JOB SUMMARY:
The Dive Safety Officer (DSO) manages all dive activities related to the Moody Gardens Dive Program. Responsible, with the Diving Control Board and Director of Marine Operations (DOMO), for developing and enforcing policies and procedures that ensure safe diving practices. Manage staff and volunteer dive programs, including member selection, testing, training and scheduling. Test and maintain dive related equipment used under the auspices of the Moody Gardens dive operations. Ensure compliance with all standards related to Moody Gardens Diving Operations. Performs other duties as assigned.
POSITION AUTHORITY:
The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below.
POSITION GUIDELINES:
Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, administering and managing dive program operations, diver training, maintenance of dive program records and recordkeeping, equipment compliance, recommending company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
-
Responsible for the administration and management of all diving operations conducted under Moody Gardens auspices, including but not limited to administering and managing staff and volunteer divers, serving in various roles for dive operations, responding to emergency situations, conducting training, recordkeeping and administrative duties
-
Responsible for timely inspection, maintenance, and repair of all dive and dive related equipment in accordance to the dive safety manual and/or manufacturer’s recommendations
-
Maintain accurate dive program records for maintenance and repair, divers, equipment, and inventory
-
Keep DOMO, Curators and staff informed of personnel issues and behaviors in addition to animal health issues and behaviors observed in the course of dive operations
-
Maintain an effective approach to promoting not only a strong safety culture for dive operations, and also effective and positive leadership both on and off property
POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Coordinate MGDP dive operations focusing on diver training, safety protocol development and refinement, and operational efficiency
-
Inspect, maintain, and repair all diving and breathing gas production equipment
-
Conduct MGDP diver training, dive record maintenance, and DSM compliance
-
Conduct routine audits of dive program records
-
Conduct MGDP diver emergency response drills
-
Collaborate with diving staff on daily preventative and corrective maintenance of all water-containing infrastructures
-
Interface effectively with other departments to maintain the highest quality standards
-
Interact with guests, media, and public, etc., on behalf of the MGDP
-
Take an active leadership role in the Moody Gardens’ exhibit maintenance.
-
Take an active leadership role in public programming dive presentation development, and participate in dive presentations and special events as needed
-
Travel internationally, as needed, to support MGDP expeditions
-
Work respectfully with a diverse team of staff, students, and volunteer divers.
-
Follow MG diving and general safety regulations.
-
Evaluate and monitor all diving activities to ensure compliance with the Moody Gardens Diving Safety Manual.
-
Required to stop any diving practice deemed unsafe as described in the Moody Gardens diving safety manual.
-
Responsible for keeping divers apprised of their certification status and ensuring compliance with diving safety standards as determined by the Diving Control Board (DCB), the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and OSHA.
-
Maintain a strong knowledge base of diving industry standards, diving physiology, equipment and techniques in order to ensure Moody Gardens compliance with all relevant safety standards.
-
Supervise Dive Operations Staff including performance review and goal setting.
-
Supervise Dive Office Intern. This includes training in various aspects of administrative duties such as computer use, dive certification record keeping and volunteer mailings.
-
Maintain updated materials and manuals relevant to the Moody Gardens dive program.
-
Keep Moody Gardens divers apprised of pertinent events through written, verbal and electronic updates.
-
Provide required diver training to paid and volunteer staff in order to enhance diver safety and MG diver capabilities. This includes instruction of CPR, Oxygen Administration and Rescue training, along with other specialized diving skill sets.
-
Recruit, screen and select volunteer divers for the MBA dive program.
-
Coordinate volunteer and feeding presentation dive schedules.
-
Coordinate volunteer diver recognition and award ceremonies, diver enrichments, and meetings.
-
Assist in preparing the dive operations budget.
-
Act as the primary liaison with the Volunteer Resources Dept.
-
Attend training sessions and trade shows to maintain current industry certifications.
-
Fill scuba cylinders. Run breathing air analysis tests to ensure the quality and purity of compressed air supplied to aquarium divers.
-
Work as dive personnel for exhibit dive presentations including trouble shooting technical problems. Assume the responsibility for diver rescue if necessary. Help maintain and upgrade the equipment used in these presentations.
-
Work with other staff to help with exhibit maintenance as time allows.
-
Conduct other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
-
Baccalaureate degree; marine science-related field preferred
-
Possess current leadership-level certification from an internationally recognized agency; NAUI preferred.
-
Have professional experience with an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) or equivalent diving program
-
Possess active-status Scientific Diver authorization with an AAUS Organizational Member program preferred
-
Present a copy of dive training certifications, certificates, and diving log.
-
Valid drivers license
-
Possess current DAN Diving First Aid for Professional Divers Instructor certification preferred
-
Possess current regulator service technician certification; Oceanic/Hollis preferred.
-
Possess current PSI Visual Cylinder Inspector, Valve Repair Technician, and Oxygen Cylinder Cleaning Technician certifications; preferred.
-
Possess current OTS Guardian Full-Face Mask service technician certification preferred
-
Experience working with large, diverse groups of volunteers and staff preferred
-
More than three years professional experience working in a public zoo, aquarium or related facility dive program preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
-
Possess the knowledge and technical and interpersonal skills to oversee all aspects of the Moody Gardens dive program, with the safety risks and requirements accompanying these activities.
-
Thorough knowledge of modern diving equipment, air compressors, safety devices and their operation, repair, and routine maintenance
-
Possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills and a proactive approach to job responsibilities
-
Possess comfort providing instruction, direction, and corrective feedback to a range of program participants, including senior LSEO staff, external affiliates, partners, students, and volunteers.
-
Possess flexibility, innovation, decisiveness, honesty, and discretion
-
Be self-motivated and similarly able to take direction.
-
Be able to adapt to evolving needs of the MGDP
-
Current DAN DFA Pro (or equivalent) training required, preference for current instructors
-
Ability to pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test
-
Possess a working knowledge of diving theory, safe diving practices, and expertise in dive equipment and technology appropriate to the scope of the MGDP
-
Possess knowledge of procedures, hazards, and safety precautions of aquarium diving
-
Have experience in Full Face Mask Surface Supplied dive operations
-
Possess the ability to troubleshoot, repair, and service diving equipment
-
Have proficiency with Microsoft Office, Apple, and Google Applications software
-
Effectively express ideas verbally and actively listen when conversing
-
Express ideas clearly and concisely when writing letters, reports, and other documents
-
Possess experience preparing dive-specific training presentations
-
Be proficient in the safe use of hand tools and shop equipment
-
Be able to train others on equipment operation and maintenance needs
-
Be able to work efficiently and communicate with staff, cross-functional teams, guests, and external partners from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
-
Possess a willingness to bring new ideas, create inventive solutions and find efficiencies to transform dive program processes
-
Be able to work collaboratively towards mutual goals on a team engaged in a culture that promotes trust, respect, and accountability
-
Possess the flexibility to work on weekends and holidays routinely
-
Be able to read and interpret documents such as safety procedures, operating manuals, and maintenance instructions
-
Be able to write routine reports and correspondence.
-
Ability to speak effectively while addressing groups or individuals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk. Employee must be able to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl. Employee is required to frequently talk and hear. Employee must occasionally lift or move, carry, push, or pull up to 50lb. Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly. No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work. The noise level in the work environment may be loud at times. Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Willingness to follow all procedures and use of personal protective equipment when necessary, as this position can involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous/unpredictable animal species, large machinery, restraint devices, and exposure to chemicals.
