Program Description
The Dive Volunteer program is a year-round, long-term volunteer opportunity for adults, ages 18 and above, who have met the SCUBA certification and dive time requirements, can demonstrate the requisite dive skills, have great people skills and also have a deep respect for aquatic animals and conservation. Minimum diver experience is PADI OWD certification (or equivalent) and 10 hours of open water bottom time. There is currently a waiting list to become an active diver.
Volunteer divers provide formal interactions with our visitors, including:
- Regularly scheduled diver feeding demonstrations in the Pacific Reef and Gulf of Mexico exhibits
- Meet and greets with the public prior to some dives (typically, on summer afternoons)
- Demonstrating dive gear in public areas (as above)
Volunteer divers also provide a variety of underwater support for the Aquarium, including:
- Surface safety person (tender) for other divers
- Underwater cleaning of artificial decorative items
- Cleaning of dive gear
Training
Zoo Divers must complete a half-day orientation to the volunteer program. They also must attend training (or show certification for) CPR, First Aid, Oxygen delivery and AED use. The Toledo Zoo will provide this training at no cost to the diver. They also must have a physician’s health statement on file. Depending on their skill level, some divers may be required to demonstrate their diving ability at an off-site pool. All divers will receive training in how to dive in exhibits. All divers will be given a copy of the Toledo Zoo Dive Safety manual, and will be expected to understand and follow it at all times. Volunteer divers may also receive other specialized animal handling training and trainings for specific programs and opportunities.
Time Commitment
Because of the lengthy training requirements, it is vital that all volunteer divers have the expectation of becoming long-term volunteers. Due to the difficulty in scheduling a large number of divers, it is also important that you be available on a routine basis in order to maintain a slot in the diver rotation. Currently cleaning dives are scheduled on Sundays, Wednesday, and Thursdays, with occasional Saturdays. All dives start at 11:30 am.
Volunteer Divers are required to:
- Complete the required training programs prior to their first scheduled dive.
- Dive/tend at least two times per month (averaged yearly).
- Complete safety training / continuing education each year as required.
- Report any safety or health issues to staff.
- Divers will need to supply their own wetsuit. These suits should be black and thicker than a dive skin, but not a full cold-water suit (3mm suit works well for most people). Hoods will be provided, but you can use your own if you wish. Dive fins will be provided and be full-footed, so dive booties are not needed. Gloves and dive socks will be provided, as will all other dive gear.
Application Process
Those interested in joining the Dive Volunteer program must attend an Informational Session. Please contact the Volunteer Department here to be contacted when registration opens for our next Dive Volunteer class.
The program is designed to have structure and yet remain somewhat flexible. If you have questions or conflicts with any of these expectations, please contact the Dive Safety Officer or Volunteer Department staff.
