Evaluations Specialist

Overview

As part of Lynker's ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Evaluations Specialist to join our growing team.

This position will support programmatic evaluations of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs), as required by section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act. The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, requires NOAA to conduct periodic evaluations of the performance of states and territories with federally approved coastal management programs or estuarine reserves. Each evaluation reviews implementation of the approved coastal management program or reserve management plan; coastal management requirements; completion of the terms of financial assistance awards. This contract position would organize the necessary information to guide development of the draft findings to be delivered by the federal evaluator.

Each year, NOAA's Office for Coastal Management identifies the suite of CZM programs and reserves to be evaluated the following year. Programs are notified and paired with an evaluator to identify the schedule for the evaluation and site visit and to submit information that can be used in the evaluation to document program strengths and challenges and to provide recommendations for how to address potential challenges. Each evaluation is assigned a lead evaluator to work with a team of staff that is knowledgeable about the program itself, the local community and associated partnerships, and the national program. The evaluation team solicits feedback from local partners and stakeholders and identifies the primary areas of interest for a virtual or in-person site visit to gather additional input to guide the draft findings regarding program accomplishments, recommendations for enhancements, and necessary actions to address deficiencies.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Evaluation Specialist will include the following:

• Serve as an evaluator to support program evaluations under CZMA section 312
• Organize information from program submittals, stakeholder survey, and progress reports to guide primary focus areas for the retreat
• Plan and organize meetings with the programs being evaluated to explain the process, schedule the evaluation, and advance progress toward the evaluation
• Conduct the virtual, in-person, or hybrid site visit to meet with program leadership, staff, and partners or stakeholders to gather additional input regarding accomplishments and challenges
• Draft initial findings to include program accomplishments, recommendations, and necessary actions to address challenges
• Finalize the findings and share with the program and its leadership

Qualifications

The Evaluation Specialist selected should have the following:

• Master's degree
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience
• Highly motivated, self-starter with the ability to work in a small team environment without direct day-to-day supervision
• Ability to write, edit, and analyze information
• Strong organizational skills
• Possess strong written and oral communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple concurrent tasks
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with management, colleagues, and external partners
• Ability to pass a National Agency Check and fingerprinting background check and maintain it through the duration of employment

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.

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