Dive Training Coordinator

New England Aquarium•Boston, MA

1d•$56,470 - $63,958•Onsite

About The Position

The Dive Training Coordinator coordinates and supports the New England Aquarium’s comprehensive dive training and diver development program. In partnership with the Associate Director of Dive Operations / Dive Safety Officer (DSO), the coordinator ensures paid and unpaid divers receive the training, evaluations, certifications, and continuing professional development needed to participate safely and effectively in exhibit and field diving programs. The role coordinates initial and ongoing training, skills assessments, emergency preparedness exercises, certification requirements, and training records. It promotes consistent training practices and a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning. The program operates under applicable OSHA Scientific Diving Exemption requirements and the standards and practices of AAUS, ADPA, AZA, DAN, and NEAq. The coordinator also participates in dive operations and field activities as needed to support training, evaluate diver competency, maintain personal diving proficiency, and contribute to safe aquarium and field diving. This is a full-time regular position conducted onsite, scheduled Sundays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least four years of experience as an Aquarium diver, Instructor, or Scientific Diver.
Current Dive Instructor certification.
Current DAN Diving First Aid (DFA) Instructor certification or equivalent.
Medical clearance to dive in accordance with NEAq Diving Control Board standards.
Demonstrated experience providing dive instruction, skills assessment, or diver training.
Working knowledge of SCUBA equipment and basic equipment maintenance.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Strong instructional and facilitation skills, including the ability to train individuals effectively.
Ability to assess diver performance, identify training needs, and provide clear, constructive feedback.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing training schedules and records.
Ability to coordinate multiple training activities, requirements, and stakeholders simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to build effective working relationships across departments and with staff and volunteer divers.
Ability to translate established safety standards and procedures into effective training practices.
Commitment to Animal Care Division priorities and organizational values.
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic and diverse animal-care environment.
Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and non-standard hours as operationally necessary.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Ability to safely perform SCUBA diving and related physical activities in accordance with NEAq medical and safety requirements.
Ability to enter and exit the water from boats, ladders, platforms, and other access points.
Ability to lift and carry up to 70 pounds.
Ability to work in and around water for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a diver in an aquarium, zoo, research, or scientific diving environment.
Experience coordinating or administering a formal dive training program.
Experience developing training materials, lesson plans, or competency assessments.
Experience maintaining training, certification, or compliance records.
Small boat handling and trailering experience.
Drysuit certification and/or instructor certification.
Experience developing or facilitating emergency response exercises.

Responsibilities

Provide DAN Diving First Aid (DFA) Pro training and coordinate related certifications and continuing education.
Coordinate and administer the NEAq dive training program, including annual and remedial training, check-out dives, skills evaluations, specialty training, and competency development, in partnership with the Associate Director of Dive Operations / DSO.
Develop, facilitate, and evaluate classroom, practical, and in-water training consistent with NEAq policies and applicable OSHA, AAUS, ADPA, and AZA standards.
Assess diver skills and provide timely, constructive feedback to support individual development and operational competency.
Coordinate diver qualification and certification pathways, communicating, scheduling, documenting, and tracking training requirements.
Develop and maintain training materials, lesson plans, skills checklists, competency standards, and other instructional resources.
Identify training needs and recommend development opportunities based on operational requirements, diver experience, skills assessments, and program priorities.
Support onboarding and development of new staff and volunteer divers, including orientation, initial training, check-out dives, and progression toward independent diving responsibilities.
Coordinate and participate in dive emergency drills and scenario-based exercises.
Track training requirements, certifications, medical clearances, evaluations, and expiration dates; coordinate upcoming requirements with divers, supervisors, and the Associate Director / DSO; and assist with reporting.
Serve on the NEAq Dive Control Board and provide training and operational input.
Prepare divers for field operations, animal examinations, procedures, transports, and other aquatic animal care activities.
Support training in the use, inspection, maintenance, and care of SCUBA and related equipment.
Maintain current knowledge of scientific diving, instruction, emergency response, and aquatic animal care best practices.
Participate in dive operations and field activities as needed to support training, evaluate diver competency, maintain diving proficiency, and contribute to safe operations.