Dive Safety Officer

Houston Zoo•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dive Safety Officer is responsible for the coordination and management of HZI diving operations and training. The position will also be responsible for creating dive schedules, conducting safety drills, and ensuring compliance with all OSHA, AAUS, and AZA standards for aquarium and scientific diving. This role shall be involved in the care, observation, maintenance, propagation, and management of assigned aquarium animal specimens. This position will also be responsible for interpretive presentations to guests in an educational and attractive manner. Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from a four-year college or university in related field, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
An active Dive Master certification from a recognized agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI) required.
Hold a current oxygen provide instructor certification from a nationally recognized agency.
Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs.
Possess a valid Texas driver’s license or the ability to get one within six (6) months of employment.
Works independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other staff and organizations.
Shares knowledge with others in a team environment and assists with training of those with less knowledge and experience.

Nice To Haves

An active Dive Instructor certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and implement a Dive Operation following industry best practices.
Schedules staff divers for maintenance of exhibits and dive presentations.
Maintains HZI SCUBA equipment including, but not limited to, scuba cylinders, compressors, regulators, full-face masks, buoyancy compensators, wetsuits, et cetera.
Maintains and inspects diving equipment ensuring all is within the proper operating parameters to provide a safe diving environment for staff divers.
Maintains membership in the Association of Dive Program Administrators (ADPA).
Coordinates regular training and drills for Dive team staff in the areas of safety, animal behavior, visitor enjoyment and educational programming.
Meets all applicable requirements as outlined in HZI’s Diving Operations and Procedures Manual.
Adheres to all dive safety policies and procedures as set by HZI and the Dive Control Board.
Establishes a preventative maintenance schedule on breathable air systems while maintaining precise records.
Performs other Dive Office functions such as filling cylinders, tending/diving feeding presentations, data entry, buddy diving, diving supervisor, etc.
Assists the Animal Care team with exhibit maintenance and other duties as workload necessitates.
Performs quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
Interacts professionally with other staff, customers, and suppliers.
Works effectively as an animal care team member on all assignments.
Knowledge of aquatic species and environments maintained at the HZI.
Oversee volunteers participating in the dive operations
Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
Performs other duties as assigned.