Dive Safety Officer (Full-Time)

Career Opportunities with Museum of Science IncDepartment:

Biological Programs Division (BPD)Reports To:

Vice President of Biological ProgramsSUMMARY:

The Dive Safety Officer, under the direction of the Vice President of Biological Programs, is responsible for maintaining the Biological Programs Division’s Diving Standards, ensuring the safety of staff and visiting divers, and chairing the Diving Control Board.That oversight will include:Appropriate training and certificationsDocumentation and daily supervision of diving activitiesOverseeing all BPD dive equipment for the Museum and ensuring routine maintenance is performedImprovement and refinement of the program’s Diving Standards where necessaryBeing an active part of the diving staff for the maintenance of the aquatic exhibits and fieldwork conducted by BPDThe ideal candidate will have intimate knowledge of OSHA diving standards and scientific diving.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Leadership Role:Serves as Dive Safety Officer for the MuseumServes as chairperson for the Dive Control Board (DCB)Organizes and leads biannual DCB MeetingsLeads the refinement of the Museum’s Dive Safety ManualEvaluates and monitors all diving activities to ensure compliance with the institution’s Dive Safety Manual and OSHA regulationsExpertise:Maintains a strong knowledge base of diving industry standards, diving physiology, equipment, and appropriate techniques to ensure the institution's complianceResponsible for providing strong technical insight into all aspects of the dive program activities and supporting institutional and departmental missionsSafety:Manages risk and ensures the safety of staff and contract divers within all Museum-related diving operations, both on-site and in the fieldOversees implementation of policies and procedures that ensure the safety of staff, volunteer, guest/VIP and contract divers at all Museum-related diving operationsParticipates in Museum Safety CommitteeExternal Affairs:Serves as Museum liaison to outside agencies involved in diving safety and regulations such as OSHA, American Academy of Underwater Sciences, and Diver Alert NetworkServes as spokesperson on behalf of the Museum, as assignedTraining:Coordinates dive training both internally & externallyConducts check-out dives for institutional staffers to assess competence/readiness for diving-related assignmentsOversees CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration trainingBudgetary:Provides necessary input to develop accurate diving program-related budget line itemsCoordinates the purchasing of diving-related equipment including SCUBA gear, maintenance tools, diving safety kit, and other essential paraphernalia needed for successful program operationsCompletes purchasing activities as assigned by BPD management teamWorkFlow:Delegates DSO responsibilities to appropriate diving program support staff e.g. ADSO(s) as necessary to ensure 7-day/week coverageWorks with the BPD leadership team to coordinate staff-diver scheduling for key Division operations, fieldwork and potential presentation divesCompletes all assigned work in an efficient and timely mannerResponsible for meeting commitments negotiated with other departments, external partner organizations and institutions, as directedEquipment:Responsible for maintenance of equipment, maintaining appropriate supplies, coordinating repairsUnder the direction of BPD management team, strives to advance certifications related to assessment and repairs of institutional diving-related equipment inventoryResponsible for conducting both announced & unannounced gear checksResponsible for the organization, upkeep, and aesthetic of program-associated workspaces and support areasAdministrative & Other:Coordinates diving program medical examinationsMaintains diving-staffer records in a confidential and organized mannerHelps to identify, develop, and maintain all program-related SOPsResponsible for formulating program-related communication procedures, including an anonymous mechanism for field program-related safety procedure questions and concernsIdentifies delegable diving program-related assignments for the professional development of fellow BPD staffersAdheres to all organizational and division-related policies and proceduresWork in other areas, tasks, or other collaborative teams as needed, and as assignedIdentifies and recruits DCB board members, as directedParticipates in BPD supported and approved specimen collecting tripsQUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Biological Sciences or a related field5 years of relevant experience and a proven record of managing similar programsNationally recognized certification as an Open Water Scuba InstructorMust be proficient in Diving Program procedures with emphasis on diving safetyMust have solid knowledge of marine science and be able to apply to a public Aquarium settingExperience leading field diving operationsPossessing knowledge of research projects program needs preferredMust have keen observation skills to assess signs of poor weather, unsafe diving conditions, equipment in disrepair, or injuryHigh level of organizational skills, self-motivation and self-directionSolid leadership abilities with demonstrable supervisory skills including effective delegation and assuring accountabilityMust possess coordinating, managing, mentoring and training skills to effectively lead staffers and volunteers in group activities within the institution’s diving safety programAbility to work in a fast-paced environment with creativity, curiosity, integrity and determinationAbility to work under pressure, multitask, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with managers and other staffersMust possess significant analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skillsMust have capacity to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation from BPD senior leadershipFamiliarity with computers is necessary; must be able to log and record dataKnowledge of Microsoft Office SuiteExcellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively share information across and between multiple disciplines and reach audiences with varied technical and organizational knowledgeShould be a proficient public speaker and interpersonal communicatorValid Florida Drivers’ License or the ability to acquire onePHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical requirements stated represent those necessary for an individual to fulfill the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made for qualified individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal employment opportunities. Please let us know if you require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee is required to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, along with climbing and reaching with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move from 50 to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.Must be able to work in high and low places.The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those as employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is performed both indoors and in outdoor settings. Outdoor work subject to temperatures up to 100 degrees, rain, humidity and sun. Work will also be conducted on a boat with the same outdoor conditions already listed.CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Background clearanceDrug screening as part of the Drug Free Workplace Program

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