Dive Safety Specialist - 12 month contract

Job Purpose

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a world-renowned private university located in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a 36 km2 suburban campus directly on the Red Sea, a residential city of >8,000 residents, university campus with 200,000 m2 of modern research laboratories and a research park with local and global research centers. At the heart of KAUST's mission, the dive safety programs serve as an essential pillar supporting research, education, and exploration within the marine environment. Leveraging its strategic coastal location, KAUST presents unparalleled opportunities for scientific inquiry and break throughs in marine science and oceanography. Within KAUST, dive program comprises of various components, including a Marine Science Education and Research Program, Reef Restoration Initiative, and a consultancy arm dedicated to providing expert services onmarine and dive projects to The Kingdom.

The dive safety program includes ~200 divers that frequently engage in research dives all year around, primarily within the Red Sea, with some studies extending throughout the world. Collaboration with international partners is integral to the sescientific endeavors. A large reef restoration initiative covering a 100-hectare area to the north of KAUST in NEOM is also led and run by KAUST. Additionally, the consultancy arm of KAUST supports projects critical to the development of The Kingdom.

The KAUST Dive Safety Specialist together with a team with Dive Safety Program personnel is responsible for implementing and overseeing dive safety and boating safety protocols. This position plays a critical role ensuring the safety of all marine-related activities, including scientific research dives, recreational diving, and boating operations. The incumbent will collaborate closely with researchers, faculty, students, and staff to promote a culture of safety and compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Major Accountabilities

Safety Oversight:

Develop and implement emergency response plans for diving accidents or incidents, includingprocedures for medical emergencies, equipment failures, and diver rescues.

Dive Planning and Supervision:

Serve as Lead Diver and manage logistics and dive operations as needed.

Documentation and Reporting

Maintain accurate records of diving activities, including dive logs, equipment maintenancerecords, training records and incident reports. Prepare reports as required by AAUS or other regulatory agencies. Assist with continual development of SOPs and refinement of safetyprotocols.

Dive Safety Training

Establish Dive Safety Training requirements in accordance to AAUS guidelines.

Coordinate and provide training for scientific divers, ensuring that they possess the necessary skillsand certifications to safely conduct underwater research.

Coordinate and facilitate scientific diver training programs and certification courses.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance:

Regularly review and update safety protocols and procedures based on lessons learned from incidents, advances in diving technology, and changes in regulatory requirements.

Work closely with researchers, project managers, dive teams, and other

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of marine safety, dive safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigatingrisks.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance.
• Proficiency in conducting risk assessments and incident investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, staff,students, and external partners.
• Familiarity with dive equipment and boating operations, including maintenance andinspection procedures.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to develop and maintain comprehensivesafety documentation.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement in the field of dive safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., marine science, environmental science, occupational health and safety) required; advanced degree preferred.
• Certification as an AAUS Dive Safety Officer or willingness to obtain certification withinone year of employment.
• Possess current SCUBA Instructor certification from an internationally recognized agency.
• Possess or ability to complete PSI Visual Cylinder Inspector, Valve Repair Technician, andOxygen Cylinder Cleaning technician certifications.
• Possess or ability to complete regulator and BCD service technician certifications
  
• Possess or ability to complete DAN Diving First Aid for Professional Divers Instructor certification.

• 6 years in administering a scientific dive program at the ADSO or DSO level.
• Experience in boat safety preferred.
• Strong knowledge of dive safety regulations, standards, and best practices,with demonstrated experience in developing and implementing safety programs.
• Experience in incident investigation, emergency response planning, and risk management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required.