Dive Safety Officer/Manager of Dive Operations

Baltimore, MD, United States

Competencies:

Expected to act as a role model within and beyond the division; must professionally demonstrate good judgment and communication skills through interpersonal effectiveness and fostering a learning culture.

Promote teamwork and a positive and productive work environment.

Accountable to use independent judgement and critical thinking to problem solve, keeping human safety and animal welfare at the forefront of decision making and actions. Innovation may be required to temporarily modify existing policies and procedures. Problems to solve are typically within the assigned section.

Stays abreast of current trends in the related field to ensure that National Aquarium programs, policies, and protocols continue to evolve and improve.

Essential Functions:

Responsible for the NA institutional dive program safety and risk management including the conduct of training and certification, approval of dive plans, maintenance of dive records, ensuring compliance with the accepted dive operation standard, and all relevant regulations (Federal OSHA commercial, AAUS scientific, and RSTC (Recreational) of over 40 staff divers and 70-90 volunteer divers.

Accountable for delegating dive oversight to dive personnel to ensure full coverage for all diving events within the aquarium facilities.

In the Director of Dive Programs' absence, supervises the Dive Program staff.

As scheduled, works cooperatively to execute response to mitigate alarms for planned incidents or drills, including after-hours when needed. May be on-call or respond to emergencies after-hours.

Develops and maintains safety policies and procedures as they pertain to the dive program.

With the Director of Dive Programs, responsible for evaluating performance and recommending professional development of employees, creating section goals, recruitment of employees, conflict resolution, and mentoring/coaching of all staff, interns, and volunteers.

Helps manage supervise dive contractors.

Assists Director of Dive Programs with budget planning through recommendation of budget line items, preparing draft budgets, or administering the budget. May have an assigned business credit card.

May have responsibility for considerable section inventories and purchases, such as supplies, or field research projects.

Member of the Dive Control Board. May serve as chair.

Prepare annual audits of all dive program records pertaining to safety and instructional standards.

Assists the Director of Dive Programs prepare and submit annual reports of Aquarium dive activities utilizing our web-based program, Dive Program in the Cloud (DPIC) and Microsoft Office.

Ability to troubleshoot and repair diving equipment.

Oversee maintenance of all dive program logs and records as needed.

Under the guidance of the Director of Dive Programs, helps develop field scientific diver training.

Maintain current certifications to qualify as a NA Scientific Diver.

Act as Dive Person In-Charge (DPIC) for exhibit dives.

Conduct and supervise routine and non-routine exhibit dive feedings, maintenance, repairs, and trouble shooting.

Assists the Director of Dive Programs in updating and maintaining NA's Diving Safety Manual and Site-Specific Manuals.

Assists in volunteer diving activities, including briefings, task assignments, training, and general supervision.

Maintains a strong knowledge based on diving industry standards, diving physiology, equipment, and techniques to ensure the Aquarium's compliance with all relevant safety standards and best practices (OSHA, AAUS, AZA, ADPA, etc.).

Serves as a representative of the Aquarium to the public and the media.

Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Participates in and presents at workshops, seminars, member programs and tours.

Offers advice to other aquariums, zoos, and other institutions regarding diving safety.

Develop and maintain relations with scuba manufacturers and attend necessary tradeshows and trainings.

Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications/Position Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field is preferred.

Preferred eight to ten years' experience in aquarium or zoological field and/or related scientific diving including management experience.

Internationally recognized open water scuba instructor certification. Prefer advanced scuba instructor certifications.

Preferred active Scientific Diver certification as defined by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences.

CPR/First/AED instructor by an internationally recognized agency. DAN (Divers Alert Network) First Aid for Professional Dive Instructor certification highly preferred.

PSI Cylinder Inspection and Hazmat Training Instructor Certification preferred.

Present evidence of all dive training and diving history.

Must have solid knowledge of aquatic realm and be able to apply it to an aquarium setting.

Previous experience training and mentoring paid and/or unpaid staff within assigned section.

Supervisory and coordinating skills, excellent oral and written communication, working knowledge of computer databases and operations, effective interpersonal skills for dealing with staff and visitors, and able to work as team player.

Be able to train others in equipment operation and maintenance needs.

Additional equipment technician repair certifications and other certifications are helpful.

Proficient with Microsoft Office Products.

Possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).

Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

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