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Aquarium Scuba Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Texas State Aquarium

Aquarist I

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

... aquarium/zoo; or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Open Water SCUBA certification * Certifications in First aid, CPR, AED and Emergency Oxygen Other This position offers an ...

Texas State Aquarium

Aquarist I

Corpus Christi, TX

... aquarium/zoo; or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Open Water SCUBA certification * Certifications in First aid, CPR, AED and Emergency Oxygen Other This position offers an ...

Aquarium

Biologist

Houston, TX · On-site

Biologist The Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas is currently seeking a full time Biologist I or ... Are able to be medically cleared by a physician for SCUBA upon hire * Have excellent analytical ...

OdySea Aquarium

SeaTREK Guide

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

Responsible for cleaning and maintaining all exhibits throughout the aquarium, as well as maintaining all SCUBA diving gear and the dive locker. * Assist with maintenance and repairs of SCUBA and ...

Aquarium

Biologist

Houston, TX · On-site

Biologist The Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas is currently seeking a full time Biologist I or ... Are able to be medically cleared by a physician for SCUBA upon hire * Have excellent analytical ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

SeaTREK Guide

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

Responsible for cleaning and maintaining all exhibits throughout the aquarium, as well as maintaining all SCUBA diving gear and the dive locker. * Assist with maintenance and repairs of SCUBA and ...

Georgia Aquarium

Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Maintains SCUBA certification. Functions as a diver, dive tender, standby diver (TSBD), and designated person in charge (DPIC) during underwater activities carried out by Georgia Aquarium. * Follows ...

Texas State Aquarium

Diver

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

The Texas State Aquarium provides high quality, entertaining programming through education ... Fill scuba cylinders following approved procedures and applicable safety requirements. * Tend dives ...

Texas State Aquarium

Diver

Corpus Christi, TX

The Texas State Aquarium provides high quality, entertaining programming through education ... Fill scuba cylinders following approved procedures and applicable safety requirements. * Tend dives ...

Mystic Aquarium

Senior Trainer Pinnipeds

Mystic, CT · On-site

The Senior Trainer, Pinnipeds leads the daily care, training, and enrichment of Mystic Aquarium ... Perform regular scuba diving maintenance on habitats. Leadership and Staff Development * Assume a ...

Ripley Entertainment Inc

Aquarist I

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

$36K/yr

Aquarium Life support Systems (LSS) design, construction, operation and maintenance. * Live exhibit aesthetics design, construction and maintenance. * SCUBA certification highly desirable or ...

The Maritime Aquarium

Aquarist I - Jellies

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$21.13/hr

For 38 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and ... SCUBA certification preferred * Able to work weekends and holidays This is not designed to cover or ...

Texas State Aquarium

Trainer I/II

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

Take your career to new depths at the Texas State Aquarium-the premier destination showcasing the ... Support exhibit maintenance activities, including SCUBA-assisted cleaning and aquatic habitat care.

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Aquarium Scuba information

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How much do aquarium scuba jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for aquarium scuba in the United States is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquarium scuba diver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aquarium Scuba Diver, you generally need advanced scuba diving certification (such as PADI Divemaster or equivalent), strong swimming abilities, and knowledge of aquatic animal care. Familiarity with underwater communication devices, dive computers, and maintenance equipment is typically necessary. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and calmness under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure diver safety, proper animal husbandry, and smooth operation of aquarium exhibits.

What is an aquarium scuba?

Aquarium Scuba professionals are divers trained to work in aquariums, performing underwater maintenance, cleaning, and animal care. Their duties often include feeding marine animals, cleaning tanks, inspecting equipment, and assisting with veterinary procedures. These professionals typically hold scuba diving certifications and have specialized training in marine biology or aquarium management to ensure the well-being of aquatic life. Their work is essential for keeping aquarium exhibits clean, safe, and healthy for both animals and visitors.

What is the difference between Aquarium Scuba vs Aquarium Diver?

AspectAquarium ScubaAquarium Diver
CertificationsOpen Water Diver or higher, specialized aquarium diving certificationsOpen Water Diver or equivalent, often with additional aquarium-specific training
Work EnvironmentIndoor aquariums, controlled water tanks, sometimes outdoor exhibitsIndoor and outdoor aquarium tanks, maintenance areas
Job FocusMaintenance, cleaning, and animal care within large tanksCleaning, feeding, and inspecting aquatic life in tanks

Both roles involve diving skills and certifications, but Aquarium Scuba typically refers to professional divers trained for specialized aquarium environments, while Aquarium Diver may refer to entry-level or general diving roles within aquariums. The main difference lies in the level of certification and job responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by aquarium scuba divers during routine tank maintenance?

