Marine Operations Specialist

Marine Operations Specialists at The Florida Aquarium are Rescue Divers who are responsible for executing all aspects of the Marine Operations departmental functions, including routine exhibit and equipment maintenance, the execution of the Wild Dolphin Cruises, and guest experience programs (e.g. SeaTREK). 

• Guest Experience programs provide a dynamic opportunity to inspire our guests by providing them on‐water experiences. Team members execute daily Bay Spirit II tours, and our SeaTREK experience working in conjunction with members of other departments to connect our guests to our mission.
• Team members also support scientific diving/boating in the field and maintenance of exhibits, infrastructure and select equipment and machinery.

Position Duties:

• Safely execute and support quality Wild Dolphin Cruises, Education Tours, Events and Charters.
• Safely execute and support quality routine exhibit and equipment maintenance as needed
• Safely execute and support quality SeaTREK programs and related equipment maintenance 
• Deliver extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests.
• Incorporate the aquarium’s conservation efforts and mission into daily activities.
• The Marine Operations Specialist a team member is expected to:
• Act as, or support the daily point of contact, ensuring consistency of programs across the department
• Support volunteer supervision as needed
• Support gear maintenance as required
• Assisting SeaTrek guests, ensuring they have a fun and memorable experience
• As a SeaTrek Guide, the primary role is safety. Due to the nature of the guests – non-swimmers, not comfortable in the water, young and old – safety is always the number one priority.
• Conduct daily public dive and boat programs, acting as diver, safety, tender, and boat crew. 
• Work collaboratively in a team environment
• Safely act as crew of a 72 ft. USCG inspected passenger vessel in compliance with the USCG and NMFS.
• Be familiar with the Aquarium’s mission, vision, and values and ability to communicate them to our guests
• Represent the Aquarium at community outreach and media events when needed
• Complete daily Marine Operation tasks (closing tasks, filling tanks, laundry, vessel housekeeping duties, etc.)
• Maintain daily logs and other record keeping
• Ensure all dive programs are conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Florida Aquarium’s Dive
• Safety Manual, AAUS, AZA, OSHA and all other governing agencies and report any unsafe conditions
• Show ability to safely master and operate small boats both in Tampa Bay and offshore waters for research, diving, and field
• operations, including maneuvering and docking all vessels in most weather conditions (including inclement weather).
• Be able to troubleshoot basic mechanical problems or dive equipment issues and find an appropriate solution based on current circumstances.
• Deliver extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests by incorporating the aquarium’s conservation efforts into all
• guest programs, connecting the guests to our mission
• Perform routine exhibit, equipment, and vessel maintenance as needed
• Support scientific diving for off‐site research projects as needed
• Act as dive trainer or assistant for internal training programs and recreational scuba as needed
• Complete all assigned projects in a timely manner, with little to no supervision
• Perform other duties as assigned
•  Requirements and Technical Skills
• Rescue Diver or equivalent from a nationally recognized SCUBA training organization, Divemaster or Instructor preferred
• USCG Captains License 50-Ton or above a plus 
• Current certification in First Aid, CPR and Oxygen administration preferred
• Past experience in operation of excursion vessels for public programs and / or dive charter boats a plus
• Ability to maintain status in a random drug-screening consortium
• Ability to use good judgment making skills for diving safety decisions (weather, animal behavior, etc.)
• General engine maintenance experience a plus
• Desire to expand knowledge, skills, and abilities in all aspects of marine operations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.) a plus

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success. Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood. Fosters a positive, supportive and encouraging work environment. Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside
• the organization; maintains proficiencies.
• Integrity/Trust — Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Judgment — Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; taking strategic risks when necessary.
• Typical Physical Requirements
• Sitting, standing, walking – at least 4 hours per day
• Bending/stooping, climbing ladders – frequently
• Kneeling/squatting, reaching above shoulders – occasionally
• Carrying/lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment) so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained.
• Should be able to climb and descend ladders quickly
• Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
• Ability to travel (car, boat, plane, truck) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens
• Subject to bites, stings, scrapes and exposure to various plants, animals and birds
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings and holidays
• Special Working Conditions
• Will be enrolled in the mariner consortium upon hire, per Coast Guard regulations and as such are subject to random drug screenings
• This position could be asked to travel for overnight scientific diving projects
• Working conditions include working in outdoor weather conditions, a non‐stable environment (i.e. pitching, heaving, and rolling decks), noisy environment, hot and confined spaces, exposure to toxic/caustic substances and fumes, as well as moving, lifting, and carrying heavy objects.

Perks

• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• EAP,
• Memberships,
• and more!