Dive Programs/Aquarium Assistant

Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community.  Metro Parks Tacoma is located in Tacoma, Washington. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the MPT system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
 
OUR CORE VALUES
These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which MPT treats staff, customers and the community:
 •Innovation  •Excellence  •Equity  •Inclusiveness  •Sustainability  •Accountability  •Safety  •Fun
 
POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensure rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo is operated by Metro Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.pdza.org
 
POSITION INFORMATION
This position is primarily associated with dive needs in the Tropical Reef and Pacific Seas Aquariums at PDZA, for husbandry dives and public dive presentations.  
 
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpretation to customers which deliver a professional and exciting experience.

• Participate in aquarium dives to fulfill the husbandry needs of individual exhibits, and the overall goals of the aquarium.
• Communicate with the public, answer questions and perform narrated dive events.
• Observe animal species during dives to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being; report observations to appropriate personnel.
• Assist with performing routine maintenance and minor repair of animal exhibits and related systems, ensuring a healthy environment and presentation of animals in an attractive manner
• Assist with maintaining appropriate dive program, equipment, and animal records.
• Fill scuba cylinders in compliance with OSHA standards.
• Assist with upkeep of dive gear/equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Occasional Potential Duties: 

• Participate in field dives and collecting trips to meet the collection needs of the aquarium.
• Under direction of full-time staff, move and remove animal species to different areas or exhibits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Potential Future Duties: 

• Once the Eye to Eye shark dive program launches the individual(s) hired for this position may have a role in that program

• Must be certified by a nationally recognized scuba organization, and possess training in dive rescue 
• Must have logged a minimum of 30 dives 
• Pass diving requirements of PDZA.
• Able to lead any response to a dive accident or participant emergency
• Excellent communication and interpretation skills.
• Ability to use basic functions in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel.
• Positive, cheerful and professional attitude.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership level dive training  
• Education in the natural sciences, education or related field or experience delivering interpretive and formal education programs in a zoo, aquarium or museum setting.
• Experience in aquatic animal husbandry.
• Cold water diving experience
• Scientific Diver Certification (AAUS)

 Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Willing to work weekends and holidays.

Hours: Hours and days per week may vary, generally daytime hours
 
 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 80 pounds.
• Must be able to move and lift dive gear.
• Must be able to assist visitors with gear.
• Pushing. Climbing. Walking.
• Kneeling and crouching to assist at side of dive areas
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Repetitive SCUBA and/or Hookah dives on a daily basis
• Field diving from shore or off a boat in any/all of the following conditions: cold water, currents, low visibility.
• Must be able to pass the dive physical requirements for PDZA

ENVIRONMENT/HAZARDS:

• Indoor & outdoors, cold, wet underwater environment; chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
• Contact with dissatisfied visitors.
• Work environment with potentially dangerous and sick animals.
• Exposure to animal fecal matter.