Dive Operations Supervisor

As part of the OdySea Aquarium leadership team, this position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Dive Operations and Conservation Manager and Director of Animal Care & Conservation (ACC) in assisting with the coordination, staff training, and implementation of the SeaTREK program, organization, and upkeep of the Dive Operations program, and assist with any other related projects and programs. This includes all aspects of a VIP guest experience as well as animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and cleanliness. Responsibilities will also include maintaining organized records about animal health, feeding, and behavioral observations; as well as training all SeaTREK staff members in proper husbandry practices. This position requires a proven leader, trainer, and team member, who will uphold the priorities of the position, such as fostering a positive work atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit excellence, education and conservation, and excellence in visitor experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• As a member of management, you will coach, guide, lead by example, and create an environment where people work as a team and empower one another by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, forgiving, honest, and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• Performs and develops objectives, protocols, policies, and operating procedures to ensure the most professional, effective, efficient, and successful SeaTREK Experience for the ACC Department.  
• Coordinates with the Guest Experience Staff to ensure a memorable, one-of-a-kind, experience for each guest that participates in SeaTREK.
• Coordinates with the Husbandry Team with the input of data by husbandry staff into the animal records databases; assures that appropriate records are kept for husbandry, training, water testing, daily care, animal health, acquisitions/dispositions, and mortalities.
• Coordinates with the Manager of Dive Operations & Conservation to ensure dive equipment is maintained at the highest level.
• Proficient in animal training management techniques with an emphasis on proactive behavioral management as it pertains to team members, guests, and animal safety.
• Exceptional use of time management techniques and advanced scheduling abilities for staff and guests.
• Interacts with veterinarians in carrying out medical procedures and protocols that are prescribed.  
• Oversees and aids staff to ensure all assigned areas remain clean, neat, and well organized. 
• Works closely with the SeaTREK Manager/DSO to prepare and deliver employee performance evaluations, appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary, and documentation of excellent work performance to assure a mutual understanding of goals and progress.  
• Helps train new SeaTREK employees to assure compliance with established standards and protocols.  
• Assist in recruitment, evaluation, and selection of new SeaTREK staff when needed.  
• Take an active role in educating guests with species information and conservation messaging. Upholds standards of excellence in guest experience. Participate in education, public relations, and membership programs including facility tours and lectures.
• Upholds and practices conservation standards set forth by the OdySea Aquarium Conservation Committee. 
• Assists in monitoring maintenance diver performance.
• Adjusts the maintenance dive schedule when necessary.
• Maintains diver records.
• Assign monthly maintenance duties to staff and monitor performance.
• Join and participate in the Association of Dive Program Administrators.
• Assist Manager of Dive Operations & Conservation and LSS Manager & LSS Supervisor in dive exhibit maintenance operations.
• Assist Manager of Dive Operations & Conservation in dive equipment maintenance.
• Oversee dive equipment inventory.
• Assist Manager of Dive Operations & Conservation in conducting swim evaluations.
• Train staff on routine equipment maintenance.
• Train staff on the operation of dive equipment.
• Assist in dive program safety training.
• Assist in OdySea Aquarium diver development courses.
• Assist in conducting field operations.
• Assist the Manager of Dive Operations & Conservation in enforcing compliance with:
• OSHA diving standards.
• The OdySea Aquarium Dive Manual.
• Current and future Standard Operating Procedures.
• In absence of the Manager of Dive Operations & Conservation and the Director of ACC on site, this team member will be the point of contact for all Dive Operations at OdySea Aquarium as well as maintain staff schedules, the daily rotations, and oversee all dive operations.  

Required Qualifications

• Age 18 or older with a minimum of an Associate Degree in Biology, Marine Science, or related field and/or equivalent documented work experience at a reputable aquatics facility.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively - both oral and written - and the desire to strive for an optimal work environment through teamwork and dedication.
• Possess a ScubaPro certified technician certificate or can obtain certification within 1 year of hire.
• Possess a dive master certificate from a recognized agency or obtain certification within 1 year of hire.
• Computer and administrative skills as related to daily work duties.
• Possess the physical ability to lift and carry up to 75lbs and be able to work in extreme climates including underwater for extended periods.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• Successful completion of all pre-employment screening, including SCUBA dive physical.
• In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• No history of allergy-related to animals or plants, which might interfere with the ability to work.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand for extended periods, as well as walk. Employees must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl. The employee is required to frequently talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move, carry, push, or pull up to 75lb. Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly. No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement which might interfere with the ability to work. The noise level in the work environment may be loud at times. Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Must exemplify the core fundamentals of the Employee Promise, which states:

• I am empowered to take ownership of any opportunity to exceed expectations.
• I anticipate guest needs and pay attention to the details.
• I am on stage! (Smile)
• I have an attitude of gratitude.
• I get it right the first time.
• I display actions that are moral and ethical.
• I always provide alternative solutions.
• I am committed to learning every aspect of our product and guest services.
• I use the 10/5 rule; at 10 feet I acknowledge my guest's presence with a smile and at 5 feet I greet them with a courteous word.
• I use name recognition at every opportunity.
• I take personal responsibility for our surroundings.
• I am accountable for my tools and resources.
• I value the contribution of every team member.

We believe a culture built on inclusion and diversity becomes the driving force for our success. We believe our team members bring varied thoughts and ideas from their personal life experiences and cultural backgrounds making us innovative and forward-thinking.