Where to find aquarium dive jobs?

[CheddarDavis]

Hi everyone!

I recently have been searching online trying to fins information about diving jobs in aquarium-like environments. Whether it is in a zoo, aquarium, hotel/casino with a big fish tank, etc. And whether it is feeding animals, putting on shows, cleaning tanks, etc. I just want to find some type of job like this. Does anybody know how to go about finding jobs like this? I've tried Google-ing it, but I can only find part-time volunteer opportunities (like once every 2 weeks or so). But I'm looking for more of a full-time/seasonal type thing for this summer. I don't mind a volunteer opportunity, but I'd rather it be more than once every few weeks

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[DevonDiver]

Try www.aquariumdivejobs.com or www.getpaidworkfeedinginbigfishtanks.org

Or maybe, the best bet is to research all potential employers in areas that you're willing to work in - then approach them directly with an informative and compelling cover letter and comprehensive curriculum vitae that spells out why you'd make a great employee for them.

 

[kwinter]

Volunteering is a great way to get the inside track on full time positions. But as for seasonal positions just for the summer, I'm not aware of any at my aquarium. I'm also not aware of any paid "diving jobs" at our aquarium. There are plenty of paid positions, but the paid staff doesn't get to dive as much as the volunteers. We have a Dive Safety Officer and 2 assistant DSOs. And plenty of marine biologist types. I don't see them diving often at all. But credentials usually include at least Divemaster or equivalent (like Navy diver, etc.)

 

[DivemasterDennis]

The great majority (90% or more) of people you see diving in aquariums are volunteers. At least another 5% are paid tourists, so that leaves few paid jobs. Good luck in your search!
DivemasterDennie

 

[claymore]

The aquarium at the Mall of America, Sea Life Minnesota, hires divers to lead the aquarium dives there and work in the tanks when it is needed. They require at least a DM card and there is usually a waiting list to for jobs. The jobs do not pay much and are not on a regular basis, it depends on the number of tour dives, who is available when and the number of DM needed. There is usually one or two dives a day.

Hope this helps.

 

[diversteve]

You might start with AAUS. They have an intern program. Internships | Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society®

I'd start calling some of the smaller aquariums also. Or find out who supplies their divers. We have a small zoo/aquarium here and a nearby shop provides support and has a club affiliated with maintaining their big tank. (it's not huge) Joining the club gives you some opportunities to volunteer there - IDK in what capacity. I'm sure most of the bigger aquariums have their own staffs and dedicated groups of volunteers so they're less likely to need anyone.

The problem you'll likely find is that being just OW certified, you're too much of a liability for organizations to risk taking you on - even as a volunteer. If you've got some cash, you might look at one of those paid "volunteer" programs like in Belize or elsewhere. You do coral reef research and they train you to AOW or higher. I believe they're 6wks long. Here's one: http://www.blueventures.org/belize/volunteer-expeditions-in-belize.html

Another option might be: http://www.coralrestoration.org/volunteeringinternships/

 

[maniago]

Atlantic Edge in Gaithersburg MD has the contract for supplying DMs and Instructors for the Baltimore aquarium dives. If you are just interested in how this kind of thing works, you can call them. But as far as the dive, DM is the min and 2yrs experience, plus 6mos training prior. Plenty long list of folks doing it. Otherwise, you need to be on staff (ie BS or MS in something ecological) at the aquarium and certified etc to dive with the wildlife...as I remember.