Senior ADSO and Volunteer Diver Coordinator

About the role

The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Assistant Dive Safety Officer (Sr. ADSO) and Volunteer Diver Coordinator to assist the Director of Dive Programs in overseeing the Aquarium’s dive program including the volunteer and paid staff to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with NA dive procedures and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Aid in the development and enforcement of AAUS, OSHA, and AZA policies and standards that ensure the safety of all Aquarium–related diving operations under guidance of Director of Dive Programs.
• Assist the Director of Dive Programs and DSO in overseeing the Aquarium’s dive program including the volunteer and paid staff to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with NA dive procedures and standards.
• Responsible for the NA institutional dive program safety and risk management via adherence to Federal OSHA commercial, AAUS scientific, and RSTC (Recreational) diving standards of over 40 staff divers and 70-90 volunteer divers.
• Helps develop and oversee policies and procedures for all diving operations and assists the Director of Dive Programs and DSO in updating and maintaining NA’s Diving Safety and Operations Manual and Site-Specific Manuals.
• Responsible for Volunteer Diver Performance Management process, oversees the volunteer diver shift schedule, communications via emails and the Aquadivers platform, and coordinates new volunteer diver recruitment, training, and management of program records.
• Utilizes DPIC for dive logging, records tracking and administrative processes.
• Main contact with the BW Ring Tank team as pertains to animal care/wellbeing and Director of Volunteer Engagement.
• Primary on daily volunteer diving activities, including briefings, task assignments, and general supervision.
• Maintain current instructor certifications and qualifications to remain an NA AAUS Scientific Diver.
• Maintain logs, records, communications and other required documentation for volunteers, and staff, equipment as part of NA Dive Safety and Operations Manual.
• Conduct and supervise routine and non-routine exhibit dive maintenance, repairs, and trouble shooting.
• Works cooperatively to execute response to mitigate alarms for planned incidents or drills, including after-hours when needed.
• Maintain 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, RSTC, and ADPA, etc.).
• Conduct CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, (as part of DAN Diving First Aid for Professional course), PSI Hazmat training, extraction, and other required trainings.
• Function as primary ADSO for all staff and volunteer diving in the absence of other Dive Program team members.
• May function as Guest Immersion Program supervisor in supervising our Atlantic Edge divemaster and instructor staff in joint paid guest diver program.
• Coordinate and implement projects, investigations, or training as assigned (equipment, volunteers, field, other).
• Monitor and/or manage supply inventories or research projects as assigned by manager.
• Assist section supervisor/manager with budget planning through recommendation of budget line items or obtaining equipment/supply cost estimates.
• Analyze varying problems as well as identify solutions not always easily found.
• Train and mentor paid staff within assigned sections, volunteers, and interns as needed or directed.
• Help coordinate Special Event Dives.
• Serve as a representative of the Aquarium to the public and the media.
• Work well and collaborate with supervisors and staff.
• Offer advice regarding diving safety to other aquariums, zoos, and other diving organizations.
• Participate in and present at workshops, seminars, member programs and tours.
• Develop and maintain relations with scuba manufacturers and attend necessary tradeshows and trainings.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• An internationally recognized professional open water scuba instructor certification required.
• Preferrably advanced scuba instructor certifications.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in aquarium or zoological field.
• If applicable, successful completion of all required Senior ADSO promotional criteria.
• AAUS scientific diving certification or training preferred.
• CPR/First Aid/AED instructor by an internationally recognized agency.
• DAN 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.
• Solid knowledge of aquatic realm and ability to apply it to an aquarium setting.
• 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 ability to work as a team player.
• Competent and experienced in all SCUBA equipment and safety procedures and able to effectively respond to diving-related problems and emergencies.
• 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).
• Able to work well and collaborate with supervisors and staff.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.