Dive Volunteer

Volunteer Divers get up close and personal with the animals in the aquarium exhibits. They assist the Husbandry Team by feeding the animals and observing their behavior, as well as cleaning the exhibit structures and acrylic windows. Volunteer divers also have the opportunity to participate in on-mic presentations to our guests.

Essential Functions

• Dive, as directed, in the aquarium exhibits for the purpose of animal husbandry, exhibit cleaning, and educational programs for guests.
• Maintain a safe, positive, inclusive, team-driven dive environment
• Adhere to all aquarium dive protocols and regulations

Prerequisites to Apply

• At least 18 years of age
• Rescue Diver SCUBA certification
• 50 logged dives
• Commit to dive once a week for a period of at least one year

Knowledge and Skills

• Applicants should be organized, self-motivated, and have excellent people skills.
• Pass an annual dive physical and drug screen
• Current certification in First Aid, CPR, AED, & O2 Provider
• Attend 3 aquarium and dive safety trainings prior to the first volunteer dive day
• Pass in-water swim test
  • Examples of skills (subject to change): 400-yard swim in 12 minutes or less, 25-yard swim on single breath, Tread water 10 minutes, Surface tows.
• Pass in-water scuba skills and buoyancy evaluation
  • Examples of skills (subject to change): Enter and exit water by ladder with fins in hand, Surface swim alternating between snorkel and regulator, Remove and replace buoyancy compensator on surface and underwater, Remove and replace regulator and mask while hovering underwater, Buddy breathing, Rescue of simulated unconscious diver from depth.
• Pass written knowledge test
• Able to dive in water temperatures ranging from 58-74°F
• Able to understand and follow written and oral instruction
• Able to adapt to a fast paced, ever-changing work environment
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Competent in basic online data logging and e-mail communication

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist.
• Applicants must be able to navigate exhibit ladders and platforms, and be on his/her feet for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-50lbs.
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-50lbs.
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills.

Mental Demands

The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with high levels of responsibility, empathy, frustration, and patience when it comes to the care of animals with basic needs.
• Resilience and ability to prioritize sometimes competing tasks and maintain composure while working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and guests, even when differing perspectives present potential for conflict.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions and alternatives.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
• Ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism.
• Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.

Working Environment

Must be able to work in warm and cold water environments for periods of 20-90 minutes. Full wetsuit, booties, gloves, and hood must be worn while diving and are provided by the facility. Divers should be comfortable being in close proximity with marine animals (i.e. fish, eels, sharks, rays, turtles, mammals) and should not be bothered by fish odor. All are required to maintain a clean and organized area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind the scenes tours. In addition to the ability to lift 50 lbs., divers must be able to quickly assemble, don, and transport full scuba gear.

Commitment and Shift Availability

All dive volunteers attend a 4-5 hour shift in either the afternoon (12PM), or evening (5PM) once a week on a recurring day of the week. We require a minimum commitment of one year of weekly service (with time off recognized for vacations, special needs, and illness). Dive Volunteers must maintain an annual attendance rate of 75%.

Training

Applicants must attend the initial Information meeting, Swim/Scuba Checkout, Aquarium 101, and New Diver Training. We do not provide training for Rescue diver certification or required emergency certifications (First Aid, CPR, AED, O2 Provider).

Application

Dive Volunteer Recruitment is typically offered once a year. Diver selection is based on basic qualifications, water skills, underwater competency, schedule availability, commitment, and communication. Applications will expire at the end of the year if training is not complete.

Dive Volunteer Applications are open from June to August.

Apply