Underwater Explorers Team Leader (Seasonal)

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Please note: This is a seasonal position slated to start in April and end approximately by 9/11.

Job Summary:

Under moderate supervision, assist the UE supervising staff with the coordination of the UE program’s daily logistics. Introduce children (ages 8-13) to the use of specialized scuba gear and conduct surface diving tours in the Great Tide Pool. Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the participants in their care along with educating them on the habitat and organisms they encounter during the tour. Conduct daily tasks in the support of the UE program as required. Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

• Supervise UE staff in the absence of UE management; responsibilities may include adjusting daily routines, reviewing medical questionnaires, and coordinating with Guest Experience staff to facilitate participation in the program.


• Assist in the delivery of Underwater Explorers training by helping to coordinate classroom and in-water training sessions.


• Facilitate participant check-in by reviewing medical questionnaires and waivers.


• Tour children (ages 8 -13) on surface scuba in the Great Tide Pool while educating them on the organisms and habitat.


• Instruct participants on the use of specialized scuba gear.


• Support in-water Instructors working directly with participants (e.g., help participants into/out of equipment, track in water dive time, etc.).


• Deliver a briefing on tide pool ecology and an equipment overview.


• Stop any diving practice deemed unsafe as described in the MBA Diving Safety Manual and UE handbook.


• Respond to any in-water safety or rescue situation and activate the emergency action plan as needed.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Leadership level certification (Divemaster or higher) from a nationally recognized dive training agency


• Demonstrated ability to implement dive safety best practices


• Demonstrated ability to apply good judgement


• Ability to provide leadership and mentorship to Dive Instructors


• Ability to effectively carry out in-water rescues in the Great Tide Pool to the satisfaction of the Dive Office


• Must be able to complete diving first aid training and in-water rescue drills, on-the-job training will be provided


• Must be able to pass the prescribed occupational physicals for the Underwater Explorers Instructor position


• Ability to effectively deliver educational material


• In-water supervisory skills


• Must have own cold-water skin-diving equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, gloves and booties)


• Ability to comply with the MBA Diving Safety Manual and Underwater Explorers handbook


• Demonstrated ability to be a positive role model for participants in the Underwater Explorers program


• Ability to work as a productive team member


• Ability to provide excellent customer service


• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values


• Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment, dive and life support equipment, hand trucks


• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending


• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs


• Aquarium exhibits, main aquarium, ocean, typical office, outdoors, temperature swings

Hourly Compensation Range:

$24.04-$27.16 USD per hour. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.