Dive Safety Officer - The School for Field Studies Marine Resource Studies - South Caicos

[Nicole Vierthaler]

The School for Field Studies is hiring for position of Dive Safety Officer / Marine Operations Coordinator (DSO) for the Center for Marine Resource Studies at their South Caicos, Turks and Caicos field station.

The School for Field Studies (SFS) creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship. 

Start Date: 
June 1, 2026 

Apply by: 

March 13, 2026

Position Summary:
Under the general direction of the Center Director, the Diving Safety Officer  / Marine Operations Coordinator (DSO) is responsible for a variety of support duties associated with academic and scientific activities, on and underwater, in order to ensure they are carried out in an effective and safe manner, in accordance with SFS and CMRS specific policies.  

The DSO oversees the routine operation of the waterfront programs, including conducting training, leading waterfront activities (dives and snorkels), certification, and skill assessment for activities based out of the waterfront. This includes, but is not limited to swimming, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. This is a hands-on position and involves frequent SCUBA diving and vessel operation and maintenance, including but not limited to SFS boats, compressor, SCUBA gear, and mooring systems. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Active status SCUBA diving instructor's certification from a nationally recognized agency (iPADI) 

• First Aid/CPR Instructor  

• Oxygen Administration Instructor  

• Extensive small boat handling, operating and maintenance experience  

• Must be mechanically inclined 

• Experience in outboard engine troubleshooting and mechanics  

• Certified in visual inspection for cylinders and experience with hydrostatic testing coordination 

• Related experience with an academic institution 

• Experience with marine rescue and hazard identification 

• Mechanical aptitude, able to trouble shoot problem in complex environment 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Captain's license
• Bachelor's degree, Marine related discipline preferred
• Experience in personnel supervision
• Caribbean diving experience and knowledge of marine life
• Experience with communal living
• EMT qualified
• Wilderness First Responder certification

Benefits: 

• Covered travel from home of record to SFS Center at the beginning and end of employment. After one year of employment, one additional round-trip to home of record during non-program time is covered by SFS. 
• On-site room and board (all meals also provided while programs are in session) 
• Auto-enrollment in an Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance plan effective from the first day of employment 
• ​​​​​​​International health insurance reimbursement at 80%, increasing with each year of employment, up to 100% 
• Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage provided by SFS
• Instructor registration and liability insurance 
• DAN Insurance reimbursed up to a cap dollar amount
• Reimbursable diving gear stipend 

For more information and to apply: Visit the SFS Careers page at https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/