Associate Director of Dive Operations & Dive Safety Officer

New England Aquarium•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Dive Operations & Dive Safety Officer (DSO) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the New England Aquarium's (NEAq) dive program, including exhibit and field operations. This role establishes and advances diving standards and ensures compliance through a deep understanding and application of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Scientific Diving Exemption, American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Association of Dive Program Administrators (ADPA), and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) best practices and in partnership with the NEAq Dive Control Board, and through the maintenance of the Dive Safety Manual. The primary responsibility is to foster a culture of safety, responsibility, accountability, and operational excellence, including oversight of the Dive Program Coordinator. This position ensures the safety and certification of staff and visiting divers while guiding the strategic direction of dive operations. The Associate Director / DSO drives innovation through high-level partnerships and cross-departmental collaboration, and acts as a role model for professionalism through proactive communication and inclusive engagement initiatives. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends operational oversight with active participation in diving, mentorship of dive teams, and the integration of safe diving practices into animal care and institutional programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
Seven (7)+ years of experience as a scientific diver, including at least four (4) years in program management.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, programs, and cross-functional initiatives.
Active SCUBA Diving Instructor certification from a nationally recognized agency.
Active DAN DFA (or equivalent) First Aid/CPR Instructor certification.
Medical clearance to SCUBA dive in accordance with NEAq Diving Control Board standards.
Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
Expertise in OSHA safety regulations and requirements under the Scientific Diving Exemption.

Nice To Haves

Small boat handling and trailering experience.
Dive equipment maintenance experience.
Drysuit instructor and certification.
Membership in, or experience with, the AAUS.
Membership in the ADPA.
Knowledge of aquatic animal care in aquarium settings.
Experience with database systems.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
Commitment to Animal Care Division priorities and organizational values.
Ability to work with a dynamic and diverse animal collection.
Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and non-standard hours.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

Maintains awareness of developments in the dive safety field and leads the evolution of institutional diving standards.
Develops, updates, and oversees implementation of the Dive Safety Manual, ensuring alignment with regulatory and industry best practices.
Provides high-level oversight of compliance with established NEAq diving standards, enforces accountability systems and fosters a proactive dive safety culture.
Serves as Chair of the NEAq Dive Control Board, setting strategic priorities, leading meetings, and ensuring effective governance of institutional dive operations.
Oversees the Dive Program Coordinator, ensuring operational execution of dive program activities, training, and compliance with safety standards.
Directs the field diving program, including review and approval of local and remote dive plans, training strategy for new field divers and ongoing training and skill development for experienced field divers.
In conjunction with the Dive Program Coordinator, tracks diver evaluations and medical clearances and maintains confidential training and certification records.
Leads the development and delivery of advanced dive training programs and specialty certifications, aligning offerings with institutional needs, budget priorities, and emerging best practices.
Ensures compliance through expertise in the OSHA Scientific Diving Exemption, AAUS, ADPA, and AZA best practices, and leads emergency preparedness for all dive-related operations.
Manages the dive program budget and recommends purchases related to diving under NEAq auspices.
Cultivates partnerships with industry vendors, manufacturers, and local dive organizations to enhance program capacity.
Leads strategic partnerships and engagement initiatives that expand the reach and impact of NEAq's dive program.