[Hiring] Fisheries Economist @Lynker Corporation

Role Description

Lynker Corporation is seeking to hire a Fisheries Economist to support a contract with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Sustainable Fisheries (OSF). This is a full-time, primarily remote position based in Silver Spring, MD, anticipated to begin July 1, 2026. Hiring for these positions will be contingent on contract award.

NOAA OSF requires economic analysis support to evaluate fisheries management actions under Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. This role will support regulatory decision-making by conducting economic, socio-economic, and trade-related analyses that inform NOAA leadership and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the fishery management actions necessary to enable rapid fulfillment of the requirements of the Seafood Executive Order.
• Support the economic analysis for fisheries management actions resulting from the Seafood EO, including but not limited to:
  • Conducting Regulatory Impact Review analyses.
  • Developing fishery descriptions.
  • Conducting Regulatory Flexibility Analysis reviews (including Section 610 reviews).
  • Performing Small Business entity analyses.
• Assess cost-benefits of proposed management options, addressing:
  • Fisheries bycatch and discard issues.
  • Capacity and protected species issues.
  • Habitat protection restrictions.
  • Social impact assessments.
• Provide fisheries management input to the Office of Science & Technology’s Trade Dashboard.
• Evaluate the effects of allocation options between commercial and recreational sectors.
• Evaluate surveys and research of socioeconomic impacts of management actions and disasters on fishing communities.
• Evaluate comparative analyses of fishing labor trends.
• Technical editing of economic input to fishery management actions.
• Evaluate decision support tools, bio economic models, integrated ecosystem models, angler behavioral models, seafood markets and trade, aquaculture, and fisheries economic impact models.
• Provide support for socio-economic analyses for fisheries management actions for which NOAA is responsible.

Deliverables

• Economic analyses for fishery management actions.
• Progress report including:
  • Accomplishments.
  • Issues encountered.
  • Travel details (purpose, significant outcomes, action items).
  • Recommendations, if applicable.
• Trade Dashboard Data & Technical Inputs: Validated economic data sets and analytical summaries provided to the Office of Science & Technology.
• Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) & Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (RFA) Reports: Comprehensive analysis of the economic costs, benefits, and impacts of proposed fishery management actions on small business entities.
• Socio-Economic Impact Assessments (SIA): Detailed reports quantifying the effects of management options on fishing communities.
• Fishery Management Action Technical Edits: Polished economic sections within larger fishery management documents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, resource economics, or related field (Master’s strongly preferred).
• At least 3+ years of experience in applied economic analysis in the field of fisheries science or management.
• Experience conducting cost-benefit and regulatory impact analyses.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Applied expertise with relevant statutes, including the MSA, ESA, MMPA, and NEPA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Place of Performance

Work will be performed primarily offsite. Occasional travel or on-site support may be required depending on mission needs.

Travel

Limited travel may be required to support Council meetings, NMFS coordination, or workshops.

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).
• 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.
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee.