Newport Aquarium Assistant Dive Safety Officer - Full-Time Year Round [YR]

Newport Aquarium•Newport, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Dive Safety Officer (ADSO) assists with developing and implementing task-specific training modules, training divers in the use of specialized diving and safety equipment, conducting dive rescue drills, and maintaining exhibit diving equipment. The ideal candidate will be someone who is comfortable and effective in coordinating groups of people to deliver tasks, can create a positive atmosphere of teamwork, can deliver results through others, can adapt to a dynamic work environment, possesses a safety-focused mindset identifying hazards before they become incidents, has strong diving knowledge/skills and excels in rescue and emergency response processes.

Requirements

Must have knowledge and understanding of OSHA regulations and AZA standards for diving
Comprehensive knowledge of diving theory and its application to safe diving practices, procedures and techniques related to aquarium diving
Thorough knowledge of diving equipment, air compressors and safety devices to include their operation, repair and routine maintenance
Ability to demonstrate and train divers in the proper techniques and use of equipment for diving, handling of hazardous materials, fill station operation, and response to diving related emergencies
Must be able to recognize, prevent and suspend any dive operations that are considered to be unsafe or unwise, and do not comply with the Dive Safety Manuals diving standards
Be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and work with a diverse group of people including volunteers, life support, and husbandry staff, as well as guests
Have excellent oral and written communication skills
Must be detail oriented and possess strong organization and time management skills
Ability to prioritize assignments and manage multiple tasks with efficiency and accuracy
Must have good public speaking skills and the ability to give presentations to staff and volunteers
Be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as required
Active-status SCUBA Dive Master certification from a nationally recognized certification training agency with 2 years of experience and the capacity to obtain an active-status SCUBA Instructor license within the first year of employment.
DAN DFA Pro Instructor license, or possess an equivalent CPR/FA/O2/AED Instructor qualification from a nationally recognized certification training agency
SCUBA Visual Cylinder Inspection (VIP) certification
One year experience as a regulator technician, including certifications
Must maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean record and be insurable to drive a NAQ Vehicle

Nice To Haves

Five years as a professional diver with 200 logged dives as a diving professional, preferably at an AZA accredited zoological facility
Active-status SCUBA Instructor license from a nationally recognized certification training agency, with at least two years as a certified diving instructor
RescueX Surface Rescue Instructor Certification
RescueX Rescue Ready Instructor Certification
Mares & OTS Guardian Full Face Mask technician certifications
Spare Air technician certification

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily exhibit diving operations and ensure adherence to all NAQ safety protocols and standards
Develop and maintain personal awareness and understanding of each diver’s current activity level, general physical condition and overall diving skill level
Service, maintain and troubleshoot the NAQ dive gear including, but not limited to, BCD’s, first and second stage regulators, full face masks and high-pressure cylinders.
Assist in the safety, gear-specific, and emergency training for volunteer and staff divers
Assist volunteer and staff divers in performing diving tasks for NAQ Festival promotions
Assist with the development and implementation of task specific training modules including, but not limited to, Fill Station Operator (FSO), Surface Supply Diver, Topside Tender, Full Face Mask Diver, Hydrovac and Hydraulic Power Scrubber operations.
Assist in maintaining the dive personnel records and files and maintaining dive equipment maintenance logbooks
Act as a liaison between the volunteer divers and other staff
Contribute to the strategic goals of the Dive Safety department by promoting, supporting, and engaging in a positive, fun, and compassionate work environment.
Perform other duties as required