Dive Safety Officer - Sea Life Park

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating® . Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.

The Dive Safety Officer at Sea Life Park Hawaii ensures the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of all dive-related activities—covering marine animal training, guest interactions, habitat maintenance, research, and guest‑experience dives. The DSO develops protocols aligned with federal (OSHA), state, and internal standards, ensures full certification and preparedness of the staff, and supports Sea Life Park’s conservation mission.

We are currently looking for a:

Dive Safety Officer - Sea Life Park

Roles & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

1. Dive Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain and update the dive safety manual and standard operating procedures tailored to Sea Life Park’s setting (e.g. diving in animal habitats).
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, state regulations, and Sea Life Park’s internal policies.
• Perform routine safety audits and risk assessments of dive zones and infrastructure, including platforms, ladders, and life-support gear.
• Operate and maintain breathing gas fill station including bi-annual inspection and staff operation.
• Ensure all cylinders and life support gear are maintained according to schedule (ie VIP, Hydrostatic testing)

2. Training & Certification

• New Hires: Verify SCUBA certification, conduct SLP SCUBA skills assessment, review SLP Dive Program SOP.
• Provide initial and ongoing training for designated staff on dive safety, emergency response, and animal interaction protocols.
• Facilitate and document certifications in: First Aid, CPR, Emergency Oxygen Provider and Rescue Diver.
• Conduct classroom and live action safety drills for emergency response to aquatic incidents..

3. Dive Operations Coordination

• Routinely scuba dive in aquarium habitats, in varying visibility, with large aquatic animals including elasmobranchs.
• Assist with park dive activities as needed including habitat maintenance, staff training and animal husbandry.
• Coordinate with veterinarians, aquatics staff and maintenance teams to align dive activities with animal care and park operations.

4. Equipment Management

• Oversee inspection, servicing, and inventory of all dive equipment: regulators, cylinders, buoyancy compensators, weights, and dive platforms.

5. Emergency Response & Incident Reporting

• Serve as the primary point of contact for dive-related incidents. Execute emergency protocols for diver incidents or marine animal distress calls.
• Lead investigations into accidents or near-misses; compile detailed reports with findings and prevention measures.

6. Recordkeeping & Reporting

• Maintain logs of dive profiles, diver certifications, maintenance records, training sessions, animal‑interaction dive logs, and incident reports.
• Prepare routine updates for senior staff regarding compliance, training outcomes, and safety trends.
• Non DSO activity will include other animal care duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Five (5) years of professional level experience working in dive operations within a public aquarium and direct supervisory or technical lead experience preferred.
• Instructor level SCUBA certification from a recognized organization (PADI,SSI, NAUI)
• Current, active, instructor status including conducting classes within the past year
• Experience with all skill levels preferred.
• Previous hospitality, amusement park, theme park, or waterpark experience preferred

Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements:

• SCUBA Instructor certification from a member of the Recreational SCUBA Training Council (PADI, SDI, SSI, etc.) or equivalent (NAUI,etc.)
• Pass a mandatory diver medical assessment within first month of work. SLP will reimburse the positions annual certification fee and instructor insurance.
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must have reliable transportation to and from your scheduled shift
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
• Ability to comprehend and carry out verbal and written instructions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive park and guest information
• Ability to professionally and calmly deal with stressful and/or tense situations
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner
• Ability to collaborate with other team members, external first responders, and emergency personnel during emergency situations
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday
• Ability to occasionally stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
• Ability to remain sedentary for extended periods of time, while using a computer/camera equipment
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 50 pounds or more

Working Conditions:

• This role will be based in both an office setting as well as frequent exposure to all other indoor and outdoor park environments
• Frequent exposure to variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, and other weather conditions
• Exposure to a variety of stressful emergency situations involving people or property
• Subject to, high noise levels, flashing lights, and heavily populated environments
• Subject to frequent interruptions and requests that may require reprioritization of activities

Team member benefits: