Marine Operations Specialist

Florida Aquarium•Tampa, FL

About The Position

Marine Operations Specialists at The Florida Aquarium are Rescue Divers who are responsible for executing all aspects of the Marine Operations departmental functions, including routine exhibit and equipment maintenance, the execution of the Wild Dolphin Cruises, and guest experience programs (e.g. SeaTREK). Guest Experience programs provide a dynamic opportunity to inspire our guests by providing them on‐water experiences. Team members execute daily Bay Spirit II tours, and our SeaTREK experience working in conjunction with members of other departments to connect our guests to our mission. Team members also support scientific diving/boating in the field and maintenance of exhibits, infrastructure and select equipment and machinery.

Requirements

Rescue Diver or equivalent from a nationally recognized SCUBA training organization, Divemaster or Instructor preferred
USCG Captains License 50-Ton or above a plus
Current certification in First Aid, CPR and Oxygen administration preferred
Past experience in operation of excursion vessels for public programs and / or dive charter boats a plus
Ability to maintain status in a random drug-screening consortium
Ability to use good judgment making skills for diving safety decisions (weather, animal behavior, etc.)
General engine maintenance experience a plus
Desire to expand knowledge, skills, and abilities in all aspects of marine operations
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.) a plus

Responsibilities

Safely execute and support quality Wild Dolphin Cruises, Education Tours, Events and Charters.
Safely execute and support quality routine exhibit and equipment maintenance as needed
Safely execute and support quality SeaTREK programs and related equipment maintenance
Deliver extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests.
Incorporate the aquarium’s conservation efforts and mission into daily activities.
Act as, or support the daily point of contact, ensuring consistency of programs across the department
Support volunteer supervision as needed
Support gear maintenance as required
Assisting SeaTrek guests, ensuring they have a fun and memorable experience
As a SeaTrek Guide, the primary role is safety. Due to the nature of the guests – non-swimmers, not comfortable in the water, young and old – safety is always the number one priority.
Conduct daily public dive and boat programs, acting as diver, safety, tender, and boat crew.
Work collaboratively in a team environment
Safely act as crew of a 72 ft. USCG inspected passenger vessel in compliance with the USCG and NMFS.
Be familiar with the Aquarium’s mission, vision, and values and ability to communicate them to our guests
Represent the Aquarium at community outreach and media events when needed
Complete daily Marine Operation tasks (closing tasks, filling tanks, laundry, vessel housekeeping duties, etc.)
Maintain daily logs and other record keeping
Ensure all dive programs are conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Florida Aquarium’s Dive
Safety Manual, AAUS, AZA, OSHA and all other governing agencies and report any unsafe conditions
Show ability to safely master and operate small boats both in Tampa Bay and offshore waters for research, diving, and field
operations, including maneuvering and docking all vessels in most weather conditions (including inclement weather).
Be able to troubleshoot basic mechanical problems or dive equipment issues and find an appropriate solution based on current circumstances.
Deliver extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests by incorporating the aquarium’s conservation efforts into all
guest programs, connecting the guests to our mission
Perform routine exhibit, equipment, and vessel maintenance as needed
Support scientific diving for off‐site research projects as needed
Act as dive trainer or assistant for internal training programs and recreational scuba as needed
Complete all assigned projects in a timely manner, with little to no supervision
Perform other duties as assigned