HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under the general supervision of the Special Operations Support commander, Underwater Operations Team members will perform highly responsible, technical work above the average difficulty, in various types of aquatic environments. Duties may be performed during an assigned shift or members may be called out during non-assigned shifts. Members will undergo SCUBA training and will be issued SCUBA gear. Duties will primarily include underwater search and recovery. Members may also be tasked with special events or proactive underwater assignments for special events.

[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for all duties as outlined in job description for "Deputy Sheriff".
• Liaison with inside/outside agency personnel.
• Responsible for in water search and rescue missions.
• Responsible for evidence detection and other approved waterborne missions.
• Conduct basic maintenance and repair on SCUBA equipment.
• Conducts periodic reviews of team materials, equipment, and member training status’.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Must be a sworn member employed full time with the agency for a minimum of two years. Exceptions may be made to this requirement due to extraordinary skill sets, training, or experience.
• Must complete a Medical Questionnaire.
• Must possess Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification.
• Exceptions may be made to the Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification requirement if the member immediately enrolls in and successfully completes an open water certification course from a recognized and acceptable training organization as provided by the agency.

• Ability to make sound judgments based on past experiences and knowledge.
• Must be a strong swimmer and comfortable in the water.
• Must have knowledge about the physiology of SCUBA diving.
• Must have knowledge about SCUBA equipment, its function, basic care, and basic repair.
• Must be able to perform first aid for SCUBA specific related injuries and non-SCUBA related injuries.

Essential Physical Skills:

• 20/20 Vision (corrected)
• Ability to crawl ten yards
• Ability to drag or lift or carry 150 pounds 25 feet
• Ability to run 100 yards unassisted
• Ability to scale a five foot fence
• Ability to walk unassisted
• Hearing: normal language level (assisted/unassisted)
• Manual dexterity
• Normal color perception
• Ability to swim both assisted and unassisted
• Ability to tread water without assistance
• Ability to conduct an inert diver tow

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Indoor and Outdoor environment.
• May be exposed to inclement weather conditions.