Lead Diving Safety Officer - Scientific & Field Ops

California Academy of Sciences; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco seeks a Diving Safety Officer to lead our diving program across in-house and field operations. Reporting to the General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer, the DSO ensures safety, compliance, and educational impact for all divers and programs.

We value expertise in AAUS standards, Cal/OSHA compliance, and staff training, with a focus on habitat maintenance, public programming, and field research.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years as active SCUBA instructor with rescue/first aid endorsements.
• Minimum 5 years diving experience in zoo/aquarium and field settings.
• Active AAUS member for 5+ years.
• Broad knowledge of diving theory and safety practices.
• Ability to train staff and volunteers on safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on Diving Control Board and safety policies.
• Ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA and AAUS standards.
• Coordinate dive operations and supervise dive officers.
• Prepare dive plans and review for modification.
• Assist with budgeting for diving operations.
• Collaborate with Education, Biodiversity and Operations teams.

Skills

Diving instruction

Safety leadership

Policy compliance

Training staff

Communication

Education

AAUS member/certification

Oxygen Admin, First Aid & CPR instructor

Bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred)

Tools

Dive equipment maintenance knowledge

AAUS standards understanding

Job description

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco seeks a Diving Safety Officer to lead our diving program across in-house and field operations. Reporting to the General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer, the DSO ensures safety, compliance, and educational impact for all divers and programs.

We value expertise in AAUS standards, Cal/OSHA compliance, and staff training, with a focus on habitat maintenance, public programming, and field research.