Lead Exhibit Diver

Lead Exhibit Diver

Greater Cleveland Aquarium is seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, conservation‑minded individual to join the team. The Lead Exhibit Diver assists in the planning, development, training and implementation of all SCUBA activities for Greater Cleveland Aquarium including but not limited to care and maintenance of exhibits, observation of animals and interpretation of SCUBA activities for guests.

• Assist Dive Safety Coordinator (DSC) with planning, development, training, and administration of all diving activities.
• Coordinate and supervise all diving operations in the absence of DSC, providing weekly coverage.
• Diving activities assigned include cleaning and upkeep of acrylic, décor, walls, rockwork, substrate, animal observations, husbandry assistance and exhibit maintenance.
• Ability to perform up to 5 dives per day, each up to several hours in length, in water ranging from 45‑84°F.
• Monitor diving activities from the surface as the dive tender, and be prepared to follow protocols to aid in an emergency.
• Evaluate diver competency and adherence to policies and report to DSC.
• Maintain and inspect dive equipment ensuring all is within proper operating parameters to provide a safe working environment including but not limited to BCDs, regulators, tanks, full‑face mask, and compressor systems.
• Perform interpretive educational dive programs, including dive talks with a full‑face mask.
• Ensure all SCUBA cylinders are full after every dive and monitor/fill cascade bottle system as needed.
• Maintain a clean and orderly back‑of‑house work area.
• Assist the Aquarist team with feedings, animal observations, and care of animals, including close interactions with large species.
• Assist the Life Support Systems Team with the maintenance of critical life support systems.
• Engage guests through interpretation and interaction both underwater and top side.
• Assume role of working diver under OSHA regulations outlined by OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart T.
• Adhere to and implement policies in the Greater Cleveland Aquarium Diving Safe Practices Manual.
• Maintain written and digital records of all diving activities, dive gear, dive training, and compressor.
• Responsible for monitoring the condition of all safety gear and for the safety of all working divers and reporting any issues to DSC.
• Perform special diving activities for holiday and special events, which may include after‑hour shifts.
• Participate in Curation department projects including but not limited to acrylic buffing/sanding, silicon repair, painting, clear coating, epoxy, fiberglass, masonry, and plumbing.
• Interface with other departments regarding diving activities, programs, and media events.
• The ability to report within a reasonable amount of time in response to an emergency event, which may include hazardous weather, loss of power, animal health, or exhibit maintenance or repairs.
• Other duties as assigned by Dive Safety Coordinator or Curator.

• Minimum certification of Dive master or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in a Marine Science or related field preferred.
• Aquarium diving and animal experience preferred.
• Minimum 50 logged open water dives, and must have logged dives within last 6 months.
• Demonstrate proper diving skills and pass a dive training program.
• Knowledge of Life Support Systems and animal husbandry preferred.
• Must dive in close proximity to animals including fish, sharks, stingrays, and eels.
• Must have a flexible work schedule that includes weekends and holidays.
• Provide an approved AAUS Dive Physical with approved medical clearance of any past dive related injuries.
• Ability to acquire DAN First Aid certification within 90 days.
• Ability to apply for and be covered by DAN insurance.
• Dedicated individual that must be able to work cohesively within a team setting.
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders with weight of SCUBA gear.

The Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer. To be considered for this position, please submit cover letter and resume to Matthew Ballish, Dive Safety Coordinator, mballish

Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Cleveland, OH