The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) — Canada's premiere facility for marine and coastal teaching and research, located on the stunningly beautiful west coast of Vancouver Island — has an opening for a Diving & Safety Officer. This full-time position includes a full benefits package and an office with an ocean view.
BMSC provides world-class year-round research facilities and technical assistance to Canadian and international scientists, university and graduate-level courses in marine science, and an award-winning public education program for schools and interested groups. BMSC’s fusion of research, teaching and community outreach creates a highly varied and stimulating work environment. For more information, including a live web cam, visit the
BMSC website
Position Summary
Diving:
The diving and safety officer is responsible for the Scientific Diving Program and oversees all diving activities undertaken at BMSC, in accordance with BMSC policy, and governing regulations of the Canadian Association for Underwater Sciences (CAUS), the Workers Compensation Board of BC (WCB) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Safety:
Oversees all aspects of Occupational Health and Safety at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, in accordance with the standards described by the Workers Compensation Board of BC.
Duties and Responsibilities :
Diving and Boating
- Full responsibility for the scientific diving program at BMSC.
- Train and certify scientific divers and dive tenders in accordance with the CAUS "Standard of Practice for Scientific Diving": Includes dive skills checkouts and training, rescue training and practical rescue management, dive theory exams, paperwork requirements, first aid and oxygen training.
- Supervise Public Education diving activities (e.g., collections and Subtidal Safari dives).
- Train and assign surface safety attendants for all research dives.
- Establish reciprocity with visiting researchers (scientific divers) from institutions with a scientific diver program.
- Dive with researchers and assist researchers with project design (as needed).
- Collect biological specimens for public education programs, university teaching programs, researchers.
- Maintain and operate diving equipment (e.g., compressor, cylinders, regulators, air purity tests), and keep diving records (e.g., diver files, dive logs, annual statistics).
- Maintain custody of and periodically audit diving program records.
- Hire and supervise summer intern divers.
- Liase with CAUS and WCB on diving safety standards.
- Assist foreshore staff with boat safety training and operations as required.
- Assist with ROV (remote operated vehicle) operations in aid of research and teaching.
- Assist with ROV operator training of other BMSC staff.
First aid and Safety
- Designated first aid attendant (WCB level III).
- Maintain first aid kits, supplies and records.
- Provide appropriate documentation of occupational injury/illness events
- Liase with WCB and University of Victoria over OH&S safety issues.
- Organizing first aid training for staff members and BMSC divers.
- First Aid instructor: Basic (WCB level one) First Aid instructor.
- Oversee BMSC safe operating procedures, safety inspections & safety planning.
- Provide safety orientation and training to TA’s and Students.
Qualifications and Experience:
Necessary
- Education: Minimum BSc in marine science or related field (MSc desirable)
- Current, certified SCUBA instructor from an accredited diving instruction agency
- Small commercial vessel operator proficiency certification (PCOC, SVOP)
- British Columbia WCB Level III first aid training, or equivalent
- Extensive experience working from small boats in remote coastal waters
- Knowledgeable about temperate coastal marine life
- Experienced cold-water diver
- Physically fit and able to safely lift ~80 lbs of equipment
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
Desirable
- First aid instructor
- CAUS Scientific Diver training
- Nitrox gas blender and instructor
- Equipment service technician
- Compressor service experience
- Knowledge of CAUS and WCB diving safety regulations
- Knowledge of WCB occupational health and safety regulations
- Experience managing research diving activities
Working Conditions
- Able to work in adverse weather conditions
- Must be able to maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, staff, students, researchers and other users of research, UP and Public Education.
Additional Information
The successful applicant would be required to relocate to Bamfield, a remote and beautiful community on the west coast of Vancouver Island, near the northern terminus of the West Coast Trail and about 1.5 hours west of Port Alberni. For more information on the community please visit the
Bamfield Chamber
Preferred Start Date: Aug. 25, 2008
Salary will be based on experience (minimum: $3,400/mo), and reviewed after a 3-month probationary period. A full benefits package is available through the University of Victoria.
Submission of Application
Please submit a resume that summarizes your qualifications and experience, and provide the names and contact information for three references that can be contacted by telephone or e-mail. Only applicants invited to interview will be contacted.
Applications may be mailed, deliveredd by hand, faxed or e-mailed (e-mail preferred):
Shirley Pakula
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
100 Pachena Rd
Bamfield, B.C. V0R1B0 CANADA
Fax: 250-728-3452
E-mail:
Review of applications will begin August 4, 2008 and continue until the position is filled
