Senior CZMA Program Specialist - Southeast and Caribbean Region

Lynker Corporation•Charleston, SC

22h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is contingent upon contract modification (anticipated June 1, 2026). 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 Senior Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Program Specialist to join our growing team. This position will support NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management (OCM). The successful candidate will work closely with state partners and organizations to support the implementation of the Coastal Zone Management Act and its programs -- the National Estuarine Research Reserve Program and the National Coastal Zone Management Program or other programs or investments as requested. This position is located in Charleston, SC and will require travel to coastal areas in the region and/or adjoining regions to meet with state and NOAA partners, and may require physical presence in the DC region for in-person meetings at the NOAA offices in Silver Spring, MD.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Environmental Policy, Marine Policy, or a related field, plus 6 additional years of relevant professional experience.
Documented experience in environmental planning, policy, technical, and/or regulatory support for the Federal Government.
Documented knowledge of/experience with coastal management issues and programs.
Strong communication skills, including both written and oral communication.
The successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, manage time to achieve project objectives to meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to pass a National Agency Check and fingerprinting background check and maintain it through the duration of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in facilitating meetings and developing process agendas with external partners preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior liaison to and subject matter expert on assigned Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) program(s), including: serving as the OCM lead on the development and designation of new National Estuarine Research Reserve programs; monitoring and providing appropriate policy/management, technical assistance, and review grant information in coordination with federal leads.
Coordinate with NOAA’s Federal Program Officer to negotiate, process, amend, and monitor cooperative agreements and grants, and independently provide technical assistance to assigned programs on grants management.
Conduct necessary environmental compliance for cooperative agreement tasks, including relevant post-award actions, and coordinate with OCM environmental compliance team for guidance and approval. Support efforts within the programs to continue to improve operational efficiencies in related processes.
Support implementation activities, including: review and provide input and recommendations for decisions of annual performance measure submissions; participation in routine evaluations of assigned state programs required under the CZMA; review and make recommendations relevant to changes to assigned state programs, and relevant plans and strategy to the federal project leads as required under the CZMA.
Work with OCM’s relevant Program Managers to support projects or efforts related to the implementation of the CZMA programs, which may include providing data for the development of funding summaries, and/or work related to the relevant Strategic Plans, and help identify other needs and opportunities to communicate the impacts of CZMA programs.
Provide senior level engagement and expertise to both OCM Program and Regional Teams and support regional initiatives and efforts to advance coastal and estuarine management within the region and across the nation.
Provide policy and administrative support to the division leaders to ensure implementation of OCM and agency priorities, as needed.

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