Dive Safety Officer

Institutional Mission:
SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion:
SFS was founded with the belief that stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people all around the world. Addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities. We recognize that to successfully address threats to our natural world, we must look beyond social constructs designed to divide us. Just as we value biodiversity in all its forms, we value and engage with a multitude of diverse perspectives and people in the countries where we work and the students and staff we serve.

Job Title:              Dive Safety Officer (DSO)
Reports to:          Center Director
Location:             South Caicos, Turks and Caicos - Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS)
Training:             This position will have the opportunity to onboard and train with our current DSO

Position Summary
Under the general direction of the Center Director, the Diving Safety Officer (DSO) is responsible for a variety of support duties associated with academic and scientific activities, on and underwater, in order to ensure they are carried out in an effective and safe manner, in accordance with SFS and CMRS specific policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
General

• The Dive Safety Officer oversees the routine operational authority for diving and waterfront programs, including conducting training, leading dives (and snorkels), certification, and skill assessment for activities based out of the waterfront, in conjunction with the Marine and Operations Coordinator (MOC). This includes, but is not limited to swimming, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. This is a hands-on position and involves frequent SCUBA diving and boat driving.

Dive & Snorkel Program Management and Training

• Oversee and deliver the Open Water and Advanced Open water courses with assistance from the Marine Operations Coordinator (MOC)
• Supervise the organization of all recreational student diving and snorkeling trips, and frequently lead activities.
• Ensure all dive/snorkeling activities are recorded.  As needed, coordinate these activities with the MOC
• Responsible for overseeing staff diving and snorkeling skills and providing training and skill development as needed
• Work in coordination with the MOC to ensure all staff exercise prudent seamanship.
• Facilitate training and skill development for all staff as needed
• Management of student compliance with all waterfront policies

Safety & Risk Mitigation

• Provide primary oversight for waterfront, boating, dive, and snorkel safety with assistance from MOC
•  Oversee student compliance with all waterfront policies.
• Review all field exercise risk management plans (RMPs)
• Work with the Student Life Director and Health and Wellness Manager to screen all student medical records, and reports to the Center Director with a summary each semester
• Maintain all student records for mandated time periods
• Responsible for ensuring base-site radio coverage and safety support during all student boat activities, ensure logs are entered
• Report all boat, scuba and waterfront related incidents to the MOC, Health and Wellness Manager and Center Director in a timely manner using the SFS ‘Incident Report' form

Dive & Snorkel Equipment Management

• Work with the MOC to ensure student crew packs are ordered and gear packages arrive in time for student training
• Assist MOC with cylinder servicing, including visual and hydrostatic testing as needed
• Assist MOC with the maintenance of the Center's air compressor and ensure breathing media is in compliance with compressed breathing air specifications
• Assist the MOC with maintenance of all waterfront equipment, including boats, compressor, SCUBA gear, mooring systems, etc.

Management of Waterfront and Program Assistants

• Direct supervision and coordination of Waterfront and Program Assistants on a daily basis, ensuring adequate training is provided, daily duties are completed, and academic and program functions are staffed at appropriate ratios
• Provide training to Waterfront and Program Assistants with respect to student supervision and safety
• Consult with MOC on waterfront operational matters that Waterfront and Program Assistants can assist with

Program Support

• Participate in planning activities prior to the program start and review/analysis following students' departure
• Participate in preparation of Final Reports, SFS-CMRS Dive Manual revisions, updating SFS-CMRS waterfront policies, manual revisions, and other required reports
•  Participate in training activities for new CMRS staff, prior to and during the program
• Participate in and assist with leading orientation and re-entry components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of each program period
•  Participate and assist with leading community outreach and engagement projects
• In cooperation with other CMRS staff, contribute to Waterfront and Program Assistant performance reviews
• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems
• As requested by the Center Director, assist with other logistical, group management and administrative tasks

Daily Center Life

• Live on-site for the duration of each program period
• Visit with students at meal time during the duration of each program period
• On a rotating basis, take responsibility for CMRS "staff of the day" duties
• Take part in, and occasionally lead, CMRS upkeep projects, social and field activities
• At the request of the Center Director, serve as caretaker for CMRS during program breaks and center rentals
• Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed
• Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and CMRS policies and procedures
• At all times, work to ensure good relations between CMRS and the local community

Other Expectations:

• Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the field station with a small team of permanent staff, groups of US undergraduate students and visiting researchers or programs, and participate in all center activities.
• Represent SFS at local and international conferences

Required Qualifications:

• Active status SCUBA diving instructor's certification from a nationally recognized agency (i.e., PADI, NAUI, BSAC)
• First Aid/CPR instructor
• Oxygen administration instructor
• Extensive small boat handling experience
• Experience in outboard engine troubleshooting and mechanics
• Certified in visual inspection for cylinders and experience with hydrostatic testing
• Related experience with an academic institution
• Experience with marine rescue and hazard identification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Captain's License
• Bachelor's degree. Marine-related discipline preferred.
• Experience in leadership (management) and personnel supervision
• Caribbean diving experience and knowledge of marine life preferred
• Experience with communal living
• EMT qualified
• Wilderness First Responder certification
• Tank inspection capability
• Shallow water diving experience

To apply: Submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experiences via the online application on the SFS Careers page at https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/ References will be requested at the end of the interview process.

Benefits:

• Covered travel from home of record at the beginning and end of program. After one year, one additional round-trip to home of record during non-program time, or another destination of equal or lesser value
• On-site room and board (all meals also provided while programs are in session)
• Auto-enrollment in an Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance plan effective from the first day of employment
• International health insurance reimbursement at 80%, increasing with each year of employment, up to 100%
• Long-term Disability, Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage provided by SFS
• If applicable, DAN Insurance up to $125
• Option to participate in SFS’s 403b retirement plan through Fidelity Investments and eligible for SFS matching contribution program after one year of employment.