Dive Officer

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

The Dive Officer (DO) is an on-call member of the Dive Operations (Dive Ops) team and reports to the Diving Safety Officer (DSO).  Dive Ops works to implement dive safety procedures and guidelines per the California Academy of Sciences (Academy) Dive Safety Manual (DSM) to ensure the safe conduct of dive operations at the Steinhart Aquarium (Aquarium) and in the field.  The DO possesses the diving knowledge, skill base, and qualifications necessary to perform all aspects of the Aquarium dive program operation.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

Key Responsibilities

Position Duties & Responsibilites: 

• Assist in coordinating the daily Aquarium dive operations, focusing on diver training, safety protocol implementation, and operational efficiency.   
• Assist with inspections and make minor repairs of diving equipment. 
• Assist with Academy diver training, dive record maintenance, and DSM compliance. 
• Conduct routine audits of dive program records.
• Conduct Aquarium diver emergency skill reviews. 
• Collaborate with diving staff on daily preventative and corrective maintenance of all Aquarium water-containing infrastructures.
• Interface effectively with other departments to maintain the highest quality standards.
• Interact with guests, media, and the public on behalf of the Academy.
• Participate in dive shows and special events as needed.
• Work respectfully with a diverse team of staff and volunteer divers.
• Follow Academy diving and general safety regulations. 
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:

Experience and/or Education:

A qualified candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience to support key aspects of the Aquarium dive program: 

• Have experience with an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) or equivalent diving program.
• Have experience in aquarium-related diving.
• Possess current leadership-level certification from an internationally recognized agency; NAUI preferred.
• Be trained as a science diver with an AAUS Organizational Member program or equivalent.
• Present a copy of dive training certifications, certificates, and diving log.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Possess the knowledge and technical and interpersonal skills to oversee all aspects of the Aquarium dive program, with the safety risks and requirements accompanying these activities.  
• Be comfortable providing instruction, direction, and corrective feedback to program participants, including senior Academy staff, external affiliates, partners, students, and volunteers. 
• Possess a working knowledge of diving theory, safe diving practices, and dive equipment appropriate to the scope of the Academy’s aquarium dive program.
• Possess knowledge of procedures, hazards, and safety precautions of aquarium diving.
• Have experience in Full Face Mask Surface Supplied dive operations.
• Possess the ability to troubleshoot and make minor repairs to diving equipment.
• Have proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Applications software.
• Effectively express ideas verbally and in writing. 
• Be proficient in the safe use of hand tools and shop equipment.
• Be able to train divers on equipment operation and maintenance needs.
• Work efficiently and communicate with staff, volunteers, cross-functional teams, guests, and external partners from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Work collaboratively towards team goals, promoting a culture of trust, respect, and accountability.
• Possess the flexibility to work on weekends and holidays
• Possess a California driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within three months from the date of hire.
• Be comfortable speaking to groups. 

Physical Environment:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, use a computer, and communicate via phone, in person, and online meetings/calls. Must be able to transport 75 lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions fifty (50) percent of the time. Must pass the AAUS diving medical and swim evaluation as outlined in the Academy’s DSM.

Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $27.64 - $28.76. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule: This is an on call position 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our Careers Page portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).