Director of Dive Operations Dive Safety Officer

Shedd Aquarium illustrates a commitment tooptimalanimal care and welfare tofacilitateimpactful public engagement with wildlife. Ourcommitment toanimalcarefirst approach has a foundationwhereindividuals and groups of animals canexhibitnatural behaviors encouraged through complex environmental design innovative behavioral training and enrichment.

The DiveSafety Officer(DSO) is a leadership positionthat isresponsible and accountable for the development and managementofsafe and effective Aquarium dive program operations dive facilitiesand dive withassistant dive safety officersstaff and managers from numerous departments to develop and implement dive protocolsandfirst aidprocedures to meet operational needswhileensuringcompliance with regulatory and relevant professional organizationsThe DSOmentorandcoachesstaff and volunteer divers fostering effective communication; and participatein the creation and implementation of new dive programs as developed through the Aquariums Experience Master Planning process.

The Dive Safety Officerserves as Chair ofthe Dive Control Board(DCB)and serves as chief representative in the reporting and developmentof theabove programs and content for the the integration of dive operations into animal care facility maintenance public relationsand research activitiesand is proactive in collaboration with other managers to affect safe procedures requiring SCUBAsurfacesupplied airsnorkeling and breath-hold diving. TheDive Safety Officeris a working diver position.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedds vision missionandvalues.
• Lead the development of diving operations and safety protocols procedurestraining complianceand documentation.
• Evaluate staff and volunteer diversregardingtraining knowledge and skillproficiency.
• Ensure that all divers meetfitness qualificationsin accordancewithAquariumpolicy.
• Participate in the recruitmentassessment oftheorganization trainingand scheduling ofthe volunteerdivers.
• 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 theR/VCoral Reef II to develop safe diving operations for the Aquariums research vessel.
• Work with the researchteam 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.
• Maintainthe highest industry standards related to Aquarium dive operations.
• Work evening weekend holiday hoursasrequired.
• Work extended periods of time of up to two weeks for field diving operations particularly aboard R/V Coral Reef II.
• Helptoensure that regular preventative maintenance is performed on all dive program equipment including water and dive safety equipment as needed/required andmaintainsuch equipment in a neat operational organized and sanitary condition.
• Maintain detailed up-to-datedive program recordsincluding but not limited toequipment maintenance logs and training and risk management that dive logs aremaintainedand archived according to regulatory and accreditation requirements and standards.
• Participate in public interaction including behind-the-scenes tours speaking engagements mediacommunication and guest education.
• Compose dive operations and related information for public relations social media developmentmembership and others asrequested.
• Assistwith the health and care of the animal collection as directed by veterinary andhusbandry leadership.
• Review and edit the dive safety manual as needed and ensure the publication and distribution of the dive operations manual on an annual basis tothe dive control boardand toall dive staff and volunteers.
• Organize andlead annual DCB meetings.
• Ability to comfortably work independently and in a team setting.
• Participate in the Aquariums Safety Committee as thedivesafety liaison.
• Supervisethe Dive Safety Assistantsin the implementation and daily management of the aquariums dive program.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 10 years of relevant experience will be considered in place of adegree.
• 2 years of managerial experience in a dive program.
• Completeunderstanding of AAUS and OSHA diving regulations as wellascurrent industry-accepted dive practices.
• Zoo/Aquarium diving experience is preferred.
• Extensive shallow water (
• Experience with diving equipment maintenance and management.
• Ability to work for an extendedperiod of timeas a professional in tight quarters at sea.
• Experience leading field dive operations as a dive master is preferred.
• Staff and volunteer management preferred.
• Strong mechanical ability.
• Workingproficiencywith basic hand and power tools.
• Comfort and experience safely working around animals ispreferred.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend behavioral solutions foroptimalwelfare and sustainability of animals in Shedds care.
• Ability toparticipatein the developmentof animals in Shedds care for public engagement sustainability and research.
• Ability to develop and manage a department budget.
• Advancedproficiency inMicrosoft Office programs.
• Proficiency in the useof diving software such asDiveProgram in the Cloud.
• Ability to learn multiple software applications for accounting employee management and interdepartmental business operations.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Mustpossessa valid drivers license and passport.
• Mustpossesscurrent SCUBA certification of Dive Instructor or higher from a nationally recognized SCUBAcertifyingagency.
• CPR and Oxygen Provider Instructor certifications are highly desirable.
• Certified visual cylinder inspection and manufacturer-specific diving equipment inspection/repair preferred.

Physical Readiness:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Lift up to 40 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Kneel
• Walk
• Swim
• Hear

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This person may be exposed to:

• Water
• Heat
• Cold
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Low noise
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise

• Medical Insurance including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets