The Associate Director of Dive Operations & Dive Safety Officer (DSO) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the New England Aquarium's (NEAq) dive program, including exhibit and field operations. This role establishes and advances diving standards and ensures compliance through a deep understanding and application of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Scientific Diving Exemption, American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Association of Dive Program Administrators (ADPA), and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) best practices and in partnership with the NEAq Dive Control Board, and through the maintenance of the Dive Safety Manual. The primary responsibility is to foster a culture of safety, responsibility, accountability, and operational excellence, including oversight of the Dive Program Coordinator
- This position ensures the safety and certification of staff and visiting divers while guiding the strategic direction of dive operations.
- The Associate Director / DSO drives innovation through high-level partnerships and cross-departmental collaboration, and acts as a role model for professionalism through proactive communication and inclusive engagement initiatives.
- This is a hands-on leadership role that blends operational oversight with active participation in diving, mentorship of dive teams, and the integration of safe diving practices into animal care and institutional programs.
- This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package.
- The schedule will be Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday from 8:00am – 5:00pm EST with the option for a hybrid schedule, working some days on-site and some days remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Maintains awareness of developments in the dive safety field and leads the evolution of institutional diving standards. Develops, updates, and oversees implementation of the Dive Safety Manual, ensuring alignment with regulatory and industry best practices.
- Provides high-level oversight of compliance with established NEAq diving standards, enforces accountability systems and fosters a proactive dive safety culture.
- Serves as Chair of the NEAq Dive Control Board, setting strategic priorities, leading meetings, and ensuring effective governance of institutional dive operations.
- Oversees the Dive Program Coordinator, ensuring operational execution of dive program activities, training, and compliance with safety standards.
- Directs the field diving program, including review and approval of local and remote dive plans, training strategy for new field divers and ongoing training and skill development for experienced field divers.
- In conjunction with the Dive Program Coordinator, tracks diver evaluations and medical clearances and maintains confidential training and certification records.
- Leads the development and delivery of advanced dive training programs and specialty certifications, aligning offerings with institutional needs, budget priorities, and emerging best practices.
- Ensures compliance through expertise in the OSHA Scientific Diving Exemption, AAUS, ADPA, and AZA best practices, and leads emergency preparedness for all dive-related operations.
- Manages the dive program budget and recommends purchases related to diving under NEAq auspices. Cultivates partnerships with industry vendors, manufacturers, and local dive organizations to enhance program capacity.
- Leads strategic partnerships and engagement initiatives that expand the reach and impact of NEAq's dive program.
DIVING CONDITIONS
- Field Diving
- Strong currents requiring significant physical exertion
- Low to near-zero visibility impacting navigation and buddy awareness
- Cold water temperatures affecting dexterity and increasing hypothermia risk
- Surface conditions including waves, surge, or swell
- Variable depths and repetitive dives within a single day
- Underwater work tasks, including carrying and operating gear
- Boat entries and exits in rough or dynamic sea states
- Remote locations with limited immediate medical support
Exhibit Diving
- Confined spaces with restricted entry and exit points.
- Interaction with live animals requiring controlled and predictable movements.
- Variable water temperatures depending on exhibit conditions.
- Routine underwater tasks, including cleaning, maintenance, or feeding.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
- Seven (7)+ years of experience as a scientific diver, including at least four (4) years in program management.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, programs, and cross-functional initiatives.
- Active SCUBA Diving Instructor certification from a nationally recognized agency.
- Active DAN DFA (or equivalent) First Aid/CPR Instructor certification.
- Medical clearance to SCUBA dive in accordance with NEAq Diving Control Board standards.
- Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Expertise in OSHA safety regulations and requirements under the Scientific Diving Exemption.
Preferred Qualifications
- Small boat handling and trailering experience.
- Dive equipment maintenance experience.
- Drysuit instructor and certification.
- Membership in, or experience with, the AAUS.
- Membership in the ADPA.
- Knowledge of aquatic animal care in aquarium settings.
- Experience with database systems.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
- Commitment to Animal Care Division priorities and organizational values.
- Ability to work with a dynamic and diverse animal collection.
- Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and non-standard hours.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
- For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/
- New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
- Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.
- For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.
- https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/4071746-1036240.html
- Experience Required
- 7 years
Salary
- 83K - 95K / year
