Darling Marine Center

Scientific Diving

2023 Scientific Diving Internship

The primary responsibility of the intern is to serve as a Dive Leader and assist with the instruction and supervision of students enrolled in SMS academic diving courses. The position is based primarily at the Darling Marine Center and is field intensive. The internship provides the necessary training and experience to earn certification as a Divemaster.

Work Schedule: Part-time, temporary position 12-16 hrs./week for 6-12 months; Spring, Summer and/or Fall terms. Exact schedule to be determined.

This is a field intensive position requiring long-hours outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Scuba diving requires a significant level of good health, physical fitness, endurance, and mental fortitude. Divers are regularly exposed to a variety of hostile environmental conditions; equipment is heavy, cumbersome, and limits visibility, hearing, and movement. Divers must learn to tolerate long periods of relative discomfort while maintaining focus on the duties and objectives at hand.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate diving/ watermanship ability acceptable to the instructor, as well as knowledge of scientific diving regulations, skills, and techniques. Ability to follow strict safety guidelines and detailed work instructions but also take appropriate initiative and operate independently. Desire and motivation to exhibit role-model behavior and serve as a mentor to student divers.

• Current status as a UMaine Scientific Diver; previous training as an AAUS Scientific Diver or equivalent experience acceptable. Experience with SMS324 preferred.

• Current AAUS/UMaine Diving Medical Exam and other administrative requirements

• Current certification in CPR/FA/O2 administration

• Ability to drive a University vehicle

• Medical insurance specific to scuba diving

• Must provide all personal diving equipment (*some equipment may be available from UMaine)

Financial Compensation: None; this is an unpaid internship position. However, Divemaster academic materials and training (value: ~$600), CPR/FA/O2 re-certification (value: ~$100), course-related boat dive (value: ~$150) are provided, along some meals provided on dive days.

NOTE: While academic materials and training are provided, the Divemaster certifications fee must be paid by the intern (~$100-150).

To Apply: Applicants should submit a letter of intent, professional resume/vitae, and a record of diving activity (Dive Log) to the UMaine Diving Safety Officer. Applications will be reviewed and potential candidates will be chosen; phone or personal interviews will be scheduled as necessary.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis with the following deadlines:

• Jan 15- Spring session

• Apr 15- Summer session

• Jul 15- Fall session

Expectations and Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the Scientific Diver Statement of Understanding and Code of Conduct, as a scientific diving intern, divemaster candidate, future industry professional, and representative of the UMaine Scientific Diving Program, you will be expected to exhibit conscientious, ethical, and professional behavior at all times when interacting with students, university personnel, and other diving community professionals. You will follow the guidance of your supervisor in certain situations, but you must also be self-motivated and learn to assist the instructor by anticipating what needs to be done instead of waiting for instructions.

Certification as a Divemaster is considered the first step towards becoming a diving-industry professional. As such, responsibility for completing the academic and participatory requirements of the internship rests solely with the candidate; professional level behavior and work is expected during all aspects of the program. The structure of diving courses at UMaine provides ample opportunities to complete these objectives over the course of a single year. Unless other arrangements are made, the internship will be officially terminated one year from the start date, regardless of whether the intern has met the requirements for Divemaster certification.