Diving Safety Officer
The OIST Core Facilities contributes to research and education by providing excellent common research facilities and research support services for the researchers and students at OIST.
The OIST Core Facilities is looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented diving safety officer to support marine fieldwork in the university. The successful candidate will work closely with the Marine Science Section responsible for supporting researchers to conduct scientific diving. Whilst also being a member of the OIST Diving Control Board responsible for supervising and enforcing all the safety guidelines and procedures for marine research operations including scientific diving.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
- Supervise, monitor, and evaluate operations and safety compliance at sea, and report any problems to the Chair of the Diving Control Board
- Provide technical assistance to scientists and other personnel and advise the selection of appropriate instrumentation for research procedures.
- Participate in research diving surveys and operations, assist scientists and students to accomplish their research diving programs satisfactorily.
- Coordinate with scientists and research collaborators about scientific diving programs and appropriate equipment needs.
- Develop and maintain a sanctioned training and certification program approved by the OIST Dive Control Board for all research scientists and students, together with Occupational Health and Safety Section and updating the university’s Dive Safety Manual
- Ensure effective inspection and maintenance of scientific diving equipment.
- Review and recommend the latest diving technology and procedures.
- Recommend budgets for the Diving Program and compile an annual report of diving activities.
- Review health and safety aspects of research projects and instructional activities which involve skin/scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Develop and manage the diving safety database including but not limited to all diving records, equipment maintenance logs, diving certifications, incidents of accidents and risks, etc.
- Lead Diving Teams in the Core Facilities, train other divers on all aspects of items above through OJT and recommend appropriate external trainings to them.
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Core Facilities
(Required)
- 10 years of related scientific diving and safety experience, preferably with an academic institution.
- Knowledge and communication skills needed for advancing the scientific dive program within the university research community.
- Extensive knowledge of marine & boat safety
- Adequate experience in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) protocols development and implementation
- Small boat handling, shipboard experience and seagoing ability are essential.
- Recognized certifications as a scientific Dive Instructor for advanced nitrox diving.
- Advanced lifesaving, CPR and first aid
- Scientific diving Instructor certifications and manufacturer specific diving equipment inspection/repair, gas blender certifications
- Excellent communication skills in English. Ability to communicate in Japanese is desirable.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to adapt to local culture and rapidly changing work environment.
(Preferred)
- A Bachelor's degree in marine science or equivalent
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Cover letter in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- 2 reference letters will be required if the Applicant is selected as a shortlisted candidate.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3 months probationary period (inclusive).
This contract may be renewed.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)