Aquarium Dive Safety Officer

The Aquarium Dive Safety Officer (DSO) reports directly to the Director of Animal Operations and works closely with Aquarium Curators. This is a leadership position responsible and accountable for the development, management, and enforcement of policies and procedures that ensure the safety of Aquarium-related diving operations in consideration of OSHA, AAUS, and AZA standards. 

• This position oversees the use and maintenance of equipment and tools necessary to those operations. The Aquarium DSO works with curators and other staff from various departments to support the integration of dive operations into animal care, facility maintenance, and public interactions, including guest immersion programs. 
• This position is expected to mentor and coach staff and volunteer divers, fostering effective communication and individual development.  The Aquarium DSO is a working diver position and is expected to participate in most dives.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensure all Aquarium diving activities comply with the Mote Marine Laboratory Dive Safety Manual and Exhibit Dive SOPs.
• Develop, implement, and enforce Aquarium diving policies, procedures, and protocols to comply with OSHA/AAUS/AZA
• Manage diver onboarding for all Aquarium staff and volunteer divers
• Lead the recruitment, organization, training, and scheduling of Aquarium volunteer divers
• Lead the development and oversee the execution of exhibit maintenance duties and responsibilities that require the breathing of compressed gas and breath-hold diving
• Design, implement and manage guest immersion programs that involve snorkeling, scuba or SeaTREK at new Mote Science Education Aquarium
• Coordinate dive schedules for Aquarium staff and volunteer divers
• Oversee and ensure the purchase, maintenance, and replacement of all Aquarium dive related equipment
• Oversee the maintenance of Aquarium dive program records including, but not limited to: equipment maintenance logs, emergency drill logs, diver training and certification records, dive logs  and equipment inventories
• Manage the Aquarium’s dive emergency program and in conjunction with the Curatorial staff, coordinate dive emergency exercises
• Coordinate with contractors, maintenance department, and/or animal department Curators for Aquarium contracted dive work, exhibit trouble-shooting or repairs, and other non-standard Aquarium dives
• Serve as any needed member of the dive team during Aquarium dives (DPIC, Tender, Standby Diver, Diver) for standard or non-standard dives
• Act as primary trainer and supervisor for all dive activities for staff and volunteer divers including but not limited to Diving First Aid for Professional Divers, Rescue Diver, and specialized training
• Maintain relations with outside vendors and attend trade shows and training to keep certifications current and remain up-to-date on industry standards
• Assist with husbandry and care of the Aquarium’s animal collection in coordination with Veterinary and Curatorial staff
• Ensure dive program meets all needs of the animal husbandry team by meeting regularly with Curators to discuss any needs or concerns
• Ensure hurricane and disaster preparedness plans are prepared and regularly reviewed and associated drills are performed
• This position may require participation in continuing education which would involve travel to out of town locations.
• All employees must comply with the requirements outlined in the Mote Employee Policy Manual. 

Labor Category: 

• Exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act) 

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in marine science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Nationally recognized Scuba Instructor certification
• First Aid/CPR/AED/O2 Admin Instructor certification
• Valid Florida driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience working as a professional scuba diver, preferably within an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA, AAUS, and AZA standards, specifically related to aquarium scuba diving
• Basic knowledge of aquatic species and environments

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in surface supplied/hookah simple equipment repair
• Practical understanding of aquarium biological processes, fish and invert husbandry, and life support systems
• Current scuba equipment repair technician certifications
• Small boat handling experience

Skills:

• Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Possess people and time management skills
• Capable of working with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins
• Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft, Google, etc.

Physical:

• Precise hand-eye coordination is required for the gentle capture of animals from aquatic environments.
• Ability to work outside in hot and humid Florida weather conditions
• Ability to spend the majority of the workday walking, standing, bending and lifting.
• Capable of climbing and working from ladders
• Tolerance to work around noisy machinery & equipment
• Ability to work in confined spaces
• Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
• Ability to lift and carry 60 pounds
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. overhead
• Capable of working with bleach and other sanitizing chemicals
• Strength to lift a net holding 10 lbs. of fish with one hand
• Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes every day
• Visual acuity is required including the ability to distinguish color variations
• Ability to pass Diving Physical Examination