Principal Dive Officer

**Job no**: 497909

**Work type**: Full time

**Location**: Hobart

**Categories**: Laboratory & Research Support, Farming, Animals and Conservation

**IMAS Principal Dive Officer**
- Full time, ongoing position.
- Based in Hobart (Taroona)
- Provide high level expert technical advice to the wider IMAS community, IMAS Operations Manager and the Executive.

IMAS is a centre for both marine research and education. Education at IMAS delivers world class programs, resulting in highly trained graduates who serve the needs of academic institutions, industry, government, and the community. Our natural advantages include our Tasmanian location proximal to important fisheries and aquaculture industries and Tasmania hosting one of the world's largest critical masses of marine and Antarctic researchers.

**The Opportunity**

The Principal Dive Officer supports IMAS dive operations, providing advice and expertise to enable researchers and students to undertake projects safely and efficiently. The dive officer is responsible for ensuring that all IMAS dives conform to the University Diving Policy and Procedures, relevant statutory Work Health and Safety Regulations, applicable Australian Standards and Codes of Practice; and that all IMAS personnel conducting diving operations are adequately trained and qualified in field-craft and appropriate safety procedures to allow safe participation on relevant projects.

**Key Accountabilities**:

- Provide high level expert technical advice concerning the safe management of diving and field activities and equipment at IMAS.
- Provide a safe working environment for staff and students ensuring all UTAS and IMAS policies are implemented.
- Develop, maintain, and update a suite of safety documentation for various equipment and activities.
- Investigate concerns regarding dive equipment usage/support and contribute to ensuring a good safety culture.
- Maintain the IMAS Diver, Diving Equipment and Diving Activities Registers and keep a high level of knowledge regarding current best practice for management of diving operations.
- Assist the Operations and Business Manager with strategic planning for facility capability and requirements, asset register, auditing and budgeting. In conjunction with ISD and other relevant parties.
- Be on standby as part of the IMAS Emergency Response Team for field operations and vessel activities.

**Your Application**
- Completion of a degree with subsequent experience working in marine research and as a dive instructor; OR knowledge of and extensive experience in managing, undertaking scientific diving operations and associated research activities, with experience in training divers; OR knowledge of and extensive experience as a Dive Instructor in managing and training recreational divers where students acquire high level skills and the ability to dive safely in challenging environments.
- Proven ability in leading, supervising and managing staff and students to ensure a safe and efficient workplace.
- Ability to effectively supervise, organise and conduct field-based research in the marine environment.
- Coxswain (Grade 1) certification, with extensive experience in operating small vessels under different weather conditions.
- Demonstrated knowledge of work, health and safety practices, behaviours and expectations, and the ability to influence positive change.
- Significant experience in conducting and implementing risk assessments, safe working practices and standard operating protocols in a changing environment.
- High level organisational skills, time management, and a demonstrated capacity to act independently within established guidelines, using discretion and sound judgement.
- Ability to analyse and solve complex technical and non-technical problems in field situations.
- Evidence of current qualifications:

- Open Water SCUBA Instructor or higher
- Occupational diving qualifications to at least AS2815.6 standard (Scientific Diver), or equivalent
- Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment
- AMSA Coxswains Class 1 or recognised equivalent
- Advanced First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Resuscitation certifications through an approved training organisation
- Working with Vulnerable People registration (or able to be obtained)
- AS2299.1 Occupational Diving Medical
- Rebreather instructor certification for AP Diving rebreathers, or extensive rebreather diving experience and ability to be obtained
- Surface supply breathing apparatus (SSBA) diver experience
Ability to work in cold water environments and able to comply with all medical/ physical requirements for this role.

**Remuneration**

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 7 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $119,949 comprising base salary within the range of $93,273 to $102,521 plus 17% superannuation.

**COVID-19 Update**:
The University of Tasmania recognises that this is critical for the workforce at the University to protect the safety of our workforce and vulnerable Ta