Dive Safety Officer
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
3-7 years
Compensation
$50K - $50K per year
Posted
6h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This role involves leading and managing all dive operations and safety protocols for the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. The Dive Safety Officer will train and supervise staff and volunteer divers, maintain dive equipment, and ensure compliance with regulatory agencies while supporting animal care and public education programs.
Position Title: Dive Safety Officer
Department: Aquarium
Reports To: Curator & Assistant Curator
FLSA Status: Exempt
Purpose
Serve as the Aquarium's lead diving professional, overseeing safe and compliant dive operations while supporting animal care, exhibit maintenance, staff training, volunteer management, and public engagement. Ensure all diving activities align with Zoo policies and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.
Essential Job Functions
Manage and oversee daily diving operations in collaboration with Curatorial staff.
Develop, implement, and maintain dive safety policies, procedures, manuals, training programs, and emergency response protocols in compliance with OSHA, AAUS, ADPA, AZA, and other applicable standards.
Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and mentor volunteer divers; coordinate monthly dive team meetings and serve on the Dive Control Board.
Train staff and volunteers to safely conduct exhibit maintenance, educational programs, demonstrations, and special events.
Support animal care by assisting with underwater husbandry, medical procedures, exhibit inspections, maintenance, repairs, and dive tending as required.
Ensure biosecurity and safe animal handling practices under Curatorial and Veterinary guidance.
Perform inspections, maintenance, repair, inventory, and procurement of SCUBA equipment, compressors, breathing air systems, cylinders, regulators, BCDs, full-face masks, communications equipment, and other dive gear.
Operate and maintain SCUBA air compressors, fill cylinders, and coordinate breathing air quality testing.
Maintain accurate records including dive logs, equipment maintenance, certifications, medical clearances, incident reports, and risk management documentation.
Conduct quarterly emergency drills, maintain annual updates of the Dive Operations Manual, and provide emergency response training.
Assist with dive program budgeting, staff development, educational initiatives, sustainability programs, and public outreach.
Stay current with industry standards, equipment, and best practices through continuing education and professional development.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
High School diploma or GED.
Three (3) years of full-time equivalent professional SCUBA diving experience.
Current Dive Instructor (or higher) certification from a World Recreational SCUBA Training Council (WRSTC) agency.
Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in an aquarium, zoo, science center, or similar facility.
Experience supervising dive programs and volunteers.
Experience maintaining dive equipment, compressors, and exhibits.
Experience developing dive manuals, protocols, and safety programs.
Visual Cylinder Inspection certification and manufacturer-specific equipment service certifications.
Experience in aquatic animal husbandry, field collection, and public education.
Special Requirements
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
Wear required personal protective equipment.
Subject to pre-employment physical, mandatory drug testing, and ongoing safety requirements.
Maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (within six months of hire if not already certified).
Must pass and maintain dive medical clearance.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of dive safety, SCUBA certification standards, diving physiology, equipment maintenance, recordkeeping, and OSHA/AAUS/ADPA/AZA requirements.
Skilled in SCUBA equipment assembly, maintenance, compressor operation, exhibit maintenance, dive tending, and use of shop tools.
Ability to write procedures, maintain accurate records, solve problems, organize data, communicate effectively, lead and train staff and volunteers, and interact professionally with guests.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 60 lbs.
Successfully pass and maintain required dive physical and medical clearance.
Ability to perform prolonged underwater work in varying environmental conditions.
Updated 6h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
3-7 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$50K - $50K per year
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
Team size
Growing team
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
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Dive Safety Officer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States • Full Time