Jan 14, 2026

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Recruiting for Dive Operations Internship

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has an open application for a paid dive internship directed at newer divers/early career folks. To learn more and apply by the February 1 deadline, visit the official internship posting.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo is operated by Parks Tacoma. For more information, visit www.pdza.org.

The Dive Operations Internship is designed to provide interns with practical, hands-on learning opportunities in the field of Aquarium dive operations such as the use of SCUBA and Hookah for husbandry dives under the Scientific Dive exemption, basic maintenance of dive equipment, public presentations using underwater audio equipment and the day-to-day operations of a public dive program. The intern will be actively diving in and supporting diving in Aquarium habitats.

This internship opportunity is ideal for motivated individuals seeking to begin a career in aquarium diving.

This 12-week internship session will begin April 2026 and conclude June 2026.

Essential Duties

The intern will undergo training to meet the standard of Scientific Aquarium Diver in Training and participate in dive operations including, but not limited to:

Scientific Aquarium Diver in Training

  • SCUBA checkout dive/skills assessment and development session(s)
  • Academic topics in dive science beyond the beginner diver level to include dive physics, physiology, dive emergency response, appropriate dive planning, dive standards
  • Divers Alert Network Dive First Aid training, covering topics in first aid, CPR, emergency oxygen administration, Hazardous marine life and neurological assessment in a dive emergency
  • Rescue diver training for habitat dives
  • Appropriate disinfection of aquarium dive equipment and record keeping thereof
  • Basics of underwater animal husbandry considerations
  • Tending dives using Hookah supplied air, and providing Topside Support to SCUBA & Hookah dives
  • Full Face Mask diving introduction
  • Dive logging and required records for meeting the scientific dive exemption
  • Public Presentations: Conducting a dive presentation in conjunction with Conservation Engagement interpreters in the Northwest Waters habitat
  • Safe handling and filling of high-pressure SCUBA cylinders
  • Potential for dry suit orientation

Dives

  • Following initial training the intern would have the opportunity to participate in day-to-day dive operations for the purposes of husbandry, presentations, and support of the Eye-to-Eye shark dive program

Equipment Maintenance

  • Learn the general equipment maintenance needs for SCUBA and Hookah
  • Learn to troubleshoot and overhaul BCD inflators
  • Observe SCUBA cylinder visual inspections
  • Observe a SCUBA regulator overhaul
  • Learn basic troubleshooting of a SCUBA regulator

Certifications

  • Some Interns may have the opportunity to complete a variety of these dive certifications during their internship: Rescue Diver, Scientific Aquarium Diver, DAN First Aid (dive specific first aid training created by Divers Alert Network)

Public Dive Program

  • Introduction to a public guest dive program
  • Presentation practice in shark conservation messaging
  • Considerations for supporting visitors who need accommodation including use of a Hoyer lift for entry/exit
  • Supervising noncertified divers as safety diver
  • Emergency response training & practice

Field Dive Operations

  • Not Guaranteed: Depending on season, intern interest and PDZA capacity
  • Some interns may have the opportunity to have minimal involvement in field dive operations in a support role. This could include an introduction to boating and field dive operations for research purposes.

Minimum Qualifications

PDZA is committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcomes candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please consider the breadth of your life experience when interpreting listed duties and qualifications.

  • Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification.
  • Must provide proof of at least a beginner diver certification from a nationally recognized SCUBA training organization such as NAUI, PADI, SSI, BSAC etc.
  • Must have completed at least 4 cold water divers (65 degrees or colder)
  • Must have no medical contraindications to scientific diving (See AAUS.org dive standards for more information). Final acceptance will be conditional upon physician approval to participate in scientific diving.
  • Must be able to pass a basic skills SCUBA checkout dive and swim evaluation
  • Must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in a Zoo or Aquarium dive related field.
  • This is an in-depth program requiring a 40 hour per week commitment, for a minimum of 12 weeks. Eligible candidates must be able to commit to 40 hours a week for 12 weeks.

Application Process

  1. Complete the online application & supplemental questions
  2. Upload a cover letter highlighting your career goals
  3. Undergo a phone, online and/or onsite interview
  4. If selected for the internship, complete an evaluation by PDZA dive physician for approval for scientific diving

For questions please contact: heidi.wilken@pdza.org

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