Assistant Dive Safety Officer

Parks Tacoma•Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Aquarium Curator and Dive Safety Officer(s), assist in planning and coordination of the daily operations of the Aquarium Dive Program, Eye to Eye Shark Dive Program and related activities. Perform a variety of semi-skilled duties for the South Pacific and Pacific Seas Aquariums involved in the care, observation, maintenance, propagation and management of assigned aquarium animal species and the presentation of such species to the general public in an educational and attractive manner.

Requirements

Must possess leadership level dive experience, such as Divemaster, Rescue Diver, Assistant Instructor or Instructor certification, Lead diver classification at an Scientific Dive organization, SNUBA guiding experience, Public Safety Diver training, CMAS 2 diver, etc
Must have logged a minimum of 50 dives in Washington or a similar cold water environment.
Pass diving requirements of PDZA.
Must have regulator repair experience in overhauling piston first stage regulators and unbalanced second stages.
One year experience involving the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo, aquarium, theme park or related environment, preferably in an AZA accredited facility.
Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (a current driving abstract will be requested during the reference process at applicant's expense.)
Must have the ability to obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Card within the probationary period.
Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Must have the ability to obtain WA state Boaters Card with the probationary period
Ability to use basic functions in Microsoft Word, Power Point , Outlook and Excel.
Lifting heavy objects, up to 50 pounds.
Pushing, climbing, walking, kneeling and crouching to work.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
Must be able to lift and carry dive gear as necessary for completion of dives.
Must be able to assist visitors with dive gear.
Must be able to fill and move scuba cylinders.
Repetitive SCUBA dives on a daily basis
Leadership level principles of dive physics, physiology, equipment and safe diving practices
Special needs and limitations of diving and SCUBA program users.
Proper routine care of dive equipment
Usage of small tools
Working with the general public in a positive manner for excellent visitor experiences
Learn to interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Train and provide feedback to others
Communicate clearly verbally and in writing
Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines .
Lead any dive accident or participant emergency response.
Organize groups, make schedules, and give presentations
Provide positive feedback and opportunities for growth for dive team members following simulated emergencies or observed public programs or dives.
Assess and evaluate situations effectively .
Exert optimal effort and follow through in successfully completing tasks .
Take initiative with minimal supervision.
Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately
Set up and operate equipment that can require selection from options or different settings.
Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing
Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
Report for work regularly and on time.

Nice To Haves

Oceanic and OTS Guardian full face mask technician.
Experience diving in and giving presentations using full face masks.
Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology or related field, or related experience.
Boating experience.

Responsibilities

Implement routine daily aspects of Eye to Eye Shark Dive program.
Work with the Dive Safety Officers to enact any new SOPS, maintain current SOPS, and deal with any safety issues.
Coordinate regular training and drills for ETE staff in the areas of safety, animal behavior, visitor enjoyment and educational programming.
Maintenance of PDZA dive equipment.
Perform maintenance of dive compressor, train ETE staff on proper filling operations in compliance with OSHA standards.
Maintain records and reports regarding equipment, air quality, visitor and staff injury.
Provide messaging on shark biology and conservation issues to dive program participants.
Communicate with the public, answer questions and perform narrated dive events.
Instruct participants on the technical and safety aspects of the dive programs.
Guide participants safely through dive program experiences.
Personalize public dive experiences with humor and educational information.
Clean wetsuits, drysuits, bathing suits, dive gear and dive facility after dive programs.
Provide upkeep of dive building and dive-equipment storage areas
Assist participants with sizing and if need be fitting into drysuits and other equipment.
Film, edit and duplicate videos of the dive.
Participate in exhibit dives to fulfill the husbandry needs of individual exhibits and holding spaces, and the overall goals of the aquarium.
Observe animal species during dives and otherwise to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being; report observations as appropriate.
Assist with routine aquatic animal husbandry tasks to include cleaning, feeding and enrichment for exhibits and holding areas.
Move and remove animal species to different areas or exhibits as determined by proper care, feeding and safety methods.
Assist with performing routine maintenance and minor repair of animal exhibits and related systems, ensuring a healthy environment and presentation of animals in an attractive manner.
Participate in field dives and collecting trips to meet the collection and fieldwork needs of the aquarium.
Operate a motorized vehicle to travel to multiple locations to carry out essential duties.
Adhere to all driving laws and safety rules.
Other duties as assigned.