Assistant Dive Safety Officer, New York Aquarium

Reports To: Dive Safety Officer | Position Managed: Dive Safety Team | Department: Animal Programs | Location: New York Aquarium | Employment Type: Non‑Union, Exempt, Full‑Time

About the role

Support the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) in managing the New York Aquarium dive program, including training, supervision, operation, and administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operation of the aquarium’s dive program, supervising staff and volunteer divers in accordance with the New York Aquarium Diving Standards for Underwater Operations and the Volunteer Dive Team Handbook.
• Serve as Designated Person In Charge (DPIC) and Lead Diver during NYA dive operations and lead response to emergency situations in conjunction with the DSO.
• Maintain NYA scuba equipment per manufacturers’ recommendations and AAUS requirements for annual service.
• Fill tanks and ensure availability of compressed air for NYA dive operations.
• Schedule and log dives for staff and volunteer divers; maintain all required logs and records in accordance with NYA diving standards.
• Organize and maintain physical spaces assigned to the NYA dive program.
• Assist the DSO in training staff and volunteer divers.
• Manage the uniform program for NYA volunteer divers, including ordering, distribution, and inventory.
• Support communications with and among volunteer dive program participants through email and social media channels.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or GED.
• Recreational scuba certification of Divemaster; instructor certification preferred.
• 2–4 years’ experience as staff or volunteer in a similar environment; dive instruction, scuba gear maintenance, CPR instruction, AAUS dive training, or lifeguarding experience is a strong plus.
• Divers Alert Network (DAN) Diving First Aid for Professional Divers (DFA) – training required; current instructor status preferred.
• Certification and experience in gear maintenance (especially Oceanic and OTS), cylinder inspection, valve maintenance, and compressor operations.
• Experience with tethered diving, full‑face mask, and underwater communications systems strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proactive, self‑motivated, able to take direction and work variable shifts, including Saturdays, Sundays, holidays.
• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

• Strenuous physical activity as a diver; must pass MUS‑compliant dive physical and swim test (400 yards in 12 minutes).
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and indoors in exhibit facilities and office environments.
• Manual dexterity for computer keyboards, mobile radios, diving gear, and tools.
• Tasks may require kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 lb.

Pay

$48,000 – $52,000 per year