Nisqually River Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force

Lynker Corporation•Seattle, WA

About The Position

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. As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Protected Resources Division, Nisqually River Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force to join our growing team. This role is contingent upon contract award, and pricing may be subject to change based on final bid. Anticipated start date is September 30, 2026. The commissioning of a Nisqually River Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force (Task Force) is required by subsection 120(c) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as part of the process when considering an application from an eligible state government requesting to lethally remove those sea lions that are having a significant negative impact on at-risk populations of salmon and steelhead. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requires a professional, impartial facilitation team to help manage the Task Force due to the controversial nature of the subject and the discussions. The MMPA requires that the Task Force be convened to review the application, review the public comments on the application, and to provide NMFS with a recommendation to either approve or deny an application requesting authority for lethal removal of sea lions. Your role will be an independent facilitator who will: advise and assist NMFS in convening the Task Force; be responsible for renting the facility for the Task Force meeting, to include all reimbursable costs associated with rental, equipment and supplies; assess the needs of Task Force members in advance of the session via one-on-one telephone calls; manage and facilitate the participation of Task Force members during their deliberations and discussions; work with Task Force members using facilitation and mediation techniques to sort through polarized views; document task force deliberations; professionally manage public involvement in the Task Force meetings; and write a detailed report that captures the final agreements and recommendations of the Task Force.

Requirements

The Professional Facilitator shall have demonstrated as a lead facilitator and mediator with experience in the field of conflict resolution involving state, local, and federal agencies and the public, and has been the senior/lead mediator/facilitator involving complex, multi-party, multi-state natural resource management related to salmon and steelhead projects in the Pacific Northwest.
A local candidate is strongly preferred.
Master’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university and a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible facilitation management and conflict resolution experience in a professional environment that deals specifically with resolving controversial issues related to Pacific salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest.

Responsibilities

Plan approach to Task Force meetings with NMFS
Review preparatory information/materials w/NMFS
Prepare draft agenda and prepare supporting materials for Task Force meetings
Pre-meeting calls with Task Force members
Reserve and purchase meeting space and equipment rental for up to (55) participants
Project management and meeting logistics
Facilitate meetings/discussions
Document meeting/discussion
Prepare meeting/discussion summary
Prepare draft report and manage iterative process with Task Force
Provide NMFS with draft report and Task Force recommendations for review and approval
Revise draft report
Provide NMFS with a final report and Task Force recommendation

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