University of Southern California

Diving Program Coordinator (Program Specialist)

Posted 2 Days Ago

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Catalina, NL

121K Annually

Junior

Edtech

The Role

The Diving Program Coordinator manages dive operations at the USC Wrigley Institute, ensuring compliance with safety standards and protocols, overseeing documentation, and maintaining diving equipment. The role includes supporting educational initiatives and recruiting divers, with a strong emphasis on safety and community engagement.

Summary Generated by Built In

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.” The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff. This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College. What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life. If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together.

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department. Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

Job Opening: Diving Program Coordinator

Full-time job opportunity at the University of Southern California

Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability

Position: Full-time Diving Program Coordinator (Program Specialist)

The Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability (WIES) at the University of Southern California (USC) seeks a highly motivated and organized individual to serve as the Diving Program Coordinator.

The Diving Program Coordinator works closely with the USC Wrigley Institute Dive Safety Officer (DSO) and USC Wrigley Institute leadership to administer and help oversee dive program operations at the USC Wrigley Institute. The Diving Program Coordinator will model a safety-first approach to working with people at the USC Wrigley Institute.

The successful candidate will report to the Director of WMSC. This position is based on Catalina Island with a full-time work location at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC).

Essential Functions:

Coordinate and monitor dive operations at WMSC in such a way so it meets or exceeds USC, AAUS, WRSTC, Coast Guard, AZA, and Cal-OSHA standards
Coordinate and monitor dive operations at WMSC so as to ensure compliance with the USC Dive Safety Manual, working in coordination and partnership with the Diving Safety Officer, USC’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), and other USC compliance and administrative offices.
Serve as an on-site resource for diving groups, and as a vital point of contact for all dive related incidents in collaboration with the DSO; report and document incidents as needed following university and Diving Control Board protocols.
Administer and maintain all diving records and files as overseen by the DSO, including pre-dive plans, post-dive closeout reports, and other reports.
Dive, when needed, to assist scientific and support divers engaged in USC Wrigley Institute or related diving operations.
Maintain and troubleshoot university dive equipment and gear including BCDs, first and second stage regulators, and high-pressure systems, with oversight by the DSO.
Conduct confined & open water checkout dives as needed.
Assist the DSO and USC Wrigley Institute leadership with the recruitment, screening, and selection of WMSC resource divers and other staff associated with the USC Wrigley Institute dive program. May supervise resource divers and volunteers as needed.
Assist the DSO with the recruitment, screening and selection of participants/students for USC Wrigley Institute dive courses and other training programs.
Assist the DSO with regular communications to, and scheduling of, resource employees and volunteer divers.
Assist the DSO with the training of specific diver tasks.
Assist the DSO with the training of dive safety, specific university equipment, and emergency procedures.
Assist the DSO with AAUS Scientific Diver classes and help provide specialized diver training to enhance diver safety.
Assist with curricular, co curricular, and extracurricular activities related to WMSC’s other waterfront or education programs (e.g., snorkeling, kayaking) as appropriate.
Serves as a resource for program information; interfaces with faculty, students, staff and external partners on behalf of the Dive Program as needed.
May be nominated to serve on the USC Diving Control Board.

Knowledge & Skills:

Fluency in AAUS and RSTC diving standards and protocols.
Fluency in diver rescue procedures and training.
Must be able to safely coordinate and conduct field diving operations in various environments.
Familiar with, and able to perform routine maintenance on all diving equipment, including first and second stage regulators and buoyancy compensation devices.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Able to swim and SCUBA dive on a weekly basis.
Able to safely operate a vessel on the open ocean with an understanding of boating safety and anchoring techniques.
Able to recognize and report unsafe diving practices.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and be able to adapt well to various other computer programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree, or combined experience/education as a substitute
Minimum Experience: 2 years of related work experience.
Meet the physical fitness standards for divers (including a complete physical examination) in accordance with the standards set forth by USC.
Experience supervising dive operations as a dive master, teaching open-water scuba classes, or equivalent experience.
Experience with administrative functions related to dive records, files, and databases.
Demonstrated attention to detail. Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics
Effective and appropriate interpersonal skills and self-awareness to move the USC Wrigley Institute and its team members and visitors toward the accomplishment of goals.
Acumen for supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities to promote team effectiveness.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Education: Master’s degree
Preferred Experience: 3+ years of related work experience.
Prior experience operating small vessels preferred.
Familiarity with marine fish and invertebrate species.

Required Licensing and Certifications:

Complete AAUS Scientific Diver training within two months of hire.
Meet the California Boater Card education requirements and WMSC small vessel operator qualifications within one month of hire.
Obtain certification in CPR/AED/FA/O2 from a nationally recognized agency within two months of hire.
(Preferred) Active-status instructor with a nationally recognized diving agency.
(Preferred) Status as, or able to qualify as, an AAUS Scientific Diving Instructor.

Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Some weekend and after-hours work may be required. This position is eligible for overtime.

Location:

USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Santa Catalina Island (Two Harbors, CA)

Housing and Living Arrangements on Catalina Island: This position is eligible to rent private or shared housing in the nearby town of Two Harbors within the USC Staff Housing Trailer Park.

In the town of Two Harbors there is a small general store, restaurant/bar, dive shop, snack shack, bed and breakfast, etc. It is a small town with a tight-knit community. USC employees carpool to work (USC's campus is two miles from Two Harbors) each day. Lunch is available each day in the dining hall, or employees can take the carpool home for their lunch break.

USC has a boat that employees and their families can ride for no charge. The USC vessel has departure times from SCMI in San Pedro Monday through Friday. To check the boat schedule, please visit www.dornsife.usc.edu/wrigley/transportation. Catalina Express also has a public charter to the island for additional transportation needs.

About the Wrigley Institute:

The mission of the Wrigley Institute is to create a more sustainable and environmentally just future for our planet and all who live on it by educating, training, and empowering the next generation of leaders and change agents; leading solutions-focused research at the intersection of people and planet; and engaging with the public and our partners to raise awareness and inspire positive change.

Located in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California, one of the nation’s premier research universities, we also have a satellite campus on California’s beautiful Santa Catalina Island. Through education, research, and engagement, we train the next generation of environmental leaders, develop original solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental problems, and encourage nonpartisan action for sustainability and environmental justice.

WIES is part of USC’s oldest and largest school, the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and a key player in the university’s high-profile sustainability initiatives. We are home to:

Dornsife’s Environmental Studies academic program, which grants both undergraduate and graduate degrees;
The Wrigley Marine Science Center, our Catalina Island campus;
USC Sea Grant, which conducts outreach and advocacy on the urban ocean;
Research Launchpads on Earth & Environmental Systems, Applied Environmental Solutions, and Social Transformation; and
Signature public events that bring together business leaders, policymakers, activists, and scholars for conversations of consequence on the environment and sustainability

A job with the Wrigley Institute is an opportunity to help solve some of the most important challenges of our era. We are impact-focused, with dedicated communications and DEI programs to help maximize our reach and ensure that the work we do is beneficial for everyone. Join us to help create a more sustainable future!

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $30.27 - $34.31. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 2 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional experience in program specialization, e.g., counseling or teaching.

USC is a smoke-free environment

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.