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.

The Dive Officer (DO) is a part‑time 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.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). 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.

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.

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.

• Possess the knowledge and technical and interpersonal skills to oversee all aspects of the Aquarium…