Supervisor of Diver Training/Assistant Dive Safety Officer ADSO

Position Summary

The Supervisor of Diver Training/Assistant Dive Safety Officer (ADSO) is responsible for assisting in training activities related to The Florida Aquarium (TFA) dive program. This includes developing and implementing the aquarium’s diver training program along with scheduling, supervising and evaluating staff divers on an ongoing basis. This position is responsible for maintaining a continuous line of communication with all staff divers and dive program trainees. As part of a training team, this position will schedule and conduct Florida Aquarium Diver (FAD) training, Open Water Scientific Diver (OWSD) training, all dive related activities relating to TFA’s Aqua Camps, SeaTREK, Divers Alert Network (DAN) First Aid, and other dive training for staff as needed.

The Supervisor of Diver Training will act as head SeaTREK Coordinator responsible for training for all of TFA’s SeaTREK guides. The position works closely with the Aquarium’s Dive Safety Officer to ensure dive policies are implemented and followed and works regularly with Animal Care supervisors to organize and train Animal Care staff to effectively function as staff divers as part of a successful dive program.

Essential Position Functions

• Work in conjunction with the Marine Operations Manager to provide seven day-a-week supervisory coverage for Marine Operations Team
• Facilitate and administrate the SeaTREK Training program. Ensure all new SeaTREK staff are trained on time, remain current on all training, and that the SeaTREK Training program is current on all standards
• Act as captain/crew on the Bay Spirit II for Wild Dolphin Cruises, charters, and education cruises. Act as captain on the small vessel fleet for offsite vessel work
• Work with Dive Safety Officer on oversight and administration of the staff diver training program, ensuring the program complies and aligns with department and facility wide goals; appropriate risk management functions; fieldwork and special projects as needed
• Assist the Dive Safety Officer assuring the dive program is in current compliance with regulatory agencies and accrediting organizations-American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)/ Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)/ Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA)
• Support exhibit maintenance, equipment maintenance, and SeaTREK maintenance
• Deliver extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests by incorporating the Aquarium’s conservation efforts into all guest programs, connecting the guests to our mission.

The Marine Operations Supervisor of Diver Training/Assistant Dive Safety Officer is expected to:

• Coordinate dive training at the Aquarium’s main campus, its offsite exhibits and the Center for Conservation in Apollo Beach, FL. Work with other shift supervisors to standardize expectations and communications to ensure a smooth schedule
• Support risk management functions such as training, equipment maintenance, fieldwork and special projects as needed; integrate staff divers as appropriate
• Facilitate all SeaTREK training of new staff, follow all SeaTREK standards for training
• Act as liaison between The Florida Aquarium and SeaTREK’s parent company SubSea Systems.
• Support gear maintenance as required
• Work collaboratively in a team environment
• Be familiar with the Aquarium’s shared purpose, vision, and values and ability to communicate them to our guests
• Represent the Aquarium at community outreach and media events when needed
• Complete daily Marine Operation tasks (closing tasks, filling tanks, laundry, vessel housekeeping duties, etc.) as required
• Ensure all dive programs are conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Florida Aquarium’s Dive Safety Manual and all governing agencies and regulatory organization
• Be able to troubleshoot basic dive program related mechanical problems and dive equipment issues and find an appropriate solution based on current circumstances
• Deliver extraordinary customer service to aquarium guests as appropriate
• Perform routine exhibit, equipment, and vessel maintenance as needed
• Support scientific diving for off-site projects as needed
• Act as dive trainer or assistant for internal training programs as needed
• Assist in maintaining accurate log systems, both electronically and on paper for the boating and dive programs
• Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis
• Complete all assigned projects in a timely manner, with little to no supervision
• Perform other duties as requested.

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• Professional SCUBA diver rating
• DAN CPR Instructor certification preferred
• Two year experience in dive training and supervision in an aquarium / zoo, leading dives professionally, or in the commercial diving field required
• Experience with diver related OSHA standards with California OSHA knowledge a plus
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Supervisory experience required
• Experience working with training staff preferred
• United States Coast Guard 50Ton Captains License preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success. Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood. Fosters a positive, supportive and encouraging work environment. Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
• Leadership (Supervisory) – Shows leadership by providing vision and strategies; sets clear expectations and goals for the team that support departmental and organizational goals. Guides staff toward individual accomplishments, departmental and organizational goals. Exhibits and demonstrates core value competencies. Creates a positive environment in which people are motivated to do their best; invites input from team and delegate’s responsibility appropriately; recognizes contributions and supports professional growth of staff.
• Business Focus – Strives to positively affect organizational success in completion of job requirements, manages resources effectively, and takes positive actions to enhance the Guest experience. Recognizes how their own performance and contributions impact departmental and organizational goals, strategies and results. Keeps FLAQ business and Customer’s well-being at the forefront of day-to-day focus.
• Planning/Decision Making – Establishes a course of action with specific goals and objectives in mind. Allocates resources and sets priorities in the most efficient and effective way while respecting our collection and environment with high ethics and standards. Demonstrates the ability to make the best informed decisions considering alternatives and available information. Develops contingency plans anticipating needs and changes in the work environment while seeking win-win solutions.
• Reliability/Accountability – Demonstrates the ability to complete tasks punctually, meet deadlines and follow through on commitments. Provides consistent and timely work free of errors and omissions. Demonstrates good time management skills by using time effectively and efficiently. Arrives at work and meetings on time. Takes responsibility for actions and behavior and learns from experiences.
• Problem Solving/Judgment – Provides realistic solutions in a timely manner based on consideration of alternatives and consequences. Demonstrates ability to evaluate alternatives and make judgments based on facts and the best interest of the organization. Demonstrates the courage to innovate and change when appropriate.
• Communication – effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally. Actively listening to individuals and groups; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through reports, emails, and documents.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, walking – at least 4 hours per day
• Bending/stooping, climbing ladders – frequently
• Kneeling/squatting, reaching above shoulders – occasionally
• Carrying/lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment) so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained.
• Should be able to climb and descend ladders quickly
• Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
• Ability to travel (car, boat, plane, truck) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens
• Subject to bites, stings, scrapes and exposure to various plants, animals, and birds
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Special Working Conditions

• Will be enrolled in the mariner consortium upon hire, per U.S. Coast Guard regulations and as such are subject to random drug screenings
• This position could be asked to travel for overnight scientific diving projects
• Working conditions include working in outdoor weather conditions, a non-stable environment (i.e. pitching, heaving, and rolling decks), noisy environment, hot and confined spaces, exposure to toxic/caustic substances and fumes, as well as moving, lifting, and carrying heavy objects.