Job Details
Description
Assists the Director of Dive Programs/Dive Safety Officer (DSO) in overseeing the Aquarium’s dive program which includes the volunteer and paid staff diving programs to ensure compliance with NA dive procedures and regulations. Responsible for assisting in the development and enforcement of policies and procedures that ensure the safety of all Aquarium–related diving operations under guidance of Director of Dive Programs/DSO.
Essential Functions:
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. SmartCEO Magazine honored the National Aquarium with the Healthiest Workplace award and the Corporate Culture award in 2016. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening.
Today, the National Aquarium builds on a 38-year history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Welfare and Science teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet.
HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org.
Description
Assists the Director of Dive Programs/Dive Safety Officer (DSO) in overseeing the Aquarium’s dive program which includes the volunteer and paid staff diving programs to ensure compliance with NA dive procedures and regulations. Responsible for assisting in the development and enforcement of policies and procedures that ensure the safety of all Aquarium–related diving operations under guidance of Director of Dive Programs/DSO.
Essential Functions:
- Oversees management of daily volunteer diving operations including program administrative records.
- Coordinates daily volunteer diving activities, including briefings, task assignment, and general supervision working with the assigned dive captains.
- Helps Recruit and Train volunteers.
- Assists in institution neoprene goods ordering.
- Assists the Director of Dive Programs/DSO in overseeing the Aquarium’s dive program which includes the volunteer and paid staff diving programs to ensure compliance with NA dive procedures and regulations.
- Responsible for assisting in the development and enforcement of policies and procedures that ensure the safety of all Aquarium–related diving operations under guidance of Director of Dive Programs/DSO.
- Member of the Dive Control Board consisting of a representative of each applicable department to discuss the diving needs of the aquarium.
- Continued implementation and integration of web-based DPiC (dive program in the cloud) for records, training, medicals, dive logs, and dive program administrative processes.
- Assists with in-house diving plans approvals.
- Assists with Special Event dives.
- Assists in conducting CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, PSI Hazmat training, emergency response training, and other required training pending instructor rating training.
- 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 (OSHA, AAUS, ADPA, etc.).
- Assists Training DSO in the coordination of CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, PSI Hazmat training, water rescue training, and scheduling medical examinations for Aquarium diver certifications.
- Serves as DSO in absence of other Dive Safety Officers.
- Participates in all aspects of diving related to public presentations.
- Work as a cleaning diver, dive tender for cleaning operations, trains other tenders, and troubleshoots technical problems.
- Manages risk and ensuring the safety of staff, volunteer, and contract divers’ at all Aquarium related diving operations, both on-site and in the field.
- Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
- Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot problems.
- Able to work well with supervisors and staff.
- Participates in the acquisition and transport of plants and animals.
- Participates in field collection trips using appropriate equipment (scuba gear, nets, and traps).
- Serves as a representative of the Aquarium to the public and the media.
- Participates in and presents at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and tours.
- Offers advice to other aquariums and zoos regarding dive safety.
- Trains and mentors new personnel including staff, volunteers, interns and visiting professionals in all aspects of dive safety.
- Develop and maintain relations with scuba dealerships and manufacturers, and attend necessary tradeshows and trainings.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Animal Science or a related field is preferred.
- Divemaster scuba certification by an internationally recognized certifying agency required, instructor preferred.
- This position will require plan for position to acquire dive instructor certification in a scheduled timetable
- Previous experience in a public aquarium and/or scientific dive program is desirable.
- CPR/First aid instructor by an internationally recognized agency. Membership with Divers Alert Network preferred.
- PSI Cylinder Inspection and Hazmat Training Instructor Certification
- Must have solid knowledge of aquatic realm and be able to apply it to an Aquarium setting.
- Must have a good foundation of marine animal identification.
- Possess an affinity for animals, educational orientation, and conservation ethic.
- Capacity to decide when to act independently and when to consult the Dive Safety Officer.
- Ability to mentor and train staff and volunteers at all levels on SCUBA procedures.
- Familiarity with computers and NA programs are necessary; should be able to log and record data, and interpret records for significant trends.
- Must be competent and experienced in all SCUBA equipment and safety procedures, and must be able to effectively respond to diving related problems and emergencies.
- Must have excellent communication skills, ability to follow directions of supervisors, and work as a team player.
- Must be able to work safely around potential dangerous animals and situations (i.e. electrical equipment in the vicinity of water).
- Interacts with all divers (staff and volunteer) creating a positive and trusting working relationship
- Responds to diver related emergencies, at times after hours.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. SmartCEO Magazine honored the National Aquarium with the Healthiest Workplace award and the Corporate Culture award in 2016. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening.
Today, the National Aquarium builds on a 38-year history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Welfare and Science teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet.
HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org.
