Assistant Dive Safety Officer, New York Aquarium

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildlife Conservation Society in New York seeks an Assistant Dive Safety Officer to support the NYA dive program, including training, supervision, operation, and administration.

You will oversee staff and volunteer divers, maintain equipment, schedule dives, and ensure AAUS compliance while coordinating with the Dive Safety Officer.

Role requires strong communication, proactive safety focus, and flexibility to work weekends and varied shifts at the New York Aquarium.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or GED.
• Divemaster certification; instructor certification preferred.
• 2–4 years' dive program experience in a similar setting.
• Experience with dive instruction and gear maintenance.
• ADDITIONAL certifications (DFA Pro, AAUS) are a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the Dive Safety Officer in managing the NYA dive program.
• Supervise staff and volunteer divers during operations and training.
• Maintain scuba equipment per manufacturers and AAUS standards.
• Fill tanks, log dives, and manage dive records and spaces.
• Assist in communication with volunteer divers and stakeholders.
• Lead during dives as DPIC or Lead Diver and respond to emergencies.
• Coordinate uniform program and scheduling of dives.

Skills

Dive safety

Staff supervision

Emergency response

Crew training

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Divemaster certification (instructor preferred)

Job description

Job Description

Title: Assistant Dive Safety Officer
Reports To: Dive Safety Officer
Position Managed: Dive Safety Team
Department: Animal Programs
Location: New York Aquarium
Employment Type: Non-Union, Exempt, Full-Time
Pay Range: $48,000 - $52,000 per year

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Position Summary

To support the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) in managing the New York Aquarium dive program, including training, supervision, operation, and administration.

Principal Responsibilities

• Manage daily operation of the aquarium's dive program including the supervision of staff and volunteer divers in accordance with the New York Aquarium Diving Standards for Underwater Operations and the Volunteer Dive Team Handbook.
• Serve as Designated Person In Charge (DPIC) and Lead Diver during NYA dive operations and lead response to emergency situations in conjunction with the DSO.
• Maintain NYA scuba equipment in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and AAUS requirements for annual service.
• Fill tanks and ensure availability of compressed air for NYA dive operations.
• Schedule and log dives for staff and volunteer divers.
• Maintain all required logs and records In accordance with NYA diving standards.
• Organize and maintain physical spaces assigned to the NYA dive program.
• Assist the DSO in training staff and volunteer divers.
• Manage the uniform program for NYA volunteer divers, including ordering, distribution, and inventory.
• Support communications with and among volunteer dive program participants through email and social media channels.

Qualification Requirements

• Education:
  • Minimum high school diploma or GED.
• Certification:
  • Minimum recreational scuba certification of divemaster, with instructor certification preferred.
• 2-4 years' experience as staff or volunteer in a similar work environment.
• Specific experience in dive instruction, scuba gear maintenance, CPR Instruction, AAUS dive training, lifeguarding is a strong plus.
• Divers Alert Network (DAN) Diving First Aid for Professional Divers (DFA Pro-training required, with a preference for current instructors).
• Experience and certification in gear maintenance (especially Oceanic and OTS), cylinder inspection and valve maintenance, and compressor operations.
• Experience with tethered diving, full face mask, and underwater communications systems strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are a critical requirement along with strong oral and written communication.
• Must demonstrate a proactive approach to achieving the objectives of the dive program.
• Must be highly self-motivated and similarly able to take direction.
• Must be able to work Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and variable shifts.
• Valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements

• The position requires strenuous physical activity as a diver. Must pass MUS-compliant dive physical and swim test (400 yards in 12 minutes).
• The positional requires outdoor work in all weather conditions as well as indoor exhibit facilities and office environments.
• Tasks require manual dexterity for various tasks (e.g. computer keyboard, mobile radios, operation/ manipulation of diving gear, manual tools).
• Some tasks require kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person's membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS's employment policies. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Salary Range

$48,000 - $52,000