Director of Dive Operations - Dive Safety Officer

Overview

TITLE: Director of Dive Operations - Dive Safety Officer
DEPARTMENT: Dive Operations
REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Animal Operations & Habitats
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY: $85,000 - $100,000
LOCATION: Onsite - Chicago, IL

The Dive Safety Officer (DSO) is a leadership position responsible and accountable for the development and management of safe and effective Aquarium dive program operations, dive facilities, and dive equipment. The DSO works with assistant dive safety officers, staff and managers from numerous departments to develop and implement dive protocols and first aid procedures to meet operational needs while ensuring compliance with regulatory and professional organizations.

The DSO mentors and coaches staff and volunteer divers, fostering effective communication; and participates in the creation and implementation of new dive programs as developed through the Aquarium’s Experience Master Planning process. The DSO serves as Chair of the Dive Control Board (DCB) and chief representative in reporting and developing the above programs and content for the DCB. The DSO supports the integration of dive operations into animal care, facility maintenance, public relations, and research activities, and collaborates with other managers to affect safe procedures requiring SCUBA, surface-supplied air, snorkeling, and breath-hold diving.

The DSO is a working diver position.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Lead the development of diving operations and safety protocols, procedures, training, compliance, and documentation.
• Evaluate staff and volunteer divers regarding training, knowledge, and skill proficiency.
• Ensure that all divers meet fitness qualifications in accordance with Aquarium policy.
• Participate in the recruitment, assessment of the organization, training, and scheduling of the volunteer divers.
• Lead the development of and oversee the execution of exhibit maintenance duties and responsibilities requiring SCUBA.
• Function as a Dive Master as needed to support Aquarium-approved field dive activities.
• Work with the captain of the R/V Coral Reef II to develop safe diving operations for the Aquarium’s research vessel.
• Work with the research team to develop best practices for field diving from the R/V Coral Reef II.
• Ensure safe and animal-sensitive approaches to dive operation planning and execution.
• Recommend and manage dive program budgets.
• Maintain the highest industry standards related to Aquarium dive operations.
• Work evening, weekend, holiday hours as required.
• Work extended periods of time of up to two weeks for field diving operations, particularly aboard R/V Coral Reef II.
• Help ensure regular preventative maintenance is performed on all dive program equipment, including water and dive safety equipment, and maintain equipment in a neat, operational, organized, and sanitary condition.
• Maintain detailed, up-to-date dive program records, including equipment maintenance logs and training and risk management logs. Ensure dive logs are maintained and archived according to regulatory and accreditation requirements and standards.
• Participate in public interaction, including behind-the-scenes tours, speaking engagements, media communication, and guest education.
• Compose dive operations and related information for public relations, social media, development, membership, and others as requested.
• Assist with the health and care of the animal collection as directed by veterinary and husbandry leadership.
• Review and edit the dive safety manual as needed and ensure publication and distribution of the dive operations manual on an annual basis to the DCB and to all dive staff and volunteers.
• Organize and lead annual DCB meetings.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Participate in the Aquarium’s Safety Committee as the dive safety liaison.
• Supervise the Dive Safety Assistants in the implementation and daily management of the aquarium’s dive program.
• Other duties as assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in a…