Dive Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

The Dive Officer (DO) is a member of the Dive Operations (Dive Ops) team and reports to the Director of Marine Operations (DOMO).  Dive Ops works to implement dive safety procedures and guidelines per the Moody Gardens (MG) Dive Safety Manual (DSM) to ensure the safe conduct of dive operations at the facility and in the field. A DO possesses a broad diving knowledge and skill base to include diving technology and aquarium and research diving techniques spanning the reach of the Moody Gardens Dive Program (MGDP). The DO is qualified to perform all aspects of the MGDP operation and take direction from the DOMO and Dive Safety Officer (DSO) to conduct and supervise all staff, volunteer, intern and VIP diving operations at Moody Gardens. 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, supporting the DOMO in the management and supervision of 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 smooth daily operation of the LSEO department dive operations, including but not limited to supervising and coordinating staff and volunteer divers, serving in various roles for dives, responding to emergency situations, training, and administrative duties
• Under the direction of the DSO and DOMO, 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 DSO, Curators and staff informed of staff issues and behaviors in addition to animal health issues and behaviors observed in the course of dive operations 
• Maintain an effective approach to promoting a strong safety culture for dive operations

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate the daily MGDP dive operations focusing on diver training, safety protocol development and refinement, and operational efficiency   
• Inspect and repair diving equipment
• Assist with 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. 
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Baccalaureate degree
• Possess current leadership-level certification from an internationally recognized agency
• Have experience in aquarium-related diving
• Present a copy of dive training certifications, certificates, and diving log.
• Valid drivers license

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.  
• Intermediate 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
• 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 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.