Dive Officer

Moody Gardens, Inc.•Galveston, TX

3h•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Dive Officer (DO) is a member of the Dive Operations (Dive Ops) team and reports to the Diving Safety Officer (DSO). Dive Ops works to implement dive safety procedures and guidelines per the Moody Gardens (MG) Dive Safety Manual (DSM) to ensure the safe conduct of dive operations at the facility and in the field. A DO possesses a broad diving knowledge and skill base to include diving technology and aquarium and research diving techniques spanning the reach of the Moody Gardens Dive Program (MGDP). The DO is qualified to perform all aspects of the MGDP operation. The DO will take direction from the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) to conduct and supervise all staff, volunteer, intern and VIP diving operations at Moody Gardens. Concurrently, support curatorial staff and LSEO projects as directed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree; marine science-related field preferred
Have professional experience with an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) or equivalent diving program
Possess active-status Scientific Diver authorization with an AAUS Organizational Member program preferred
Possess current leadership-level certification from an internationally recognized agency; NAUI preferred
Present a copy of dive training certifications, certificates, and diving log
Valid drivers license
Possess current DAN Diving First Aid for Professional Divers Instructor certification preferred
Possess current regulator service technician certification; Dive Rite preferred
Possess current PSI Visual Cylinder Inspector, Valve Repair Technician, and Oxygen Cylinder Cleaning Technician certifications preferred
Possess current OTS Guardian Full-Face Mask service technician certification preferred
One to three years professional experience working in a public zoo, aquarium or related facility preferred
Experience working with large, diverse groups of volunteers and staff preferred
Effectively communicate with, supervise, motivate, and train divers in safe diving techniques and use of equipment
Strong leadership and communication skills to ensure effective diver safety
Work as part of a team to achieve LSEO department goals
Extensive dive training and experience with knowledge of dive physics, physiology
Strong and effective safety culture, to include dive accident management
Thorough knowledge of modern diving equipment, air compressors, safety devices and their operation, repair, and routine maintenance
Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry
Computer and record-keeping skills
Effective routine equipment inspection
Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor in all interactions
Organized and maintain work area in a professional manner
Available to work as required, including weekends, holidays and some evenings
Teamwork, flexibility, innovation, decisiveness, honesty, discretion
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are a critical requirement along with strong written and oral communication, as well as a proactive approach toward achieving the objectives of the dive program
Must be highly self-motivated and similarly able to take direction.
Assist the DSO on an as-needed basis with the ongoing and evolving needs of the dive program
Current DAN DFA Pro (or equivalent) training required, preference for current instructors
Ability to pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test
Possess the knowledge and technical and interpersonal skills, or motivation, to oversee all aspects of the Moody Gardens dive program, with the safety risks and requirements accompanying these activities
Possess comfort providing instruction, direction, and corrective feedback to a range of program participants, including senior LSEO staff, external affiliates, partners, students, and volunteers.
Possess a working knowledge of diving theory, safe diving practices, and expertise in dive equipment and technology appropriate to the scope of the MGDP
Possess knowledge, or motivation, of procedures, hazards, and safety precautions of aquarium diving
Have experience in Full Face Mask Surface Supplied dive operations
Possess the ability to troubleshoot, repair, and service diving equipment
Have proficiency with Microsoft Office, Apple, and Google Applications software
Effectively express ideas verbally and actively listen when conversing
Express ideas clearly and concisely when writing letters, reports, and other documents
Possess experience preparing dive-specific training presentations
Be proficient in the safe use of hand tools and shop equipment
Be able to train others on equipment operation and maintenance needs
Be able to work efficiently and communicate with staff, cross-functional teams, guests, and external partners from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Possess a willingness to bring new ideas, create inventive solutions and find efficiencies to transform dive program processes
Be able to work collaboratively towards mutual goals on a team engaged in a culture that promotes trust, respect, and accountability
Possess the flexibility to work on weekends and holidays routinely
Be able to read and interpret documents such as safety procedures, operating manuals, and maintenance instructions
Be able to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively while addressing groups or individuals.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk. Employee must be able to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl. Employee is required to frequently talk and hear. Employee must occasionally lift or move, carry, push, or pull up to 50lb. Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly. No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work. The noise level in the work environment may be loud at times. Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Willingness to follow all procedures and use of personal protective equipment when necessary, as this position can involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous/unpredictable animal species, large machinery, restraint devices, and exposure to chemicals.

Nice To Haves

Have experience in aquarium-related diving preferred

Responsibilities

With the DSO, responsible for the smooth daily operation of the LSEO department dive operations, including but not limited to supervising and coordinating staff and volunteer divers, serving in various roles for dives, responding to emergency situations, training, and administrative duties
Under the supervision of the DSO, responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all dive and dive related equipment in accordance to the dive safety manual and/or manufacturer’s recommendations
Maintain accurate dive program records for maintenance and repair, divers, equipment, and inventory
Keep DSO, Curators and staff informed of staff issues and behaviors in addition to animal health issues and behaviors observed in the course of dive operations
Maintain an effective approach to promoting a strong safety culture for dive operations
Coordinate the daily MGDP dive operations focusing on diver training, safety protocol development and refinement, and operational efficiency
Inspect and repair diving equipment
Assist with MGDP diver training, dive record maintenance, and DSM compliance
Conduct routine audits of dive program records
Conduct MGDP diver emergency response drills
Collaborate with diving staff on daily preventative and corrective maintenance of all water-containing infrastructures
Interface effectively with other departments to maintain the highest quality standards
Interact with guests, media, and public, etc., on behalf of the MGDP
Take an active leadership role in the Moody Gardens’ exhibit maintenance
Take an active leadership role in public programming dive presentation development, and participate in dive presentations and special events as needed
Travel internationally, as needed, to support MGDP expeditions
Work respectfully with a diverse team of staff, students, and volunteer divers.
Follow MG diving and general safety regulations
Conduct other duties as assigned