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Dive Master Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

San Diego, CA

$40K - $80K/yr

Advanced scuba diving certifications (i.e. dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification), and current First Aid and CPR certification, OR * Two ...

SAIC

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

San Diego, CA

$40K - $80K/yr

Advanced scuba diving certifications (i.e. dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification), and current First Aid and CPR certification, OR * Two ...

SAIC

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

Advanced scuba diving certifications (i.e. dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification), and current First Aid and CPR certification, OR * Two ...

SAIC

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

Advanced scuba diving certifications (i.e. dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification), and current First Aid and CPR certification, OR * Two ...

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All JobsDive Master JobsDive Master Jobs in California

Dive Master information

See California salary details

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$39

How much do dive master jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for dive master in California is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dive Master vs Open Water Diver?

AspectDive MasterOpen Water Diver
CertificationsAdvanced open water, rescue, and Dive Master certificationsBasic open water certification
Work EnvironmentSupervising dives, assisting instructors, guiding certified diversRecreational diving, learning to dive
Industry UsageProfessional role in dive shops, resorts, and liveaboardsEntry-level certification for recreational diving

The Dive Master is a professional certification that allows individuals to supervise and assist in diving activities, often working in commercial or instructional settings. The Open Water Diver is a basic certification for recreational divers, serving as the foundation for further training. While both roles involve diving, the Dive Master has advanced skills and responsibilities, making it a step toward a professional career in diving.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dive master, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dive Master, you need strong scuba diving skills, comprehensive dive theory knowledge, and certification from an accredited agency like PADI or NAUI. Familiarity with dive planning software, emergency oxygen equipment, and dive site management systems is essential. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding Dive Masters apart. These competencies ensure safety, positive client experiences, and efficient dive operations in often unpredictable underwater environments.

What is a dive master?

Dive Masters are professional scuba divers who supervise diving activities and assist instructors with training. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of divers, planning dive trips, and leading underwater tours. Becoming a Dive Master typically requires advanced diving certifications, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills. Dive Masters often work at resorts, dive shops, or on liveaboard boats, helping both beginner and experienced divers enjoy safe and memorable underwater experiences.

Are dive masters in demand?

Dive masters are in demand in the recreational diving industry, especially in popular tourist destinations and diving hotspots. Employment opportunities depend on location, experience, and certifications such as the PADI or NAUI dive master certification, with demand often increasing during peak travel seasons and in regions with active diving tourism.

What are some common challenges dive masters face when leading groups of divers, and how can they address them?

Dive Masters often encounter challenges such as managing divers with varying experience levels, ensuring group safety in changing underwater conditions, and maintaining clear communication underwater. To address these, Dive Masters typically conduct thorough pre-dive briefings, assess each diver's skills beforehand, and use established hand signals and buddy systems during dives. Building rapport and staying attentive to each diver's comfort and air supply also helps create a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
What are popular job titles related to Dive Master jobs in California? For Dive Master jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dive Master jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Dive Master jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Dive Master jobs? Cities in California with the most Dive Master job openings:
Dive Master jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dive Master job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,760 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

SAIC

San Diego, CA

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615261

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-04

Category: Wage Determination (SCA)

Subcategory: Service Contract Act

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is looking for a Marine Mammal Assistant 1 for our San Diego, CA location.  In this role, the successful candidate will be required to perform preparation of rations, cleaning of food preparation areas, animal enclosures and commons areas, as well as maintaining and cleaning specialized equipment.  A successful candidate will be physically fit, excel at working outdoors, and on a boat in moderate to rough sea states.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Personnel are also responsible for the operation and maintenance of small watercraft.
  • Personnel perform feeding and administration of food supplements, perform observation of marine mammals, and assist with basic husbandry.
  • The personnel in this position may be trained to become a designated secondary handler for specific animals.  Sealion or dog handing experience is a plus.
  • As part of an integrated military function the MMA-1 performs tasks related to the care and training of marine mammals for specific marine mammal projects.
  • This position will require scuba diving. Advanced scuba skills are a plus.
  • Job will require working outdoors on boats in adverse weather conditions. Experience working at sea and on live-aboard boats is a plus.
  • All new hires will have to pass a swim & dive test in addition to possessing at minimum, a basic scuba certification.
  • Personnel must be able to work flexible work hours including weekends and holidays.
  • Deter the presence of nuisance animals following established NIWC processes and procedures.
  • A requirement for this position includes the ability to travel frequently with animals anywhere in the world, to include potentially harsh environmental and high-risk locations, within 72 hours' notice.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience and Clearance to obtain:

  • High school diploma (or equivalent).
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain Secret security clearance after start.
  • Must be physically fit and able to repetitively lift 50 or more lbs. on a regular basis.
  • The ability to successfully pass a Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test as directed by the contract.
  • Basic SCUBA, and ONE of the following:
  • One (1) year animal training experience, OR
    • Operational and navigation experience on small boats (30' or under), OR
    • USCG license (operator of un-inspected passenger vessels/6pac - 46 CFR 10.467) or higher/U.S. Navy Coxswain's certification, and Operational experience using maritime navigational devices, OR
    • Advanced scuba diving certifications (i.e. dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification), and current First Aid and CPR certification, OR
    • Two (2) years of college and 3 months experience as a marine mammal custodian.

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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