Assistant Diving Safety Officer (Coordinator of Exhibit Diving)
The Assistant Diving Safety Officer (ADSO), under the supervision of the Marine Operations Manager, is primarily responsible for overseeing safe diving operations in the dive program at the California Science Center and ensures compliance with existing policies and standards set forth in the Diving Safety Manual. The ADSO assists with the daily oversight of the California Science Center Foundation’s exhibit diving operations and training. The ADSO assists with developing and implementing task specific training modules, training divers in the use of specialized diving and safety equipment, conducting annual dive rescue drills, and maintaining exhibit diving equipment and pressure systems. The ADSO also demonstrates a commitment to reaching the goals and objectives of the Living Collections department and the mission of the California Science Center Foundation.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications required.
Five year experience as a certified diver, of which at least two must be as a certified diving instructor
Active-status SCUBA Instructor license from a nationally recognized certification training agency
DAN DFA Pro Instructor license, or possess an equivalent CPR/FA/O2/AED Instructor qualification from a nationally recognized certification training agency
One year experience as a regulator technician, including certifications
Must be an active status AAUS Scientific Diver
Must be able to qualify as a California Science Center Foundation Exhibit Diver
Meet the physical fitness standards for occupational diving (including a complete physical examination) in accordance with Cal-OSHA standards
Must maintain a valid California driver’s license with a clean record and be insurable to drive a California Science Center Foundation Vehicle
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
One year experience in AZA-accredited public aquarium or zoological facility
SCUBA Visual Cylinder Inspection (VIP) certification
Atomic, Sherwood, or OTS Guardian Full Face Mask technician certifications
Spare Air technician certification
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
Ability to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, crawl, and twist
Ability to lift and carry SCUBA cylinders in accordance with established safety guidelines
Ability to lift up to 0-75lbs.
Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs.
Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills
Ability to swim
Ability to SCUBA dive
Ability to self-don SCUBA equipment (SCUBA Unit ± 60 lbs.)
Ability to enter/exit water from boats, ladders, and platforms
Ability to perform rescues on other divers
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
Food preparation with fish and shellfish
Elevated platforms
Vertical ladders and stairs
Small boats
Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles
Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
Extended bottom times in warm and cold water
Diving in aquarium exhibits and open ocean environments
Hazardous marine life
Working around high pressure air and oxygen cylinders
Other Duties & Responsibilities
Oversee the daily exhibit diving operations and ensure adherence to all Foundation safety protocols and standards
Develop and maintain personal awareness and understanding of each diver’s current activity level, general physical condition, equipment readiness, and overall diving skill level
Service, maintain and troubleshoot the Foundation’s dive gear including, but not limited to, BCD’s, first and second stage regulators, full face masks, high pressure cylinders and compressor
Assist in the safety, gear-specific, and emergency training for volunteer and staff divers
Assist volunteer and staff divers in performing diving tasks and related projects inside the California Science Center exhibits
Assist with the development and implementation of task specific training modules including, but not limited to, Fill Station Operator (FSO), Hookah Diver, Topside Tender, Full Face Mask Diver, Presentation Diver, Hydrovac and Gravity Drain.
Assist in maintaining the dive personnel records and files
Act as a liaison between the volunteer divers and other staff
Contribute to the strategic goals of the Living Collections department by promoting, supporting, and engaging in a positive, fun, and compassionate work environment.
Perform other duties as required
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Must have knowledge and understanding of both Cal-OSHA regulations and AAUS standards for scientific diving
Comprehensive knowledge of diving theory and its application to safe diving practices, procedures and techniques related to occupational and scientific diving
Thorough knowledge of diving equipment, air compressors, air filters and purification systems, and safety devices to include their operation, repair and routine maintenance
Ability to demonstrate and train divers in the proper techniques and use of equipment for diving, handling of hazardous materials, fill station operation, and response to diving related emergencies
Must be able to recognize unsafe diving environmental conditions
Must be able to recognize, prevent and suspend any dive operations that are considered to be unsafe or unwise, and do not comply with the Foundation’s diving standards
Be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and work with a diverse group of people including volunteers, scientists, education, life support, and husbandry staff, as well as guests and VIPs
Have excellent oral and written communication skills
Must be detail oriented and possess strong organization and time management skills
Ability to prioritize assignments and manage multiple tasks with efficiency and accuracy
Must have good public speaking skills and the ability to give presentations to guests
Be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as required
