The ADSO assists with developing and implementing task specific training modules, training divers in the use of specialized diving and safety equipment, conducting dive rescue drills, and maintaining exhibit diving equipment. The ideal candidate will be someone who is comfortable and effective in being responsible for coordinating groups of people to deliver tasks, can create a positive atmosphere of teamwork, can deliver results through others, can adapt to a dynamic work environment, possesses a safety focused mindset identifying hazards before they become incidents, has strong diving knowledge/skills and excels in rescue and emergency response processes.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee the daily exhibit diving operations and ensure adherence to all NAQ safety protocols and standards
- Develop and maintain personal awareness and understanding of each diver’s current activity level, general physical condition and overall diving skill level
- Service, maintain and troubleshoot the NAQ dive gear including, but not limited to, BCD’s, first and second stage regulators, full face masks and high-pressure cylinders.
- Assist in the safety, gear-specific, and emergency training for volunteer and staff divers
- Assist volunteer and staff divers in performing diving tasks for NAQ Festival promotions
- Assist with the development and implementation of task specific training modules including, but not limited to, Fill Station Operator (FSO), Surface Supply Diver, Topside Tender, Full Face Mask Diver, Hydrovac and Hydraulic Power Scrubber operations.
- Assist in maintaining the dive personnel records and files and maintaining dive equipment maintenance logbooks
- Act as a liaison between the volunteer divers and other staff
- Contribute to the strategic goals of the Dive Safety department by promoting, supporting, and engaging in a positive, fun, and compassionate work environment.
- Perform other duties as required
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- Must have knowledge and understanding of OSHA regulations and AZA standards for diving
- Comprehensive knowledge of diving theory and its application to safe diving practices, procedures and techniques related to aquarium diving
- Thorough knowledge of diving equipment, air compressors and safety devices to include their operation, repair and routine maintenance
- Ability to demonstrate and train divers in the proper techniques and use of equipment for diving, handling of hazardous materials, fill station operation, and response to diving related emergencies
- Must be able to recognize, prevent and suspend any dive operations that are considered to be unsafe or unwise, and do not comply with the Dive Safety Manuals diving standards
- Be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and work with a diverse group of people including volunteers, life support, and husbandry staff, as well as guests
- Have excellent oral and written communication skills
- Must be detail oriented and possess strong organization and time management skills
- Ability to prioritize assignments and manage multiple tasks with efficiency and accuracy
- Must have good public speaking skills and the ability to give presentations to staff and volunteers
- Be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications required.
- Active-status SCUBA Dive Master certification from a nationally recognized certification training agency with 2 years of experience and the capacity to obtain an active-status SCUBA Instructor license within the first year of employment.
- DAN DFA Pro Instructor license, or possess an equivalent CPR/FA/O2/AED Instructor qualification from a nationally recognized certification training agency
- SCUBA Visual Cylinder Inspection (VIP) certification
- One year experience as a regulator technician, including certifications
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean record and be insurable to drive a NAQ Vehicle
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Five years as a professional diver with 200 logged dives as a diving professional, preferably at an AZA accredited zoological facility
- Active-status SCUBA Instructor license from a nationally recognized certification training agency, with at least two years as a certified diving instructor
- RescueX Surface Rescue Instructor Certification
- RescueX Rescue Ready Instructor Certification
- Mares & OTS Guardian Full Face Mask technician certifications
- Spare Air technician certification
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, background check and SCUBA dive physical release form.
- 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 ability to work.
- Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions.
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
- Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections, zoonotic and parasitic disease).
YOU CAN EXPECT:
You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before – ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start…and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics – truthful and filled with smart people!
And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.
Newport Aquarium offers amazing perks for all team members. Visit the aquarium whenever you want, share complimentary tickets with friends and family, enjoy discounts on food and beverage, merchandise from our gift shop, and candy from Sweet Dreams Candy Company. Full-time employees enjoy medical, dental, and vision insurances; 401k with company match and profit sharing; company-paid life insurance and short-term disability; and PTO (vacation, sick, and holidays).
Looking to pursue your education without debt? As a Newport Aquarium Team Member, on day one you qualify for free tuition through Grow U with hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Most are fully funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU
Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.
