Dive Safety Officer (Full Time)

Reporting to the Aquatics Curator, the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) is responsible for the overall management of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s Dive Program, including day-to-day operations, training volunteers and staff, and evaluating equipment needs.  In this role, the DSO serves as chairperson of the Dive Control Board (DCB) and maintains the Dive Operations Manual, providing professional guidance regarding dive policies and procedures at the Zoo.  This position will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations for public aquarium diving, including the maintenance of all dive credentials and medical requirements.  The DSO will also manage and coordinate all aspects of the volunteer dive team, including evaluating, correcting, and addressing any potential deficiencies.

• In coordination with the Aquatics Curator, DCB, and Zoo & Aquarium staff, the DSO will be responsible for recognizing and recommending updates and/or changes to policies and procedures within the Dive Program, ensuring the safety of all staff, volunteers, and animals within the aquatic exhibits.
• Additionally, this position will ensure Zoo & Aquarium exhibits are maintained to the highest professional standards, while providing a world-class visitor experience for our guests.
• This position will be expected to maintain certification as an open-water SCUBA instructor level with a nationally recognized accrediting body (GUE, PADI, NAUI, IDEA, SSI, etc.) as well as membership with the Association of Dive Program Administrators (ADPA).

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Duties
• Percentage
• Dive Program Management, Safety, and Compliance
• Serves as the Chair of the Kansas City Zoo Dive Control Board (DCB). Schedules and leads meetings and assembles, disseminates, and maintains meeting notes. Follows through on action items from meetings.
• Maintains awareness of developments in the Dive Safety Field. Develops and updates safe diving standards and maintains the Dive Safety Manual in partnership with Aquatics Curator and DCB.
• Observes, logs, and maintains records of issues or events concerning dive operations.
• Communicates diving standards to staff and volunteers and ensures all diving practices are in accordance with AZA, OSHA, USDA, and the Zoo's dive safety standards.
• Verifies staff compliance with established Zoo diving standards. Enforces routine matters related to the diving program. Suspends diving activities and takes disciplinary action via correct channels for any violations or unsafe behaviors in violation of established Zoo safe diving protocols.
• Organizes and manages dive safety drills in compliance with appropriate standards.
• Manages dive emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals, or company property.
• 50%

Dive Team and Equipment Readiness:

• Manages the diving schedule for Animal Care Department staff and volunteers, in coordination with the appropriate managers to ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained for all scheduled and non-scheduled dive operations.
• Performs routine maintenance and organizes the upkeep of Zoo & Aquarium SCUBA equipment including, but not limited to, compressors, regulators, cylinders, full-face masks, buoyancy compensators, wetsuits, etc.
• Conducts practical SCUBA training and evaluation for all Zoo & Aquarium Divers.
• Monitors diving inventory and departmental expenditure to reduce loss/waste, control costs and accurately communicate expenses.
• 30%

Maintenance and upkeep of aquatic exhibits:

• Participates in regular dive activities as necessary to maintain exhibits.
• 15%

Interacts with Zoo guests and the public, including:

• Performing various animal chats and animal shows, as well as assisting with special events related to dive program.
• Leading tours within area, as assigned.
• Representing the Zoo via media relations, upon completion of training with marketing staff.
• Engaging with daily visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.
• 5%
• This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
• All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:

• Four (4) year degree in the biological sciences or similar discipline preferred.
• Must hold a valid certification as an open-water SCUBA instructor for a nationally recognized training agency (GUE, PADI, NAUI, IDEA, SSI, et al.).  The ability to teach and certify open-water, advanced open-water, and rescue diver levels is preferred.
• Valid instructor certification with the ability to teach diver first aid/CPR/AED, and oxygen provider classes (DAN Diving First Aid for Professional Divers or equivalent).

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 2 years of related zoo or animal husbandry experience required, 5 years is strongly preferred.
• Previous leadership experience (preferably in a zoological institution) is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior and procedures for proper care and training of exotic animals and their exhibits.
• Strong observational skills and demonstrated ability to recognize and evaluate conditions of exhibits for dive safety, diver health, and animal condition required.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
• Ability to understand, provide, and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of equipment, exhibits, service and holding areas.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
• Must be willing to dive in extreme temperatures (45⁰ F), and in the presence of animals (fish, penguins, sea lions).
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to manage stress and endure high risk situations when making immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.