Assistant Diving Safety Officer
The Marine and Terrestrial Sciences (MTS) Section provides technical and operational support for marine and terrestrial research at OIST and for the broader research community. MTS operates the Marine Science Station and sea neXus facilities, supports experimental planning and implementation, and delivers fieldwork logistics across Okinawa. The section also provides environmental monitoring, equipment and dataset
management, permitting and stakeholder coordination, and data support (including GIS and sensor workflows), alongside biological collections support and safety training.
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.
- Conduct scientific diver training, swim evaluations, checkout dives, diving courses, and specialty modules.
- Deliver snorkeling and freediving training, including emergency procedures, equipment use, and operational standards.
- Evaluate diver readiness and performance; develop scientific divers through coaching and mentorship.
- Manage fill station operations, training, and required recordkeeping.
- Ensure compliance with OIST policies, AAUS standards, and applicable Japanese and international regulations.
- Maintain diver records and program documentation, including certifications, medical clearances, incident reports, and service logs.
- Review dive and field plans to verify appropriate risk assessment, environmental considerations, and staffing.
- Oversee maintenance, inspection, and inventory of scuba equipment and specialized research gear.
- Support vessel and field operations, including gear preparation, equipment deployment, and sample collection activities.
- Provide program continuity through DSO coverage, board participation as needed, reporting support, and operational assistance to MTS as needed.
- Other duties as assigned
(Required)
- AAUS Scientific Diver (or equivalent) and active-status Scuba Instructor from a recognized training agency.
- Current certifications in CPR, AED, Diving First Aid, Neurological Assessment, and Emergency Oxygen Administration.
- Ability to meet OIST and AAUS medical and physical fitness requirements for diving, including the capacity to perform demanding fieldwork and lift heavy equipment.
- Minimum two years of experience in scientific, research, and/or instructional diving.
- Working knowledge of AAUS standards or equivalent scientific and occupational diving frameworks.
- Experience supervising training and research dives, demonstrating sound judgment and situational awareness.
- Experience with small-boat operations and familiarity with basic scuba equipmentmaintenance (regulators, BCs, cylinders).
- Strong administrative and documentation skills with a high level of accuracy.
- Effective communication skills, including the ability to provide constructive feedback and intervene in unsafe situations.
- Adaptable, safety-minded, and committed to environmental stewardship and responsible scientific diving practices.
(Preferred)
- NAUI Instructor (active status).
- DFA Instructor (DAN, NAUI, or equivalent).
- Freediving Instructor from an internationally recognized training agency.
- Aqualung equipment service technician qualification.
- Visual inspector certification.
- Experience with fill station and compressor maintenance/repair.
- Experience operating vessels in coastal or open-ocean environments.
- Proficiency in both English and Japanese.
- Japanese driver’s license.
- Bachelor’s degree in marine science, biology, environmental science, engineering, or related field.
- Experience using and maintaining field monitoring equipment
- Experience teaching or mentoring early-career researchers and/or graduate students.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations (RS2).
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)
- Remote Work System
- Cover Letter in English
- Curriculum vitae in English
* Please click APPLY HERE to be redirected to our application platform (Interfolio) and follow the instructions there to upload the required documents.
* 2 reference letters will be required during the final stages of the process
- 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.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
- Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation
- Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors
- Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
- Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.