Resource Protection and Response Specialist

Lynker Corporation•Monterey, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lynker is seeking a dynamic and experienced Resource Protection and Response Specialist to join our growing team. The Resource Protection and Response Specialist will support vessel operations, emergency response, and field-based activities within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This position requires expertise in marine science, safe vessel operations, and diving, along with the ability to respond to environmental incidents such as oil or hazardous material releases. The role includes both field and administrative responsibilities, including coordination, reporting, and communication with agency partners. This is a full-time position based in Monterey, California, with an expectation of working on-site at the Sanctuary offices three days per week and the option to telework up to two days per week.

Requirements

Ability to travel as needed to support fieldwork and incident response across the sanctuary region (Año Nuevo to Cambria, CA). Valid California Driver’s License required.
Perform physically demanding fieldwork, including working aboard small vessels and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds across wet and uneven surfaces.
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or a related discipline
Experience working aboard ocean-going vessels and knowledge of safe vessel operations; ability to serve as mate on a small research/dive vessel
Must be able to obtain a California Boater Card within 30 days of hire
Certified AAUS Scientific Diver or Divemaster or ability to meet requirements for NOAA Diver Certification
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience representing a government agency or working with public-sector partners
Proficiency with Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Calendar, Slides) and spreadsheet management
Ability to plan for and respond to emergencies and crisis situations
Examples include oil spills, hazardous material releases, and vessel groundings

Nice To Haves

Preferred certifications include 24-Hour HAZWOPER and Basic Incident Command System (ICS) training (will be provided upon hire).

Responsibilities

Support safe operation of small research and dive vessels, including serving as mate as needed
Conduct and support field operations aboard ocean-going vessels, including diving activities where applicable
Plan and implement Motorize Personal Water Craft (MPWC) zone marking strategies, including transition to alternative public notification methods (e.g., buoyless waypoint systems), development of regulatory language, stakeholder outreach, and excess of buoy program inventory
Support marine resource protection efforts through participation in whale disentanglement operations, including vessel support, on-water observation, and data collection
Respond to emergency and crisis situations, including oil spills, hazardous material releases, vessel groundings, and wildlife events. Assist with planning and execution of response and remediation activities throughout the sanctuary (Año Nuevo to Cambria, CA)
Support remediation activities in the field or Incident Command related to miscellaneous spills or vessel incidents.
Communicate effectively through written reports and verbal coordination during routine operations and emergency response.
Maintain Emergency Response incidence internal tracking databases, and facilitate information being submitted to the 123 database.
Maintain database of the MBNMS staff and contractor certifications related to emergency response (HAZWOPER, ICS, First Aid/CPR, etc.) and facilitate training requirements as needed.
Assist the MBNMS Permit Coordinator with internal tracking and data management processes related to permit processing and monitoring.
Conduct outreach and communications with target audiences as identified by the Resource Protection Coordinator (Whale watch tour operators, pilots, boaters, MPWC users, wildlife viewers).

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