Aquarium Scuba Divers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility due to algae or particles in the water, which can make navigation and detailed cleaning tasks more difficult. Working in close proximity to large or sensitive aquatic animals requires constant awareness and adherence to strict safety protocols to protect both the diver and the animals. Additionally, divers must carefully manage equipment and communication with surface teams to ensure efficient and safe operations, especially when coordinating with other staff members for tasks like specimen relocation or tank repairs.
More about Aquarium Scuba jobs
What states have the most Aquarium Scuba jobs? States with the most job openings for Aquarium Scuba jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aquarium Scuba jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aquarium Scuba jobs are:
Aquarium Scuba jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquarium Scuba job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,013 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, IL • On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 hours ago

Shedd Aquarium rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

TITLE: Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability
DEPARTMENT: Aquarium
REPORTS TO: Manager, Saltwater Habitats
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY RATE: $32.00 - $34.00/hour
LOCATION: Chicago, IL, Onsite
Shedd Aquarium is committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, fostering meaningful public engagement through an "animals-first" approach. We create complex environments and use innovative training to promote natural behaviors.
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability oversees the daily care, welfare, and management of Shedd Aquarium's live food culture programs, larval fish and invertebrate development initiatives, and specialized marine exhibits. Reporting to the Manager of Saltwater Habitats, this position balances hands-on animal husbandry with team leadership, predominantly working alongside aquarists while supervising daily operations, developing staff, and advancing Shedd's aquaculture goals. The Supervisor leads a team responsible for the care of a diverse collection of marine organisms, including teleost marine fishes, syngnathids, cold-water invertebrates, sea jellies, and live food cultures such as phytoplankton, copepods, mysid shrimp, and Artemia. The supervisor provides leadership for the Aquarium's internal and collaborative AZA collection sustainability priorities.
This position works closely with their manager and the rest of their team - along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities - to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to the planning, husbandry and welfare. They will work with the Conservation and Research Team to advance in-situ and ex situ research goals. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations and provides full support of the aquarium's SCUBA diving program as directed by the Dive Program Manager.
The Supervisor is expected to serve as a leader in the Animal Care and Science Division. They embody inter-departmental productivity and participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department and serve as an aquarium spokesperson as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Hands-on Animal Husbandry (approximately 32-36 hours per week):
  • Perform daily feedings, health checks, and behavioral observations on all species to ensure their health and well-being.
  • Conduct routine cleaning, water quality monitoring, and life support system adjustments to maintain optimal habitat conditions.
  • Implement and document animal training programs using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage natural behaviors and mental stimulation.
  • Maintain accurate logs of animal health, training sessions, feedings, and habitat conditions using Shedd's animal management software.
  • Perform scheduled dives for habitat cleaning, maintenance, and animal care within exhibits as needed.
  • Assist with animal transports, acclimations, and habitat introductions, following established protocols.
  • Conduct feeding demonstrations, assist in educational presentations, and provide behind-the-scenes tours as needed to enhance guest experiences.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory (approximately 4-8 hours per week)
  • Support the onboarding, training, and development of aquarist team members; guide daily tasks and ensure best practices in animal care.
  • Conduct weekly 1:1 check-ins with aquarists, document performance, and assist in creating professional development plans.
  • Prepares Performance Assessments for their direct reports to be completed and delivered in collaboration with the Manager.
  • Assist the Manager with supply orders, inventory tracking, and departmental reporting.
  • Ensure adherence to accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Manager.
  • Support initiatives involving Conservation, Research, Animal Health, Facilities, and Guest Relations teams to align with Shedd's mission.
  • Participate in daily team meetings and bi-weekly meetings with the Manager to discuss operational updates and project needs.
  • Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education: Bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, a related field, or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
Experience:
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in animal husbandry, with knowledge of modern aquaculture practices and larval fish and marine invertebrate rearing techniques.
  • Proven track record in the care, handling, and behavioral training of animals.
  • Familiarity with life support systems, water quality management, and veterinary protocols.
  • Familiarity with collection planning, sustainability initiatives, and conservation priorities in an aquarium setting.
  • Familiarity with regulatory standards for animal care, including transport and accreditation requirements.
  • Ability to effectively present information to all One Shedd team members.
  • Ability to lead, inspire, and manage people.
  • Ability to execute department planning and strategy.
  • Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
  • Ability to understand and employ intermediate-level accounting mathematics.
  • Ability to evaluate and recommend behavioral solutions for optimal welfare and sustainability of animals in Shedd's care.
  • Ability to plan for development of animals in Shedd's care for public engagement, sustainability, and research.
  • Ability to develop and manage a department budget.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
  • Proficiency in the use of animal management software such as TRACKs.
  • Ability to learn multiple software applications for accounting, employee management, and interdepartmental business operations.

SPECIAL SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS:
  • Proficient in record-keeping and animal management software.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on critical thinking in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
  • Proficient in using animal management software for accurate record-keeping and reporting.
  • Flexibility to work weekends and holidays, and adjust schedules as needed.
  • Commitment to Shedd's mission, vision, and values, with a passion for conservation.

CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license or can obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
  • Must possess a valid passport or be able to obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
  • Must possess a minimum of open water SCUBA certification. Employment is contingent upon passing a dive physical and check-out protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.
  • Must possess AALSO Operator 1 and AALSO Water Quality 1 Certificate or can obtain within 12 months from the start of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Lift up to 40 pounds
  • Sit
  • Stand
  • Stoop
  • Kneel
  • Walk
  • Swim
  • Hear

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
This person may be exposed to:
  • Water
  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Hazardous Chemicals
  • Low Noise
  • Moderate Noise
  • Loud Noise
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.
  • Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
  • Vision and Dental Insurance
  • Accrued Paid Time Off
  • Up to 12 Paid Holidays
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
  • 401(k)
  • Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
  • Employee Discounts
  • Employee Tickets
Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

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