The Marine Activities Supervisor/Dive Safety Officer (DSO) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of diving safety for the Samish Indian Nation’s Scientific Dive Team. This role ensures compliance with applicable standards, supports marine research and cultural resource protection, and promotes safe diving practices in alignment with the Nation’s stewardship of the Salish Sea and surrounding waters. In addition, this position facilitates membership in AAUS (American Academy of Underwater Sciences) and maintains that membership in good standing.

• Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)
  

1. Dive Program Oversight
1. Develops, implements, and maintains the Samish Indian Nation’s Dive Safety Manual and protocols.
2. Ensures compliance with AAUS (American Academy of Underwater Sciences) standards and other relevant regulations.
3. Maintains dive logs, certifications, medical records, and equipment inventories.
4. Develops partnerships to grow the Samish Dive Team’s projects and activities in Samish Traditional Territory.
2. Staff Supervision
   1. Supervises scientific diver/field technician staff, provides daily direction and oversight.
   2. Takes appropriate action to correct or improve employee performance in the field, and works closely with Natural Resources Manager to follow up with more formally as needed.
   3. Conducts field staff performance evaluations with manager input and works to continue the development of employee skills and qualifications.
3. Training and Certification
   1. Oversees and conducts diver skills training, evaluations, and refresher courses.
   2. Certifies divers for scientific diving activities and ensures ongoing competency.
   3. Coordinates emergency response drills and first aid/CPR training.
4. Field Operations
   1. Supervises and participates in scientific diving operations, including habitat monitoring, cultural site documentation, and marine species surveys and reintroduction efforts.
   2. Approves all dive plans prior to any dive activity.
   3. Conducts or delegates pre-dive briefings and post-dive debriefings.
   4. Ensures proper maintenance and calibration of dive equipment.
   5. Coordinates with boat support crews for safe diver deployment and recovery.
5. Safety & Risk Management
   1. Monitors environmental conditions and assesses dive site risks.
   2. Serves as the primary contact for dive-related incidents and emergencies.
   3. Investigates and reports any dive-related accidents or near misses.
6. Collaboration & Reporting
   1. Works closely with tribal staff, researchers, and external partners.
   2. Provides regular reports to program leadership and contributes to grant proposals and scientific publications.
   3. Represents the Nation in regional dive safety networks and AAUS forums.
   4. Participates in field work associated with Samish non diving projects at request of Natural Resources Senior Director.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. AAUS certification in good standing.
2. Dive Instructor Certification with all prerequisites through a reputable Recreational Dive Instructor Organization.
3. Extensive dive experience in a cold water, scientific setting.
4. Current certifications in First Aid, CPR, Oxygen Administration.
5. Strong organizational and communication skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to organize and lead scientific dives and divers.
7. Commitment to tribal sovereignty, cultural resource protection, and environmental stewardship.

 Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience working with tribal governments or Indigenous communities.
2. Familiarity with marine ecosystems of the Salish Sea.
3. Background in marine biology, archaeology, or environmental science.
4. Boat handling and navigation skills.
5. Knowledge of GIS, GPS, underwater photography, or ROV operations.

Physical Demands: Frequent walking, hiking, standing (40% of time); Frequent bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (30% of time); Regular periods of sitting, including driving (30% of time). Regularly lifts/carries up to 50 lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office and field equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, paperwork-handling, and phone use. Must be able to physically utilize vehicles and water vessels of various sizes including boats, kayaks, or zodiacs. Fieldwork in remote and marine environments, often cold and challenging conditions. Flexible schedule including nontraditional hours, weekends, and travel. Must be able to lift and carry dive gear and equipment. Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment is mainly outdoors with various elements and inclement weather including wind, rain, sleet, cold, and heat. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires frequent vehicular travel and frequent field work including land and bodies of water. May handle chemicals, solutions, and samples on a regular basis.

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY: This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment. All materials, including electronic materials of any type or format, produced are considered works made for hire and are the property of the Samish Indian Nation.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen. Random drug tests may be performed.