Aquaculture Policy Analyst
Overview:
Lynker Corporation, in strategic partnership with Fisheries Immersed Science Hawaii (FISH) as the FLOAT – the “FISH” and “Lynker” Ocean Alliance Team Joint Venture, is seeking two (2) motivated Aquaculture Policy Analysts to support NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Aquaculture (OAQ). These positions will provide policy analysis, regulatory support, and coordination assistance to help advance NOAA Fisheries’ aquaculture program priorities. Employment in this role is contingent upon FLOAT being awarded the contract by NOAA.The United States is the largest seafood market in the world, yet a large majority ofseafood consumed domestically is imported. NOAA Fisheries works to supportdevelopment of sustainable domestic aquaculture and improve the efficiency and predictability of regulatory processes for aquaculture in federal waters. These roles will assist the Office of Aquaculture in analyzing policies, supporting regulatory coordination, and producing written materials that inform leadership decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities:
Analyze legislation, policies, statutes, regulations, and rules affecting marine aquaculture and prepare written policy analysis, recommendations, and decision-support products.Support development of NOAA aquaculture policy positions through preparation of briefing materials, issue papers, policy memoranda, and responses to leadership taskers.Develop analytical tools such as comparison tables, tracking sheets, comment matrices, and regulatory summaries to support program decision-making.Review draft documents prepared by partner agencies or NOAA offices and provide clear, actionable written comments and suggested revisions.Support coordination of internal and external meetings by preparing agendas, pre-read materials, slide presentations, and meeting logistics.Produce meeting notes, minutes, and action item trackers to document key discussions, decisions, and follow-up actions.Assist with development of communications and outreach materials including newsletters, one-pagers, outreach content, and policy rollout plans.Support coordination with federal and state partners, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, NGOs, and international partners.Prepare briefings and reports summarizing developments in aquaculture policy, regulations, and legislative initiatives.Participate in recurring coordination meetings and assist with tracking priorities, assignments, and program activities.Prepare monthly progress reports summarizing accomplishments, upcoming work, issues or risks, and recommended actions.Ensure written deliverables meet NOAA formatting and accessibility requirements and are delivered on schedule.
Qualifications:
RequiredMaster’s degree in marine science, environmental policy, public administration, marine policy, or a related field.Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience working with federal agency policies or regulations applicable to aquaculture management in state or federal waters.Working knowledge of one or more of the following statutes:Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)Endangered Species Act (ESA)Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)Experience preparing written policy analysis documents, regulatory summaries, briefing papers, or leadership decision-support materials.Strong written communication skills and ability to produce high-quality written products on short timelines.Experience reviewing technical or policy documents and providing clear written feedback.Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.PreferredExperience supporting NOAA, NMFS, or other federal environmental or natural resource programs.Experience with marine aquaculture policy, permitting, or regulatory frameworks.Familiarity with interagency coordination processes and federal policy development.Experience preparing leadership-ready briefing materials or policy communications products.Experience working with stakeholders including federal agencies, state partners, industry groups, NGOs, and research institutions.Work EnvironmentWork may be performed primarily remotely; however, personnel must be available during normal business hours (Eastern Time) to support meetings, coordination, and time-sensitive requests. Periodic in-person collaboration at NMFS Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland (approximately 2–4 days per month) may be required.Limited travel may also be required for coordination meetings or outreach activities at NOAA regional offices or partner locations.About Lynker Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small 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 costHealthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and visionPersonal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidaysHighly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks401(k) retirement plan with company-matchingEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!Flexible spending accountsEmployee assistance program (EAP)Short- and long-term disability insuranceLife and accident insuranceTuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per yearSpot bonuses for exceptional performanceAnnual Employee Recognition Awards with bonusesEmployee Referral ProgramFree centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pacePersonalized career growth plans for every employeeLynker is an E-Verify employer.*This position is advertised through our joint venture, FLOAT—a partnership between Lynker and Fish, serving NOAA ProTech Fisheries.