Assistant Dive Safety Officer

The Assistant Dive Safety Officer (ADSO) is responsible for daily dive operations, monitoring in-water activities for safety, and maintenance of dive gear and auxiliary equipment to ensure the highest standard of exhibit aesthetics while being considerate of the well-being of Mystic Aquarium’s animal collection.

• This position assists the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) in managing the dive program by supervising, training, evaluating, documenting, staffing, and scheduling aquarium dives and divers.
• The ADSO is responsible for supporting development and enforcement of policies and procedures of Mystic Aquarium and the dive safety program to ensure safe execution of all aquarium-related diving operations.
• The ADSO serves in place of the DSO in their absence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred.
• 3 years of experience in dive operations of an aquarium, zoo, or similar environment; work conducted at AZA-accredited facilities is preferred.
• Currently licensed Divemaster or Instructor certified from a nationally recognized agency.
• First Aid/CPR/AED Administrator certified.
• Knowledge of Diver’s Alert Network and DAN Oxygen Administrator certified.
• Certified Repair Technician preferred. Knowledge and use of appropriate tools required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications a must; TRACKS experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Physically demanding requiring ability lift 50 lbs., to maneuver in wet/slippery/confining conditions while fully geared, and to work within a range of environmental conditions (rain, snow, heat, cold) indoors, outdoors, and while diving.
• Must be willing and flexible to work after hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Multi-lingual, Spanish preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Consistently provide internal and external customers service at or above expectations.
• Operate, maintain, and repair dive gear and related equipment including but not limited to outerwear (suits, hoods), buoyancy control devices and weight systems, 2 stage regulators, air cylinders, cylinder fill station and compressor, power scrubbing equipment, gauges, and more.
• Remain current on OSHA and other dive-related regulatory requirements.
• Ensure staff divers and volunteers comply with requirements and safety procedures.
• Assist with maintaining the Mystic Aquarium Dive Safety Manual.
• Manages risks to ensure safety of staff and volunteer divers and animal well-being.
• Collaboration with supervisors and staff.
• Assist with conducting swim tests and scuba certifications.
• Coordinate communication among the volunteer and staff dive team.
• Keep equipment and associated areas clean and well maintained including administering disinfection and biosecurity protocols.
• Participates in workshops and programs for guests, staff and volunteers.             
• Assist with maintaining all required records.
• Conduct emergency water extraction training and drills.
• Shall suspend diving operations considered to be unsafe or unwise.
• Serve as Secretary of the Dive Control Board and mentor to Lead Dive Team.
• Work with husbandry and life support operations staff to maintain water quality.
• Work with Human Resources to recruit and train volunteer divers.
• Actively serve on Mystic Aquarium’s Safety Committee.
• Serves as DSO in their absence.
• Other duties as assigned.

SAFETY/SECURITY:

• All employees are responsible for always working safely.
• Every employee must properly use and keep in good order all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied as protection from recognized hazards.
• Every employee must report any unsafe condition.
• Every employee must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department-specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher use.