Dive Training Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

The Dive Training Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and supporting the New England Aquarium's (NEAq) comprehensive dive training and diver development program. Working in partnership with the Associate Director of Dive Operations / Dive Safety Officer (DSO), this position ensures that paid and unpaid divers receive the training, evaluation, certifications, and ongoing professional development necessary to safely and effectively participate in NEAq's exhibit and field diving programs.

The Dive Training Coordinator serves as a key resource for diver education and competency, coordinating initial and continuing training, skills assessments, emergency preparedness exercises, certification requirements, and training records. The position promotes consistency in training practices across the dive program and helps foster a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning.

The position operates within the requirements and best practices of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Scientific Diving Exemption, American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Association of Dive Program Administrators (ADPA), Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Divers Alert Network (DAN), and NEAq policies and procedures.

The Dive Training Coordinator also participates in dive operations and field activities as needed to support training, evaluate diver competency, maintain personal diving proficiency, and contribute to the safe execution of aquarium and field diving activities.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Sundays – Thursdays from 8a – 5p EST. Work must be conducted onsite.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Dive Training & Diver Development

1. Provide DAN Diving First Aid (DFA) Pro training and coordinate related certifications and continuing education
2. Coordinate and administer the NEAq dive training program, including annual and remedial training, check-out dives, skills evaluations, specialty training, and competency development, in partnership with the Associate Director of Dive Operations / DSO.
3. Develop, facilitate, and evaluate classroom, practical, and in-water training activities consistent with NEAq policies and applicable OSHA, AAUS, ADPA, and AZA standards.
4. Assess diver skills and provide timely, constructive feedback to support individual development and maintain operational competency.
5. Coordinate diver qualification and certification pathways, ensuring training requirements are clearly communicated, scheduled, documented, and completed.
6. Develop and maintain training materials, lesson plans, skills checklists, competency standards, and other instructional resources.
7. Identify training needs and recommend appropriate development opportunities based on operational requirements, diver experience, skills assessments, and program priorities.
8. Support the onboarding and development of new staff and volunteer divers, including orientation, initial training, check-out dives, and progression toward independent diving responsibilities.
9. Coordinate and participate in dive emergency drills and scenario-based exercises.
10. Track training requirements, certifications, medical clearances, evaluations, and expiration dates and proactively coordinate upcoming requirements with divers, supervisors, and the Associate Director / DSO. assist with reporting
11. Serve on the NEAq Dive Control Board and provide training and operational input.
12. Prepare divers for field operations, animal examinations, procedures, transports, and other aquatic animal care activities.
13. Support training in the use, inspection, maintenance, and care of SCUBA and related equipment.
14. Maintain current knowledge of scientific diving, instruction, emergency response, and aquatic animal care best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience as an Aquarium diver, Instructor, or Scientific Diver.
• Current Dive Instructor certification.
• Current DAN Diving First Aid (DFA) Instructor certification or equivalent.
• Medical clearance to dive in accordance with NEAq Diving Control Board standards.
• Demonstrated experience providing dive instruction, skills assessment, or diver training.
• Working knowledge of SCUBA equipment and basic equipment maintenance.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Preferred Training and Experience

• Experience as a diver in an aquarium, zoo, research, or scientific diving environment.
• Experience coordinating or administering a formal dive training program.
• Experience developing training materials, lesson plans, or competency assessments.
• Experience maintaining training, certification, or compliance records.
• Small boat handling and trailering experience.
• Drysuit certification and/or instructor certification.
• Experience developing or facilitating emergency response exercises.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong instructional and facilitation skills with the ability to effectively train individuals.
• Ability to assess diver performance, identify training needs, and provide clear and constructive feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing training schedules and records.
• Ability to coordinate multiple training activities, requirements, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across departments and with staff and volunteer divers.
• Ability to translate established safety standards and procedures into effective training practices.
• Commitment to Animal Care Division priorities and organizational values.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic and diverse animal-care environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and non-standard hours as operationally necessary.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to safely perform SCUBA diving and related physical activities in accordance with NEAq medical and safety requirements.
• Ability to enter and exit the water from boats, ladders, platforms, and other access points.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 70 pounds.
• Ability to work in and around water for extended periods.

For more information and to apply online please visit:

The New England Aquarium is committed to an inclusive workplace culture and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, as defined by the EEOC. Here, we foster a culture of respect and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet. We believe that an inclusive workforce provides diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our workplace culture.