POSITION TITLE: Dive Intern
REPORTS TO: Dive Safety Officer
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The Diver Intern will assist the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) and Dive Staff with the implementation of overall CMA dive safety procedures and dive program. Establish and enforce guidelines to ensure safety throughout the facility for all diving activities including diving outside of the facility. The Diver Intern will be prepared to obtain a broad knowledge base in all aspects of OSHA requirements for safe diving protocols at CMA, as well as AAUS for scientific diving outside of CMA. The Diver Intern will take direction for daily operations from the Dive Leads, Dive Coordinator, and/or the DSO to include maintenance, husbandry, presentations and other assignments, workloads, and special projects as required.
The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Full-Time and Part-Time Dive Team Leadership with direct communication from the VP of Operations and Zoological Care. Dive Safety, volunteer communications, animal health, record keeping and visitor experience are the driving priorities in accomplishing the goals of this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Interface effectively with Dive Team Leadership and other departments to maintain the highest quality dive safety standards.
- Follow and complete assigned task issued by the Dive Team Leadership.
- Assist the DSO and Dive Team with in water emergencies, maintenance, and animal procedures.
- Responsible for entering the water to scan and remove any foreign objects that could injure our resident animals or team members – this may include standing on the pool ledge/rocks or diving
- Comply with all OSHA and AAUS compliant diving standards.
- Assist DSO in execution of the preventative maintenance program for all diving related equipment.
- Assist in the maintenance of all diver training, record keeping and dive physical requirements for all divers.
- Assist DSO in the implementation and maintenance of all dive program logs, safety records and Diving Policies and Procedures.
- As required, work alongside volunteer, intern, and staff divers in the maintenance of the aquarium pools and dive presentations.
- Foster working relationships with other institutes and organizations.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Public speaking experience a plus.
- Ability to work independently under the water without additional supervision above and beyond any other working diver.
- Be able to react to and assist other divers in the event of underwater emergencies.
- Ability to accept coaching and mentorship, to include underwater actions, not limited to proper weighting, buoyancy, proper accent and decent rates, equipment maintenance and orientation, proper safety stops/off gassing, as well as other diving related safety techniques, from other divers in order to maintain safety of all divers.
- Ability to evaluate divers for competency in all SCUBA related activities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum Open Water Diver certification from an internationally recognized diver training organization, with endorsements in CPR/AED/First Aid. More advance certifications and specialties are a bonus.
- Previous free diving experience required. Must be able to provide a dive log recording a minimum of 10 dives completed prior to start of internship if accepted.
- Currently enrolled in an upper level degree program in marine biology, zoology, environmental conservation or other related field. May be up to 1 year post graduation to apply
- This internship has a minimum number of hours in order to successfully complete the program
- 3 month internships 500 hours
- 4 month internship 650 hours
- 5 month internships 800 hours
- 6 month internship 950 hours
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes weekends, holidays and occasional evenings.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Lift up to 50lbs to waist level - Frequently.
- Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Moderate Frequency
- Walk/stand for long periods of time - Frequently.
- Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - Frequently.
- Safely climb ladders when needed – Moderate Frequency.
- Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach - Frequently.
- Reach above the shoulders - Frequently.
- Push and pull larger equipment – Moderate Frequency.
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently.
- Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently.
- Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis - occasionally
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.
All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.
