Underwater Explorers Instructor (Seasonal)

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, introduce children (ages 8-13) to the use of specialized scuba gear and conduct surface diving tours in the Great Tide Pool. Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the participants in their care, along with educating them on the habitat and organisms they encounter during the tour. Conduct daily tasks in support of the UE program as required. Perform other duties as required.

Please note: This is a seasonal position slated to start 6/3 and end on 9/3.

Core Activities:

• Tour children (ages 8 -13) on surface scuba in the Great Tide Pool while educating them on the organisms and habitat.
• Instruct participants on the use of specialized scuba gear.
• Support in-water Instructors working directly with participants (e.g., help participants into/out of equipment, track in water dive time, etc.).
• Deliver a briefing on tide pool ecology and an equipment overview.
• Facilitate participant check-in.
• Stop any diving practice deemed unsafe as described in the MBA Diving Safety Manual and UE handbook.
• Respond to any in-water safety or rescue situation and activate the emergency action plan as needed.
• Set up and breakdown the Underwater Explorers deck and platform.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Leadership level certification (Divemaster or higher) from a nationally recognized dive training agency; on the job training may be provided
• Ability to effectively carry out in-water rescues in the Great Tide Pool to the satisfaction of the Dive Office
• Must be able to complete diving first aid training and in-water rescue drills, on-the-job training will be provided
• Must be able to pass the prescribed occupational physicals for the Underwater Explorers Instructor position
• Ability to effectively deliver educational material
• In-water supervisory skills
• Must have own cold-water skin-diving equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, and booties)
• Ability to comply with the MBA Diving Safety Manual and Underwater Explorers handbook
• Demonstrated ability to be a positive role model for participants in the Underwater Explorers program
• Ability to work as a productive team member
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment, dive and life support equipment, hand trucks

• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending

• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Aquarium Exhibits, main aquarium, ocean, typical office, outdoors, temperature swings

Hourly Compensation Range:

 $23.00 USD per hour