Job Description
The Dive Safety Officer is responsible for the coordination and management of HZI diving operations and training. The position will also be responsible for creating dive schedules, conducting safety drills, and ensuring compliance with all OSHA, AAUS, and AZA standards for aquarium and scientific diving. This role shall be involved in the care, observation, maintenance, propagation, and management of assigned aquarium animal specimens. This position will also be responsible for interpretive presentations to guests in an educational and attractive manner.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Design and implement a Dive Operation following industry best practices. .
• Schedules staff divers for maintenance of exhibits and dive presentations.
• Maintains HZI SCUBA equipment including, but not limited to, scuba cylinders, compressors, regulators, full-face masks, buoyancy compensators, wetsuits, et cetera.
• Maintains and inspects diving equipment ensuring all is within the proper operating parameters to provide a safe diving environment for staff divers.
• Maintains membership in the Association of Dive Program Administrators (ADPA).
• Coordinates regular training and drills for Dive team staff in the areas of safety, animal behavior, visitor enjoyment and educational programming.
• Meets all applicable requirements as outlined in HZI’s Diving Operations and Procedures Manual.
• Adheres to all dive safety policies and procedures as set by HZI and the Dive Control Board.
• Establishes a preventative maintenance schedule on breathable air systems while maintaining precise records.
• Performs other Dive Office functions such as filling cylinders, tending/diving feeding presentations, data entry, buddy diving, diving supervisor, etc.
• Assists the Animal Care team with exhibit maintenance and other duties as workload necessitates.
• Performs quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interacts professionally with other staff, customers, and suppliers.
• Works effectively as an animal care team member on all assignments.
• Knowledge of aquatic species and environments maintained at the HZI.
• Oversee volunteers participating in the dive operations
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from a four-year college or university in related field, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• An active Dive Master certification from a recognized agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI) required. An active Dive Instructor certification preferred. Hold a current oxygen provide instructor certification from a nationally recognized agency.
• Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs.
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license or the ability to get one within six (6) months of employment.
• Works independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other staff and organizations.
• Shares knowledge with others in a team environment and assists with training of those with less knowledge and experience.
ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
• Medical and Prescription Drug
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
• 401k, with employer match
Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
• Free parking
Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
