Marine Operations Specialist

Position Summary

Florida Aquarium Marine Operations Specialist Captains are USCG licensed captains and Rescue Divers responsible for executing all aspects of Marine Operations departmental functions including exhibit and equipment maintenance, Wild Dolphin Cruise Operation, and guest experience programs such as SeaTREK.

This position specifically requires a merchant marine credential of no less than a 50-Ton Inland rating from the USCG, a valid Marine Radio Operators Permit and a Recue Diver or higher certification from a recognized recreational certification agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.) 

Essential Position Functions

• Safely conduct and support Wild Dolphin Cruises, education tours, events, and charters as captain and crew.
• Support routine exhibit, vessel, and equipment maintenance.
• Safely execute and support SeaTREK programs and related equipment maintenance.
• Deliver extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests.
• Conduct daily public dive and boat programs as diver, safety diver, tender, and boat crew.
• Operate as Captain and crew aboard a 72-ft USCG inspected passenger vessel in compliance with USCG and NMFS regulations.
• Maintain logs, records, and operational documentation.
• Support scientific diving and off-site research projects as needed.
• Ensure all dive programs comply with AAUS, AZA, OSHA, and Aquarium Dive Safety Manual standards.
• Represent the Aquarium during outreach and media events when needed.
• Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.

Secondary Functions

• Support volunteer supervision and gear maintenance.
• Assist SeaTREK guests while ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
• Support internal dive training and recreational scuba activities as needed.
• Complete assigned projects with minimal supervision.
• All other duties as required.

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• USCG Captain’s License 50-Ton or above.
• Must have a valid USCG MROP or able to obtain within one year of hire.
• Rescue Diver certification or equivalent from a nationally recognized SCUBA training organization required.
• Divemaster or Instructor certification preferred.
• Current First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Administration certifications preferred.
• Experience operating excursion vessels or dive charter boats preferred.
• Ability to maintain status in a random drug-screening consortium.
• General engine maintenance experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite preferred.

Competencies

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities. 
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork — Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
• Integrity/Trust — Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Judgment — Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise, taking strategic risks when necessary.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking up to 4 hours per day.
• Conducting lengthy working dives underwater – Daily.
• Bending, stooping, climbing ladders — Frequently.
• Kneeling, squatting, reaching above shoulders — Occasionally.
• Carrying and lifting up to 70 lbs.
• Operating in outdoor and marine environments in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to climb and descend ladders quickly.
• May travel overnight for scientific diving projects.
• Work includes outdoor environments, confined spaces, vessel movement, noise, and exposure to fumes and chemicals.
• Will be enrolled in the mariner consortium upon hire, per Coast Guard regulations and as such are subject to random drug screenings
• Possible exposure to blood borne pathogens, animal bites, stings, and scrapes.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.