Oregon Washington Coastal Office Scientific & Technical Support

Lynker; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare

401(k) with company-matching

Tuition assistance

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

A leading provider of environmental solutions in Portland, Oregon, seeks an experienced environmental consultant to analyze scientific data and write technical documents related to environmental impacts on marine resources. Ideal candidates will have a degree in aquatic biology, significant experience in similar roles, and excellent communication skills. The position primarily involves office duties with possibilities for field visits, and comes with comprehensive healthcare, 401(k), and tuition assistance benefits.

Qualifications

• 4 years' experience for Bachelor's; 2 years for Master's.
• Knowledge of salmonid life cycles and habitat requirements.
• Experience working with diverse interagency teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and synthesize scientific data on environmental impacts.
• Write ESA Biological Opinions and responses to action agencies.
• Provide technical assistance to action agencies and applicants.

Skills

English language composition

Verbal and written communication

Interagency teamwork

Program planning and management

Performance metrics development

Proficiency with MS Office and Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's degree in aquatic biology or related field

Master's degree in aquatic biology or related field

Job description

Overview

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. This role supports the Oregon Washington Coastal Office (OWCO) of the National Marine Fisheries Service through ESA section 7 and MSA consultations, prepared according to Regional procedures, and requires technical expertise in evaluating environmental impacts from various construction and maintenance activities. This role is contingent upon contract award; anticipated start date is September 30, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Review, gather, analyze, interpret, and synthesize scientific data and technical information to determine environmental impacts on biological resources and aquatic habitats; evaluate the proposed effects of human activities on fishery resources, protected species, and habitat.
• Write combined ESA Biological Opinions and MSA responses to action agencies related to Biological Assessments for listed species, designated critical habitat, and essential fish habitat under NMFS jurisdiction (e.g., salmon, steelhead, rockfish, whales, sea stars, other listed species).
• Write combined ESA Letters of Concurrence and MSA responses to action agencies related to Biological Assessments for listed species, designated critical habitat, and essential fish habitat under NMFS jurisdiction.
• Review biological assessments, permit applications, and consultation initiation packages from action agencies for listed species, designated critical habitat, and essential fish habitat under NMFS jurisdiction; provide feedback and technical support to action agencies.
• Provide pre-consultation technical assistance to action agencies, applicants, or their representatives in response to inquiries, including sufficiency, accuracy, completeness, requests for further information, and recommendations of conservation measures; communicate through written or oral channels and in group meetings.
• Review applications from action agencies to enroll in existing programmatic consultations and draft letters or emails to enroll applications into existing programmatic consultations.
• Prepare environmental documentation pursuant to NEPA.
• Prepare draft incidental take permits and other necessary documentation for ESA section 10 activities.
• Coordinate with NMFS fish passage engineers for reviews of proposed designs.
• Prepare appropriate documentation for each consultation and follow West Coast Region and OWCO protocols for quality assurance, electronic filing, and consultation tracking.
• Review habitat restoration proposals to implement Recovery Plans.
• Coordinate with Project Officer or Geographic Branch Manager on assignments and work products.
• Follow recommendations from agency staff on legal, regulatory, or technical sufficiency and compliance.
• Develop reasonable schedules and meet timelines and completion dates.

Travel

Although this position might involve opportunities for field site visits (estimated two per quarter), it primarily consists of office duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years’ experience, or Master’s degree, from an accredited college or university in aquatic biology or related field, with two (2) years of experience related to the specific task order.
• Knowledge of salmonid general life cycles and habitat requirements.
• Highly proficient English language composition and editing skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience Working with diverse interagency teams.
• Program planning and management in a team environment.
• Developing performance metrics and milestones.
• Proficiency with common software applications, including MS Office and Google Workspace.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Implementation of ESA section 7 and section 10 regulations and document preparation or experience writing Federal regulatory documents adhering to agency guidance.
• Experience assessing the impacts of human activities on marine, estuarine, or anadromous species and their habitats as part of a regulatory program.
• Experience working with tribal governments.

Benefits and Culture

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost; coverage includes medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision.
• PTO, paid holidays, and a highly competitive compensation plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching; Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program (EAP); short- and long-term disability and life/accident insurance.
• Tuition assistance and workforce training reimbursement; performance-based bonuses and annual employee recognition awards.
• Employee referral program; access to centralized learning management system and personalized career growth plans.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee-owned business specializing in professional, scientific, and technical services. Our team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to deliver technically sound, cost-effective solutions in hydrology and water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and related fields. We emphasize placing the right people in the right roles to achieve our customers’ scientific and technical priorities—creatively and effectively.

Equal Opportunity and Fraud Notice

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. We are vigilant against recruitment fraud; legitimate postings appear on our official careers page and communications come from official Lynker email addresses.