[Coral-List] Diving Safety Officer Position - Turks & Caicos Islands

[Jobs]

Diving Safety Officer
Center for Marine Resource Studies
Turks & Caicos Islands

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.

Center Objective: The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS), a field
station located on South Caicos Island in TCI, is committed to providing
educational and research opportunities to visiting students while
collaborating with local stakeholders on setting the research agenda and
sharing research outcomes. We operate year-round, delivering two semester
and two summer programs. The Center strives to make a meaningful
contribution to the sustainable management of South Caicos marine resources
and ecosystems, to the better management of the terrestrial environment, and
towards the preparedness of the local community for the advent of mainstream
tourism. The Center research activities are carried out in three areas:
assessment and monitoring of marine environments and species, conservation
and management of marine resources, and socio-economic conditions for
development.

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

General -The routine operational authority for the diving and waterfront
programs, including conducting training, leading dives (and snorkels),
certification, and skill assessment for activities based out of the
waterfront including but not limited to swimming, snorkeling, boat driving,
and SCUBA diving. This is a hands-on position and involves frequent SCUBA
diving and boat driving.

*	Responsible for all purchases made pertaining to boating and diving
at the Center as approved by the Center Director. This includes the
development, submission, revision and adherence to an annual DSO budget
approved by the Center Director.
*	Responsible for the coordination of safety, scheduling, and
management of tasks for prudent diving and boating practices at all times
including visits by researchers, guests, and during related business
opportunity programs.
*	Responsible for all vessel safety requirements, maintenance and
repair (with assistance of the Site Manager)
*	Responsible for ensuring base-site radio coverage and safety support
during all student boat activities
*	Maintains or facilitates the maintenance of the Center's air
compressor and ensures breathing media is in compliance with compressed
breathing air specifications.
*	Ensures that all SCUBA equipment used at the Center has been
serviced annually (facilitates servicing where possible).
*	Facilitates all tank servicing including visual and hydrostatic
testing.
*	Responsible for the development of prudent seamanship and dive
master skills for staff as required (usually consisting of 3 Dive masters).
*	Train all staff in small boat navigational principles and related
operational skills.
*	Supervises the organization of all student diving and snorkeling
trips and frequently leads activities.
*	Works with the Safety Director and Student Affairs Manager to screen
all student medical records, and reports to the Center Director with a
summary each semester.
*	Participate in preparation of the Final Reports, SFS-CMRS Dive
Manual revisions and other required reports.
*	Reporting all boat, scuba and waterfront related incidents to the
Center Director and HQ in a timely manner using the standard 'Incidence
Report' forms.
*	Management of student compliance with all waterfront policies.


Program Support

*	Participate in planning activities prior to the program start and in
review/analysis following students' departure.
*	Participate in training activities for new center staff prior to and
during the program.
*	Participate in and lead parts of the orientation and re-entry
components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of
each program period.
*	In cooperation with other Center staff, provide day-to-day
coordination of Interns as delegated by the Center Director and contribute
to Intern 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 and take meals
with the students.
*	On a rotating basis, take responsibility for Center-specific "staff
of the day" duties.
*	Take part in, and occasionally lead, Center upkeep projects, social
and field activities.
*	At the request of the Center Director, serve as caretaker for Center
during program breaks and center rentals.
*	Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed.
*	Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and Center policies
and procedures.
*	At all times, work to ensure good relations between the Center and
local community.


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 (highly desirable, marine related discipline an
advantage)
*	Experience in leadership (management) and personnel supervision
*	Caribbean diving experience and knowledge of marine life highly
desirable
*	Experience in group living situations
*	EMT qualified
*	Wilderness First Aid Responder
*	Tank inspection capability
*	Shallow water diving experience

 
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.


Reports To: Center Director

Compensation:  Salary plus on-site room & board and an excellent benefits
package.

Start Date: January 2016

To Apply: Submit a cover letter outlining relevant experiences and
addressing the qualifications and expectations stated above and curriculum
vitae online at https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal
<https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOr
derID=5951237> &a=details&jobOrderID=5951237

References will be required upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employer.