Each year approximately million people visit the Aquarium, making it consistently one of the leading attractions in the Southern California region.

Beyond its world-class animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists.

Through these programs and a variety of multimedia experiences, the Aquarium provides opportunities to delve deeper into ocean science and learn more about our planet.

The Assistant Diving Safety Officer of Field Diving Operations (ADSOFD) works closely with the Diving Safety Officer of Field Diving Operations to oversee and coordinate the safe diving operations of the aquarium’s scientific diving and boating operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee the daily field diving operations of the Aquarium.
• Assist the Dive Safety Officer with the recruitment, screening, and selection of divers for the aquarium’s Volunteer Scientific Diver Program.
• Assist the Dive Safety Officer with the training of specific diver tasks.
• Assist the Dive Safety Officer with the training of dive safety, specific aquarium equipment, and emergency procedures.
• Dive, when needed, to assist the scientific divers.
• Assist the Dive Safety Officer in maintaining the dive personnel records and files.
• Assist in the operation, operator training, and maintenance of the Aquarium vessels.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Must have familiarization with and be able to perform routine maintenance on scuba diving equipment, including first and second-stage regulators.
• Have an understanding of AAUS and RSTC diving standards and protocols.
• Have an understanding of diver rescue procedures and training.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to safely operate a vessel on the open ocean with an understanding of boating safety and anchoring techniques.
• Must be able to recognize unsafe diving practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and / or abilities required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Minimum qualifications for an ADSO I

• Be an active-status Dive Master or Instructor with a nationally recognized agency.
• Possess current certification in CPR / AED / FA / O2 from a nationally recognized agency.
• Meet the physical fitness standards for divers (including a complete physical examination) in accordance with the standards set forth by the Aquarium.
• Experience supervising dive operations as a dive master, teaching open-water scuba classes, or equivalent experience.
• Be trained as an AAUS Scientific Diver.
• Experience operating and maintaining small vessels preferred.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.

Minimum qualifications for an ADSO II

• Must possess all of the qualifications required of an ADSO I.
• A total of two years working in a scientific dive safety and boating program.
• Demonstrates proficiency in planning and supervising scientific diving operations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the operation and maintenance of aquarium vessels.
• Consistently trains new divers in all required curriculum to the satisfaction of the DSO.
• Can identify and correct unsafe diving practices to the satisfaction of the DSO.

Minimum qualifications for an ADSO III

• Must possess all of the qualifications required of an ADSO II.
• A total of four years working in a scientific dive safety and boating program.
• Current and active scuba instructor from a nationally recognized scuba certifying agency.
• CPR / AED / BFA / Emergency Oxygen Provider instructor.
• Trained and certified to service the Aquarium dive equipment.
• Demonstrates proficiency in open ocean dive emergency management.
• Demonstrates effective use of volunteer scientific divers to conduct field operations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the maintenance and care of the Aquarium’s high-pressure gas system.
• Demonstrates the ability to recruit, screen, and select divers for the aquarium’s Volunteer Scientific Diver Program.

MENTAL DEMANDS

The mental and emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent conflict resolution skills to address issues and maintain positive relationships.
• Resilience and ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Attachment bonds with animals, can be challenging when coping with illness, injury, or loss.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Aquarium galleries, classrooms, theaters, and informal learning environments
• Offsite areas, conducting programs as needed
• Outside environments in varying weather conditions
• Offsite, onboard a mid-sized ocean vessel in an open ocean environment
• Exposure to various temperatures, humidity, and wetness
• Exposure to common allergens, such as shellfish
• Wet, dirty, and uneven surfaces and walkways
• Exposure to confined spaces
• In occasional contact with animals, including birds, invertebrates, and sharks

INTERESTED & QUALIFIED?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below. You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants.

There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select :

• You will complete a brief web application;
• You will attach or build your resume;
• You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks.

If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

Last updated : 2024-05-03