Summary:
A full-time Safety Diver assists the Sr. Dive Safety Diver and promotes the policies & protocols to ensure that all Aquarium diving operations and equipment conform with applicable safety standards. The Safety Diver will support staff and volunteers with diving operations and assist with maintenance and testing of diving-related equipment. The Safety Diver will be responsible for covering the duties of the Sr. Safety Diver during pre-scheduled absences.

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. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Assist the Aquarium’s Sr. Safety Diver with projects and initiatives
• Serve in rotation as Dive Master on field research expeditions
• Maintain all pertinent records associated with the dive function of the Aquarium
• Support the training and activities of staff and volunteer divers
• Help to administer and keep current the Aquarium’s Diving Safety Manual and ensure compliance with pre-determined safety standards
• Fill cylinders and make repairs as necessary
• Support and work closely with other Aquarium departments such as Safety & Security, Fishes, Marine Mammals, Animal Health, Conservation, Learning, Facilities, Planning & Design and the crew of the R/V Coral Reef II
• Inspect diver life support systems and emergency equipment on a scheduled basis.
• Make recommendations on equipment needs and resources
• Demonstrate understanding of aquatic animal care and welfare
• Other projects as assigned.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum diving certification of Dive Master or the ability to become so within 3 months of hire
• Certified and current as AED/CPR Provider and O2 Provider, or the ability to become so within 3 months of hire
• Must qualify for SCUBA dive accident insurance (equivalent to DAN Master Level)

Required Job Experience

• Experience in a variety of diving environments.
• Logged at least 50 total open water dives

Special Knowledge and Skills:

• Computer proficiency
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Familiarity with AAUS and OSHA standards for diving

Other Characteristics:

• Flexibility in scheduling
• Must be able to interact and communicate well with staff, volunteers, and guests in a concise, consistent, and friendly manner.
• Must be able to pass a regularly scheduled physical examination administered by a Shedd Aquarium-authorized physician and be physically fit to fulfill diving and maintenance responsibilities, special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred:

• Education:
  • BS or BA in science or related fields. Relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience:
  • Cold water diving experience preferred
  • AED/CPR and O2 Provider certifications.
  • Experience with SCUBA tank compressors
  • Boat-handling skills
  • Certified or special training in repair and maintenance of compressed air life support systems with an emphasis on SCUBA equipment.

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).