Dive Safety Officer and Marine Operations Coordinator

Job Description

Dive Safety Officer and Marine Operations Coordinator wanted.

Institutional Mission:
The School for Field Studies (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.

SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion:
SFS was founded on the belief that stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people all around the world. Addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities. We recognize that to successfully address threats to our natural world, we must look beyond social constructs designed to divide us. Just as we value biodiversity in all its forms, we value and engage with a multitude of diverse perspectives and people in the countries where we work and the students and staff we serve.

• Job Title: Dive Safety Officer / Marine Operations Coordinator (DSO)
• Reports to: Center Director
• Location: South Caicos, Turks and Caicos – Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS)
• Start Date: August 2025

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

The DSO oversees the routine operation of the waterfront programs, including conducting training, leading waterfront activities (dives and snorkels), certification, and skill assessment for activities based out of the waterfront. This includes, but is not limited to swimming, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. This is a hands-on position and involves frequent SCUBA diving and vessel operation and maintenance, including but not limited to SFS boats, compressor, SCUBA gear, and mooring systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dive & Snorkel Program Management and Training 

• Oversee and deliver the Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses with assistance from the Lead Waterfront Assistant.
  Supervise the organization of all student diving and snorkeling activities and frequently serve as lead.
  Ensure all dive/snorkeling activities are recorded.
  Responsible for overseeing staff diving and snorkeling skills and providing training and skill development as needed.
  Work in coordination with the Center Director, Site Manager and/or Director of Marine and Site Operations to ensure all staff exercise prudent seamanship.
  Lead onboarding of new Waterfront staff.
  Facilitate training and skill development for all staff as needed.

Safety and Risk Management

• Provide primary oversight for waterfront, boating, diving, and snorkelling safety with assistance from the Lead Waterfront Assistant.
• Presented waterfront policies and procedures as part of student orientation.  Oversaw and managed student compliance with all waterfront policies.
  Review all field exercise Risk Management Plans (RMPs), schedules, and rosters and report to HQ.
  Each semester, work with the Student Life Director (HQ) and Health and Wellness Manager (TCI) to screen all student medical records and prepare a summary for the Center Director’s review.
  Maintain all waterfront-related student and staff records for mandated periods (ie, DAN insurance, certifications, and gear service records).
  Manage base-site radio coverage and safety support during all student boat activities and ensure logs are entered.
  Report all boat, scuba and waterfront-related incidents to the Health and Wellness Manager (TCI) and Center Director in a timely manner using the SFS ‘Incident Report’ form.

Dive & Snorkel Equipment Management

• Ensure student crew packs are ordered and gear packages arrive in time for student training.
  Conduct annual cylinder servicing, including visual and coordinate hydrostatic testing as needed.
  Lead and/or assist with the maintenance of the Center’s air compressor and ensure breathing media complies with compressed breathing air specifications.
  Lead and/or assist with maintenance of all waterfront equipment, including boats, compressors, SCUBA gear, mooring systems, etc.
  Ensure all center equipment records are maintained, and servicing is up to date and documented.
   

Management of Waterfront and Program Assistants

• Supervise and coordinate Waterfront and Program Assistants daily, ensure adequate training is provided, daily duties are completed, and academic and program functions are staffed at appropriate ratios.
  Provide training to Waterfront and Program Assistants concerning student supervision and safety.

Program Support 

• Participate in planning activities prior to the program start and review/provide analysis following students’ departure at the end of the program.
  Participate in preparation of Risk Assessment and Management Plan (RAMP), Final Reports, SFS-CMRS Dive Manual revisions, update SFS-CMRS waterfront policies, manual revisions, field exercise RMPs and other required reports.
  Participate in training activities for new CMRS staff, prior to and during the program.
  Participate in and assist with leading orientation and re-entry components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of each program period.
  Participate and assist with leading community outreach and engagement projects, for example, community swim lessons and snorkel adventures.
  In cooperation with other CMRS staff, contribute to Waterfront and Program Assistant 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.
  Visit with students at mealtimes during the duration of each program period.
  On a rotating basis, take responsibility for CMRS “Staff of the Day” duties.
  Take part in, and occasionally lead, CMRS upkeep projects, social and field activities.
  At the request of the Center Director, serve as caretaker for CMRS during program breaks and center rentals.
  Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed.
  Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and CMRS policies and procedures.
  At all times, work to ensure good relations between CMRS and the local community.

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. SFS operates on a 6-day work week with long intersessions. 
  Represented SFS at local and international conferences.

Required Qualifications: 

• Active status SCUBA diving instructor’s certification from a nationally recognized agency (iPADI)
  First Aid/CPR Instructor
  Oxygen Administration Instructor
  Extensive small boat handling, operating and maintenance experience
  Must be mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot problems in a complex marine environment
  Experience in outboard engine troubleshooting and mechanics
  Certified in visual inspection for cylinders and experienced with hydrostatic testing coordination
  Related experience with an academic institution
  Experience with marine rescue and hazard identification

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Captain’s License
  Bachelor’s degree. Marine-related discipline preferred
  Experience in leadership (management) and personnel supervision
  Caribbean diving experience and knowledge of marine life preferred
  Experience with communal living
  EMT qualified
  Wilderness First Responder certification

Benefits: 

• Covered travel from home of record at the beginning and end of program. After one year of employment, one additional round-trip to home of record during non-program time
  On-site room and board (all meals also provided while programs are in session)
  Auto-enrollment in an Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance plan effective from the first day of employment
  International health insurance reimbursement at 80%, increasing with each year of employment, up to 100%
  Long-term Disability, Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage provided by SFS
  ​​​​​​​If applicable, DAN Insurance, up to $125
  Option to participate in the SFS 403b retirement plan through Fidelity Investments. After one year of employment, eligible for SFS matching contribution program

To Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experiences via the online application on the SFS Careers page at: 
https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/