Assistant Dive Safety Officer
The Assistant Dive Safety Officer (ADSO) is responsible for daily dive operations, monitoring in-water activities for safety, and maintenance of dive gear and auxiliary equipment to ensure the highest standard of exhibit aesthetics while being considerate of the well-being of Mystic Aquarium’s animal collection. This position assists the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) in managing the dive program by supervising, training, evaluating, documenting, staffing, and scheduling aquarium dives and divers. The ADSO is responsible for supporting development and enforcement of policies and procedures of Mystic Aquarium and the dive safety program to ensure safe execution of all aquarium-related diving operations. The ADSO serves in place of the DSO in their absence.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Consistently provide internal and external customers service at or above expectations.
Operate, maintain, and repair dive gear and related equipment including but not limited to outerwear (suits, hoods), buoyancy control devices and weight systems, 2 stage regulators, air cylinders, cylinder fill station and compressor, power scrubbing equipment, gauges, and more.
Remain current on OSHA and other dive-related regulatory requirements.
Ensure staff divers and volunteers comply with requirements and safety procedures.
Assist with maintaining the Mystic Aquarium Dive Safety Manual.
Manages risks to ensure safety of staff and volunteer divers and animal well-being.
Collaboration with supervisors and staff.
Assist with conducting swim tests and scuba certifications.
Coordinate communication among the volunteer and staff dive team.
Keep equipment and associated areas clean and well maintained including administering disinfection and biosecurity protocols.
Participates in workshops and programs for guests, staff and volunteers. Assist with maintaining all required records.
Conduct emergency water extraction training and drills.
Shall suspend diving operations considered to be unsafe or unwise.
Serve as Secretary of the Dive Control Board and mentor to Lead Dive Team.
Work with husbandry and life support operations staff to maintain water quality.
Work with Human Resources to recruit and train volunteer divers.
Actively serve on Mystic Aquarium’s Safety Committee.
Serves as DSO in their absence.
Other duties as assigned.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
Must be willing and flexible to work after hours, weekends, and holidays.
All employees are responsible for always working safely.
Every employee must properly use and keep in good order all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied as protection from recognized hazards.
Every employee must report any unsafe condition.
Every employee must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department-specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher use. Sea Research Foundation, Inc. (dba Mystic Aquarium) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Knowledge and use of appropriate tools required.
Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications a must; TRACKS experience preferred.
Multi-lingual, Spanish preferred.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred.
3 years of experience in dive operations of an aquarium, zoo, or similar environment; work conducted at AZA-accredited facilities is preferred.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Physically demanding requiring ability lift 50 lbs., to maneuver in wet/slippery/confining conditions while fully geared, and to work within a range of environmental conditions (rain, snow, heat, cold) indoors, outdoors, and while diving.
