UConn Cookie Information

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks an Academic Assistant 1 to serve as the Diving Safety Officer (DSO) and research support staff member. The Academic Assistant will run an established SCUBA diving program, teach open-water and scientific diving courses, and work in the field to support marine research activities (shipboard and shoreline).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We seek a motivated individual who has a strong interest in growing an established SCUBA diving program, teaching open-water and scientific diving courses, and working in the field to support marine research activities (shoreline and shipboard).  The DSO serves on the University’s Diving Control Board and is tasked with ensuring that research diving at UConn is compliant with AAUS standards and OSHA regulations.  Duties include ensuring that all diving activities are carried out by qualified individuals in a safe and productive manner, providing dive support for research and infrastructure maintenance, keeping records of diving activities, reporting statistics to the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), and providing letters of reciprocity for certified divers.  The DSO will be responsible for managing the budget of the dive locker facility at Avery Point, and procurement and maintenance of diving equipment and supplies. Instructional duties include but are not limited to teaching two Marine Sciences courses in the fall semester each year (MARN 1160 Introduction to Scientific Diving and MARN 4160 Scientific Diving), necessary diving-related safety training to maintain compliance (i.e., CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration training for divers and vessel crew/operators), and serving as advisor for the campus SCUBA club. Additionally, the DSO will be expected to teach open-water diving courses to the public in the spring semester each year.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in marine science, oceanography, or a related field with five years of related experience; OR a Master's degree. 
• Certified Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) or equivalent obtained from a nationally or internationally recognized organization.
• Documented experience with underwater scientific research and/or field operations.
• Documented experience teaching SCUBA diving courses.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or higher in marine science, oceanography, or a related field with two years of related experience.
• Five or more years of experience as a certified SCUBA instructor.
• Prior experience overseeing a SCUBA diving program.
• Prior experience teaching scientific diving to college-level students.
• Certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor.
• Certified Oxygen Administrator Instructor.
• Certified Instructor for one or more advanced/technical diving practices (e.g., decompression, mixed gas, closed-circuit rebreathers, etc.).
• Prior experience servicing or maintaining SCUBA equipment (e.g., regulators, BCDs, air compressors/tanks, etc.).
• Documented experience operating and trailering small boats, and supporting field research.
• Connecticut safe boating certification or equivalent, or the ability to obtain.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12-month position.  This position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and budget funding.  Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).  Salary and benefits are competitive and will be commensurate with experience.  The support of research activities can involve out-of-state travel and offshore boat trips of several days.

The selected incumbent must possess adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, and fitness to perform the required duties. Incumbents may be exposed to foul weather conditions while performing duties. Duties may require additional safety training to work in laboratories or confined spaces. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. 

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499491 and submit the following application materials: resume, cover letter, personal statement that describes your experiences as a diving instructor and how you might approach the position's instructional, managerial, and research-supporting expectations, and contact information for three (3) professional references. 

Review of applications will begin on April 24, 2026, and will remain open until filled. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.