Dive Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Commercial Dive Supervisor at Underwater Mechanix, Inc. (UMX) is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of all commercial diving operations. This position provides direct supervision of dive teams while ensuring all work is performed in accordance with company policies, client requirements, OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart T, ADCI Consensus Standards, USACE EM 385-1-1, USCG regulations, and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The Commercial Dive Supervisor serves as the onsite leader for diving operations, maintaining overall responsibility for personnel safety, operational planning, equipment readiness, quality control, and client communication. The supervisor ensures that dive plans, hazard assessments, emergency response procedures, and job safety analyses are developed, communicated, and implemented prior to the commencement of work.

The Commercial Dive Supervisor is expected to foster a strong safety culture by mentoring dive personnel, enforcing safe work practices, identifying operational risks, and ensuring all team members possess the qualifications, certifications, and resources necessary to perform assigned tasks safely and efficiently.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Underwater Operations

• Perform surface-supplied air diving operations in compliance with the Dive Operations Plan, ADCI Consensus Standards, OSHA 1910 Subpart T, and EM 385-1-1.
• Plan, organize, and supervise all commercial diving operations from mobilization through project completion.
• Develop project-specific Dive Plans, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Emergency Response Plans, and pre-task briefings.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ADCI, EM 385-1-1, USCG, NAVSEA, client specifications, and company policies.
• Conduct daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, and operational briefings.
• Verify the competency, certifications, and physical readiness of all dive team members.
• Supervise diving activities to ensure safe diving practices and adherence to established procedures.
• Monitor environmental conditions, water conditions, weather, tides, currents, visibility, and other operational hazards.
• Coordinate Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for equipment that could endanger divers.
• Ensure all diving equipment is inspected, tested, maintained, and documented in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and applicable standards.
• Verify that life support systems, communications equipment, emergency equipment, and decompression equipment are fully operational prior to diving.
• Maintain accurate dive logs, personnel records, equipment inspections, maintenance documentation, and project reports.
• Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, clients, vessel operators, crane operators, and subcontractors to safely execute work.
• Monitor project productivity, manpower utilization, and operational efficiency while maintaining safety as the highest priority.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and safety observations while implementing corrective actions.
• Mentor and train divers, tenders, and dive supervisors to promote professional development and operational excellence.
• Ensure proper housekeeping, vessel organization, and jobsite cleanliness throughout project execution.
• Participate in project planning, scheduling, estimating support, and post-project reviews when required.

Safety & Equipment

• Conduct and lead all pre-dive briefings, Job Hazard Analyses (JHA), and Job Safety Analyses (JSA), ensuring all personnel understand the work scope, hazards, mitigation measures, emergency procedures, and individual responsibilities prior to the commencement of diving operations.
• Verify that all divers have completed thorough pre-dive inspections of their assigned equipment and personally confirm that all diving systems, life-support equipment, communications, and emergency equipment are operational, properly configured, and compliant with applicable ADCI, OSHA, EM 385-1-1, USACE, and company standards. Ensure all deficiencies are corrected before authorizing dive operations.
• Maintain and review complete and accurate dive records for each dive, including diver identification, depth, bottom time, decompression obligations, tasks performed, equipment utilized, environmental conditions, and any incidents, abnormalities, or deviations from the approved dive plan.
• Ensure all personal and shared diving equipment is properly cleaned, inspected, maintained, documented, and stowed following each use. Verify equipment maintenance records are current, remove defective equipment from service, and coordinate repairs, testing, and recertification as required to maintain operational readiness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current ADCI Dive Supervisor Certification (or equivalent recognized commercial diving supervisor qualification).
• Commercial Diver Certification from an accredited commercial diving school.
• Minimum of 6 years of verifiable commercial diving experience in a construction, inspection, or marine services environment.
• Current dive medical examination (within 12 months).
• Current First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen certification.
• Thorough knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart T and ADCI Consensus Standards.
• Working knowledge of ADCI Consensus Standards, EM 385-1-1, and OSHA 1910 Subpart T regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising commercial diving operations.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, dive plans, and operational documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work extended hours, travel, and respond to emergency situations as required.
• Ability to pass pre-employment physical and drug and alcohol screening.
• Valid driver's license; willingness to travel.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and federal installation access credentials.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Marine Construction/Construction background
• Experience working on Government and municipal projects.
• Power plant or hydroelectric experience
• Underwater cutting/welding
• Experience working around heavy equipment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires exceptional physical fitness and the ability to perform in variable weather conditions in a marine environment. Ability to lift to 50lbs at times is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Underwater Mechanix Services (UMX) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and applicable laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations

UMX is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Applicants who require an accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources.

Federal Contractor

As a federal contractor, UMX complies with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action requirements. We encourage qualified veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Employment Requirements

Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, drug screening, verification of employment eligibility, reference verification, and any position-specific licensing, certification, or security requirements permitted by law. UMX participates in E-Verify and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.

Compensation Transparency

Where required by applicable law, UMX provides a good-faith salary or hourly wage range in its job postings. Compensation is determined based on qualifications, experience, education, skills, certifications, geographic location, and business needs.