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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Lynker Corporation, in strategic partnership with Fisheries Immersed Science Hawaii (FISH) as the FLOAT – the “FISH” and “Lynker” Ocean Alliance Team Joint Venture, is seeking two (2) motivated Aquaculture Policy Analysts to support NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Aquaculture (OAQ). These positions will provide policy analysis, regulatory support, and coordination assistance to help advance NOAA Fisheries’ aquaculture program priorities. Employment in this role is contingent upon FLOAT being awarded the contract by NOAA.The United States is the largest seafood market in the world, yet a large majority ofseafood consumed domestically is imported. NOAA Fisheries works to supportdevelopment of sustainable domestic aquaculture and improve the efficiency and predictability of regulatory processes for aquaculture in federal waters. These roles will assist the Office of Aquaculture in analyzing policies, supporting regulatory coordination, and producing written materials that inform leadership decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities:
Analyze legislation, policies, statutes, regulations, and rules affecting marine aquaculture and prepare written policy analysis, recommendations, and decision-support products.Support development of NOAA aquaculture policy positions through preparation of briefing materials, issue papers, policy memoranda, and responses to leadership taskers.Develop analytical tools such as comparison tables, tracking sheets, comment matrices, and regulatory summaries to support program decision-making.Review draft documents prepared by partner agencies or NOAA offices and provide clear, actionable written comments and suggested revisions.Support coordination of internal and external meetings by preparing agendas, pre-read materials, slide presentations, and meeting logistics.Produce meeting notes, minutes, and action item trackers to document key discussions, decisions, and follow-up actions.Assist with development of communications and outreach materials including newsletters, one-pagers, outreach content, and policy rollout plans.Support coordination with federal and state partners, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, NGOs, and international partners.Prepare briefings and reports summarizing developments in aquaculture policy, regulations, and legislative initiatives.Participate in recurring coordination meetings and assist with tracking priorities, assignments, and program activities.Prepare monthly progress reports summarizing accomplishments, upcoming work, issues or risks, and recommended actions.Ensure written deliverables meet NOAA formatting and accessibility requirements and are delivered on schedule.
Qualifications:
RequiredMaster’s degree in marine science, environmental policy, public administration, marine policy, or a related field.Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience working with federal agency policies or regulations applicable to aquaculture management in state or federal waters.Working knowledge of one or more of the following statutes:Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)Endangered Species Act (ESA)Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)Experience preparing written policy analysis documents, regulatory summaries, briefing papers, or leadership decision-support materials.Strong written communication skills and ability to produce high-quality written products on short timelines.Experience reviewing technical or policy documents and providing clear written feedback.Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.PreferredExperience supporting NOAA, NMFS, or other federal environmental or natural resource programs.Experience with marine aquaculture policy, permitting, or regulatory frameworks.Familiarity with interagency coordination processes and federal policy development.Experience preparing leadership-ready briefing materials or policy communications products.Experience working with stakeholders including federal agencies, state partners, industry groups, NGOs, and research institutions.Work EnvironmentWork may be performed primarily remotely; however, personnel must be available during normal business hours (Eastern Time) to support meetings, coordination, and time-sensitive requests. Periodic in-person collaboration at NMFS Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland (approximately 2–4 days per month) may be required.Limited travel may also be required for coordination meetings or outreach activities at NOAA regional offices or partner locations.About Lynker Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small 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 costHealthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and visionPersonal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidaysHighly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks401(k) retirement plan with company-matchingEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!Flexible spending accountsEmployee assistance program (EAP)Short- and long-term disability insuranceLife and accident insuranceTuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per yearSpot bonuses for exceptional performanceAnnual Employee Recognition Awards with bonusesEmployee Referral ProgramFree centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pacePersonalized career growth plans for every employeeLynker is an E-Verify employer.*This position is advertised through our joint venture, FLOAT—a partnership between Lynker and Fish, serving NOAA ProTech Fisheries.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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