TITLE: Director of Dive Operations
DEPARTMENT: Dive Operations
REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Animal Operations & Habitats
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY: $85,000 - $100,000
LOCATION: Onsite - Chicago, IL.

Note: This position is being advertised in advance of our 2026 hiring cycle. Applications are welcome now; however, interviews and next steps in the selection process will begin in early 2026.
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:   

Shedd Aquarium illustrates a commitment to optimal animal care and welfare to facilitate impactful public engagement with wildlife. Our commitment to animal care’ first approach has a foundation where individuals and groups of animals can exhibit natural behaviors encouraged through complex environmental design, innovative behavioral training, and enrichment.  

The Dive Safety Officer (DSO) is a leadership position that is responsible and accountable for the development and management of safe and effective Aquarium dive program operations, dive facilities, and dive equipment. The  DSO works with assistant dive safety officers, staff and managers from numerous departments to develop and implement dive protocols and first aid procedures to meet operational needs while ensuring compliance with regulatory and relevant professional organizations The DSO mentor and coaches staff and volunteer divers, fostering effective communication; and participate in the creation and implementation of new dive programs as developed through the Aquarium’s Experience Master Planning process.    

The Dive Safety Officer serves as Chair of the Dive Control Board (DCB) and serves as chief representative in the reporting and development of the above programs and content for the DCB. The DSO supports the integration of dive operations into animal care, facility maintenance, public relations, and research activities, and is proactive in collaboration with other managers to affect safe procedures requiring SCUBA, surface supplied air, snorkeling, and breath-hold diving. The Dive Safety Officer is a working diver position. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.  
• Lead the development of diving operations and safety protocols, procedures, training, compliance, and documentation. 
• Evaluate staff and volunteer divers regarding training, knowledge, and skill proficiency. 
• Ensure that all divers meet fitness qualifications in accordance with Aquarium policy.  
• Participate in the recruitment, assessment of the organization, training, and scheduling of the volunteer divers. 
• 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 the R/V Coral Reef II to develop safe diving operations for the Aquarium’s research vessel. 
• Work with the research team 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. 
• Maintain the highest industry standards related to Aquarium dive operations. 
• Work evening, weekend, holiday hours as required. 
• Work extended periods of time of up to two weeks for field diving operations, particularly aboard R/V Coral Reef II.  
• Help to ensure that regular preventative maintenance is performed on all dive program equipment, including water and dive safety equipment, as needed/required, and maintain such equipment in a neat, operational, organized, and sanitary condition. 
• Maintain detailed, up-to-date dive program records, including, but not limited to, equipment maintenance logs, and training and risk management logs. Ensure that dive logs are maintained and archived according to regulatory and accreditation requirements and standards. 
• Participate in public interaction, including behind-the-scenes tours, speaking engagements, media communication, and guest education. 
• Compose dive operations and related information for public relations, social media, development, membership, and others as requested. 
• Assist with the health and care of the animal collection as directed by veterinary and husbandry 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 to the dive control board and to all dive staff and volunteers. 
• Organize and lead annual DCB meetings. 
• Ability to comfortably work independently and in a team setting. 
• Participate in the Aquarium’s Safety Committee as the dive safety liaison. 
• Supervise the Dive Safety Assistants in the implementation and daily management of the aquarium’s dive program.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in a biological science or related field preferred.
 
Experience:   

• 10+ years of relevant experience will be considered in place of a degree. 
• 2+ years of managerial experience 
• Complete understanding of AAUS and OSHA diving regulations, as well as current industry-accepted dive practices. 
• Dive program supervisory and management experience. 
• Dive program participation in a zoological facility is preferred. 
• Extensive shallow water (
• Experience with diving equipment maintenance and management. 
• Ability to work for an extended period of time as 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. 
• Working proficiency with basic hand and power tools. 
• Comfort and experience safely working around animals is preferred. 
• Ability to evaluate and recommend behavioral solutions for optimal welfare and sustainability of animals in Shedd’s care. 
• Ability to participate in the development of animals in Shedd’s care for public engagement, sustainability, and research. 
• Ability to develop and manage a department budget. 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. 
• Proficiency in the use of diving software such as Dive Program in the Cloud. 
• Ability to learn multiple software applications for accounting, employee management, and interdepartmental business operations. 

Licenses/Certifications: 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and passport. 
• Must possess current SCUBA certification of Dive Instructor or higher from a nationally recognized SCUBA certifying agency. 
• 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 

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

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

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.