ecosystem monitoring efforts through laboratory and field collection of ichthyoplankton and biological survey data. Scientific staff support long‑term ocean observing and fisheries research programs, including California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) surveys conducted throughout the California Current ecosystem. The Ichthyoplankton Laboratory Technician – Sample Processing & Field Support will support laboratory processing and field collection of ichthyoplankton samples used in stock assessments and ecosystem monitoring. Responsibilities Sort plankton samples and identify target taxa Count and measure specimens using microscopes and standard protocols Record all data on standardized data forms and submit for data entry Preserve, label, and organize sample vials and storage materials Support data analyses and literature reviews for scientific reporting Deploy and recover oceanographic equipment (e.g., CTDs, plankton nets) aboard research vessels Process biological samples during CalCOFI and other surveys Collect trawl catch composition and biological data for target species Maintain sample databases and documentation in accordance with protocols Prepare monthly progress reports Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, oceanography, natural science, mathematics, hydrology, or a related field, plus one (1) year of relevant experience; or a combination of education and experience totaling five (5) years Experience using a microscope to sort plankton samples Experience making measurements using laboratory instruments (e.g., ocular micrometer) Experience recording and managing scientific data Ideal Candidate Experience identifying fish eggs and larvae, particularly coastal pelagic species Experience in plankton sample collection and processing using standard protocols (e.g., CalCOFI methods) Experience processing fish from trawl surveys (e.g., length, weight, tissue sampling) Experience working aboard research vessels Experience supporting scientific data analysis or manuscript preparation Ability to complete required medical clearances for fieldwork Place of Performance On‑site at SWFSC in La Jolla, CA, with laboratory and vessel‑based fieldwork. Travel Travel is required for participation in research cruises and field sampling activities. Benefits 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. 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