Location: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC
Position Type: Casual Position CUPE 401
Reports to: Diving Safety Officer (Acting)

HOURLY RATE: $25.00 - $27.00 PER HOUR (COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS)

Hours Worked: While anticipated to be ~37.5 hours per week during most weeks of the term, hours will fluctuate depending on Foreshore and operational requirements.
Application Deadline: Open until filled

ABOUT US

For over 50 years, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) has supported year-round education and research on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. BMSC is owned and managed by a not-for-profit organization, the Pacific Marine Science Alliance (PMSA), whose members are the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria. Our vision is to inspire transformational relationships with the ocean through science.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Assistant Diving Safety Officer (Assistant DSO) supports the Diving Safety Officer in delivering BMSC’s Scientific Diving Program, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulatory standards (CAUS, WCB, OH&S, CSA). In collaboration with BMSC Leadership, the role assists in the development, implementation, and monitoring of health and safety procedures, and plays a key role in advancing BMSC’s emergency preparedness program by identifying gaps, testing protocols, and supporting the creation of effective response strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education & Certifications

• BSc or MSc (preferred) in Marine Sciences or a related field.
• Valid OFA First aid certification (Level 2 Preferred).
• Valid Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) certification.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Experienced cold-water diver.
• Extensive experience working from small boats in remote coastal waters.
• Knowledge of temperate costal marine organisms.
• Effective computer proficiency with O365, including MS Teams, Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of air fill stations, breathing air compressor operation and maintenance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including ability to communicate with BMSC staff members and its clientele.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interact in a friendly and professional manner with a range of clients and staff.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and accepted standard practices.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Certified Scuba Instructor, from an accredited Scuba agency.
• First aid and emergency oxygen provider instructor.
• CAUS Scientific Diver trained.
• Scuba equipment service technician.
• Knowledge and understanding of CAUS and WCB safety diving regulations.
• Knowledge of WCB occupational health and safety regulations.
• Experience in managing research diving activities.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to safely and successfully perform all essential functions.
• Completion of an annual dive medical and be deemed medically fit from a recognized medical facility.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 lbs of dive apparatus and/or related equipment.