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Diving Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Ability to swim, retrieve a 10 lb diving brick from the bottom of the pool and swim the brick to ... swim instructor experience * 1 year of lifeguarding experience * 6 months of head guard or ...

Ability to swim, retrieve a 10 lb diving brick from the bottom of the pool and swim the brick to ... swim instructor experience * 1 year of lifeguarding experience * 6 months of head guard or ...

Ability to swim, retrieve a 10 lb diving brick from the bottom of the pool and swim the brick to ... swim instructor experience * 1 year of lifeguarding experience * 6 months of head guard or ...

Pool Manager

Compton, CA · On-site

$44K - $52K/yr

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Possession of or the ability to obtain Water Safety Instructor, must have a ... diving techniques, work with and evaluate individuals of various ages and skill levels; maintain ...

Ability to swim, retrieve a 10 lb diving brick from the bottom of the pool and swim the brick to ... swim instructor experience * 1 year of lifeguarding experience * 6 months of head guard or ...

Aquatics Supervisor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$18.75/hr

Ability to swim, retrieve a 10 lb diving brick from the bottom of the pool and swim the brick to ... swim instructor experience * 1 year of lifeguarding experience * 6 months of head guard or ...

Pool Manager

Compton, CA · On-site

$44K - $52K/yr

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Possession of or the ability to obtain Water Safety Instructor, must have a ... diving techniques, work with and evaluate individuals of various ages and skill levels; maintain ...

Showing results 21-40

Diving Instructor information

See California salary details

$5

$14

$16

How much do diving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for diving instructor in California is $14.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges diving instructors face when leading groups of students with varying skill levels?

Diving Instructors often encounter the challenge of managing groups with mixed abilities, ranging from complete beginners to more experienced divers. Ensuring everyone's safety while providing personalized instruction requires strong observation skills and adaptability. Instructors must be able to quickly assess each student's comfort and ability underwater, adjusting their teaching style and pace accordingly. Open communication, patience, and effective group management help create a supportive learning environment for all participants.

What is a diving instructor?

Diving Instructors are certified professionals who teach individuals how to safely scuba dive and explore underwater environments. They provide instruction on diving techniques, safety procedures, equipment usage, and emergency protocols. Diving Instructors also supervise training sessions, conduct certification courses, and often guide recreational dives. Their primary responsibility is to ensure students gain the skills and confidence needed to dive responsibly and enjoyably.

What is the difference between Diving Instructor vs Scuba Diving Instructor?

AspectDiving InstructorScuba Diving Instructor
CertificationsOpen Water Diver, Dive Instructor certifications (e.g., PADI, SSI)Open Water Diver, Dive Instructor certifications (e.g., PADI, SSI)
Work EnvironmentFrequent diving sessions, training in pools and open water, travel to dive sitesSimilar to Diving Instructor, often working at dive shops, resorts, or liveaboards
Industry UsageGeneral term for diving trainersSpecific term emphasizing scuba diving instruction

Both roles involve training divers and require similar certifications. The term "Scuba Diving Instructor" specifically highlights instruction in scuba diving techniques, often used interchangeably with "Diving Instructor." The main difference lies in terminology rather than job duties or environment.

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

To thrive as a Diving Instructor, you need certified dive training (such as PADI or SSI), in-depth knowledge of diving safety protocols, and experience in underwater navigation and rescue. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater communication devices, and first aid/CPR certifications is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors teach students of varying abilities and respond effectively to emergencies. These competencies are vital for ensuring student safety, delivering quality instruction, and fostering confidence in underwater environments.

What cities in California are hiring for Diving Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Diving Instructor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Diving Instructor jobs in CA?

For Diving Instructor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Diving Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,429 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Lifeguard and Swim Instructor

City of Vancouver

Simi Valley, CA • On-site

$17.13 - $21.39/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


City Of Vancouver rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary Range$17.13 - $21.39Job SummaryVancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is looking for enthusiastic candidates that are skilled in working with all ages and abilities in recreation activities. You will represent the City in a capacity of enforcing program structure and rules that ensure the physical and mental safety of all participants and staff and assisting and/or lead teaching in the swimming pool area. Experience in these fields as well as exceptional customer service and problem solving is desired. Job locations can include Firstenburg Community Center and Marshall Community Center.Job Details

Essential Functions:

  • Communicate and work well with diverse customers of all ages and abilities, and City employee team.
  • Assist in providing a safe program and environment for participants and staff.
  • Understand and implement City of Vancouver values: Compassionate, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, Empowered; policies, and procedures.
  • Perform other duties as required through assigned program.
  • Work a flexible schedule including, days, evenings, holidays and weekends.

Recommended Qualifications:

  • Current CPR/First Aid card required within 30 days of employment, offered by City of Vancouver.
  • Able to always maintain a calm and professional demeanor, including during emergencies.
  • Maintain a professional appearance, adhere to dress code, and provide excellent customer service.
  • Successful completion of a background check for applicants 18 and older.
  • Successfully pass employment references.

Physical Requirements:

  • Some heavy lifting.
  • Working outdoors and exposure to weather elements.

Abilities:

  • Respond quickly and effectively in an emergency and report all accidents, injuries and safety health hazards according to City guidelines.
  • Establish and maintain effective work relationships with the public, program participants, other city employees.
  • Monitor and interact with a large, diverse group of participants while multitasking duties and expectations.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to listen and carry-out instructions both written and verbal.
  • Comply with policies and procedures of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services programs/area of assignment.
  • Successfully complete training/certification as required by department or position.
Qualifications

Lifeguard $17.13-21.39

  • Must be 16 years or older.
  • $300 training bonus after completing all training and orientation
  • Knowledge of safe swimming rules and regulations.
  • Able to protect the life and wellbeing of each person using the aquatics facility at a given time.
  • Able to learn, maintain knowledge of and carry out facility-established emergency procedures.
  • Able to always keep physically fit and mentally alert to respond to any emergency.
  • Able and willing to perform water rescue techniques.
  • You will need to attend all staff meetings, orientations, and in-service training.
  • Tentative training dates: May 27 - 31

Qualifications:

  • Ellis & Associates Pool Lifeguard Certification (maintained as current throughout employment)
  • Able to locate and operate all emergency equipment, including backboard, oxygen and AED
  • Able to tow a guest in distress to safety
  • Able to successfully complete a swim test consisting of: swimming 200 yards in with a front facing stroke without stopping, treading water for 2 minutes without use of hands, diving feet first to 9 feet, picking up a 10 lb brick and bringing it to the surface while showing that you have control.

Swim Instructor $17.56-21.39

  • Must be 16 years or older.
  • $300 training bonus after completing all training and orientation.
  • Teach skills that may save a life and will make a huge difference in people's lives.
  • Will work with ages six (6) months to senior citizen and teach them how to be safe on, in and around the water.
  • Help participants build lifelong safety skills, build strength and endurance for swimming laps, competitively or just for having fun in the water.
  • Responsible for providing a safe aquatic experience to all participants.
  • Monitor the pool environment and assure that all pool users are safely following pool rules. helping to perform routine cleaning and maintenance duties in the pool and locker room areas.

Qualifications:

  • Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification (maintained as current throughout employment)
  • Able to monitor and maintain the safety of several children at a time, from the point of drop off to pick up.
  • Able to safely pickup, hold, and lift a child from the deck and in the water.
  • Able to successfully complete a swim test consisting of swimming 25 yards of each of these strokes: freestyle, backstroke, sidestroke, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, swimming 15 yards of butterfly and swimming at least 100 yards without stopping
Job Posting End DateOpen Until Filled

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