Ashley Varela
Summerland Key,FL
Summary
Certified Scuba Instructor with expertise in teaching diverse clientele. Proficient in diving equipment, safety protocols, marine habitats, and underwater navigation. Developed engaging learning environments that enhance skill development and ensure student comfort. Improved client retention rates at multiple dive centers.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
SDI Scuba Instructor
Better Than Most Scuba
Marathon, FL
03.2023 - Current
- Taught open water scuba courses, refreshers, and Try Scuba courses, covering safety standards through SDI.
- Led open water dives and guided students through their course in confined water as well as open water.
- Conducted pre-dive safety briefings, ensuring divers understood site conditions and safety protocols.
- Assisted divers in fitting essential gear, promoting safe and enjoyable underwater experiences.
Visual Communications
Dolphin Research Center
Marathon, FL
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Take photos, and make social media content, focusing on education & getting donations.
- Working with heavy, bulky, expensive camera equipment while on floating docks, with large marine mammals in the water.
- Worked with human-animal interactions; specifically, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and many bird species in a captive setting.
SSI scuba Instructor
Finz Dive Center
Key West, Florida
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Instructed scuba students on SSI safety standards and essential dive skills in confined and open water environments, ensuring student preparedness and safety.
- Conducted organized scuba and non-scuba excursions to the Dry Tortugas, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all participants.
- Fitted masks, regulators, fins, and buoyancy gear for divers and snorkelers to enhance comfort and performance during underwater activities.
SSI scuba Instructor
Captain Hooks
Big Pine, FL
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Led dives & briefed divers on Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
- Assisted guests in acclimating to water and boat environment
- Speak about local marine life to our boat guests.
- First Mate / Boat Maintenance
Scuba Instructor /Sales Representative
Force-E
Boca Raton, Florida
03.2020 - 03.2021
- Taught scuba certification classes adhering to SSI safety standards, ensuring student readiness for open water.
- Led confined-water drills and open-water dives for students for scuba, mermaid, and freedive courses.
- Educated clients on scuba equipment specifications and usage, enhancing their diving experience and confidence.
- Conducted thorough checks on dive gear, tanks, and regulators, maintaining equipment reliability and safety.
Dive Master /Scuba Instructor /Sales Representative
Channel Island Scuba
Thousand Oaks, California
03.2014 - 11.2019
- Taught scuba certification classes through our own pool; which i kept well maintained
- Beach dives /dive club nights/ socialize at scuba gathering through our dive shop / dive / build trust with clients.
- Know the Scubapro equipment better than anyone, so it is easy to sell to customers.
- Answer phone calls, answer questions, get back to customers, so they become clients.
Sales Associate /Private Swim Instructor
Ascuba Venture
Corpus Christi, Texas
01.2012 - 03.2014
- Teach swim lessons and assist with open water courses as a dive master.
- Know the scuba equipment; the pros and cons of each product to better assist the customer.
- Keep everyone's schedules organized and create ways to better help our organization run more smoothly.
Educational Assistant
Texas State Aquarium
Corpus Christi, Texas
11.2004 - 03.2014
- Guided students through animal exhibits using age-appropriate conservation language
- Assisted educators with classroom setup, cleanup, and activity transitions
- Prepared lesson materials for classrooms, camps, and outreach events
- Answered guest questions about marine animals and habitat care
- Supported Texas State Aquarium education programs and guest learning activities
Owner / Operator
Bikini Bottom Jobs
Port Aransas, Texas
10.2010 - 07.2014
- Handled customer requests and resolved service issues, enhancing overall customer satisfaction at Bikini Bottom Jobs.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally in order to maintain a positive reputation for the business.
- Cultivated long-term customer relationships through exceptional service and effective issue resolution.
- Executed cleaning and maintenance on boats, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
Education
Tuloso Midway High School
Corpus Christi, TexasSome College (No Degree) - Animal Science / Ethology
Texas A & M University
Corpus Christi, TXSkills
- Advanced diving techniques
- Scuba diving documentation
- Dive site orientation
- Emergency management
- Boat safety procedures
- Customer education
- Adaptive teaching methods
- Sales consultation
- Situational awareness
- Team leadership
- Environmental awareness
- Clear communication
- Multitasking capacity
- Emotional intelligence
- Multitasking capacity
Timeline
SDI Scuba Instructor
Better Than Most Scuba
03.2023 - Current
Visual Communications
Dolphin Research Center
01.2023 - 02.2024
SSI scuba Instructor
Finz Dive Center
08.2021 - 01.2023
SSI scuba Instructor
Captain Hooks
03.2021 - 08.2021
Scuba Instructor /Sales Representative
Force-E
03.2020 - 03.2021
Dive Master /Scuba Instructor /Sales Representative
Channel Island Scuba
03.2014 - 11.2019
Sales Associate /Private Swim Instructor
Ascuba Venture
01.2012 - 03.2014
Owner / Operator
Bikini Bottom Jobs
10.2010 - 07.2014
Educational Assistant
Texas State Aquarium
11.2004 - 03.2014
Tuloso Midway High School
Some College (No Degree) - Animal Science / Ethology
Texas A & M University